Nutrition Comparison
Quail Egg vs Chicken Egg
Tiny but nutrient-packed. How do quail eggs compare to chicken eggs per-egg and per-100g? Is the premium price justified?
Nutrition Comparison
| Nutrient | Chicken (per 100g) | Quail (per 100g) | 1 Chicken (50g) | 1 Quail (9g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 143 | 158 | 72 | 14 |
| Protein | 12.6g | 13.1g | 6.3g | 1.2g |
| Total Fat | 9.5g | 11.1g | 4.8g | 1.0g |
| Cholesterol | 372mg | 844mg | 186mg | 76mg |
| Iron | 1.75mg | 3.65mg | 0.88mg | 0.33mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.89µg | 1.58µg | 0.45µg | 0.14µg |
| Selenium | 30.7µg | 32.0µg | 15.4µg | 2.9µg |
| Vitamin A | 160µg | 156µg | 80µg | 14µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.46mg | 0.79mg | 0.23mg | 0.07mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Chicken egg: NDB 01123. Quail egg: NDB 01140.
Key Takeaways
Chicken Eggs Win For
- Cost-effectiveness (~3x cheaper per gram of protein)
- Convenience (fewer eggs needed)
- Lower cholesterol per 100g
- Availability and recipe compatibility
Quail Eggs Win For
- Iron content (2x more per 100g)
- B12 content (78% more per 100g)
- Portion control (14 cal each)
- Appetizers, garnishes, and gourmet presentations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quail eggs equal one chicken egg?
By weight, 3-4 quail eggs (9g each = 27-36g) roughly equal one large chicken egg (50g). By protein: 5 quail eggs provide 6.5g protein, nearly matching one chicken egg at 6.3g. For baking, use 3 quail eggs per 1 chicken egg.
Are quail eggs more nutritious than chicken eggs?
Per 100g, quail eggs are slightly more nutrient-dense: 13.1g protein vs 12.6g, 3.65mg iron vs 1.75mg, and 1.58µg B12 vs 0.89µg. However, the per-egg difference is small because quail eggs weigh only 9g. The practical nutritional advantage is minimal unless you eat many quail eggs.
Why are quail eggs more expensive?
Quail eggs cost $5-8 per dozen vs $3-5 for chicken eggs. They are more expensive due to smaller flock sizes, lower egg production per bird (280 vs 300/year), labor-intensive collection, and niche market positioning. Per gram of protein, quail eggs cost roughly 3x more than chicken eggs.
How does the cholesterol content compare?
Per 100g, quail eggs have more cholesterol: 844mg vs 372mg. However, one quail egg (9g) contains only 76mg cholesterol vs 186mg in one chicken egg. The per-egg amount is lower simply because quail eggs are much smaller.