Eggs Macros: Complete Nutrition Breakdown

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Torres, PhD

Whole eggs and cracked egg showing yolk - 13g protein, 1g carbs, 11g fat per 100g

Eggs are nature’s most perfect protein package. Affordable, versatile, and nutrient-dense, eggs have been a dietary staple for thousands of years. Whether you eat them whole or separate whites and yolks, understanding egg macros helps you make the most of this nutritional powerhouse.

Quick Macro Summary

Per 100g (whole egg, raw):

MacroAmount
Calories143 kcal
Protein13g
Carbohydrates0.7g
Fat10g
Fiber0g

Per large egg (50g):

MacroAmount
Calories72 kcal
Protein6.3g
Carbohydrates0.4g
Fat5g
Cholesterol186mg

Egg Size Guide and Macros

Egg sizes vary significantly. Here’s the breakdown:

SizeWeightCaloriesProteinFat
Small38g544.8g3.8g
Medium44g635.5g4.4g
Large50g726.3g5g
Extra Large56g807g5.6g
Jumbo63g907.9g6.3g

Pro tip: Most recipes and nutrition databases default to “large” eggs. When tracking, verify the size of the eggs you’re using.

Whole Egg vs. Egg White vs. Yolk

Understanding the parts helps optimize your macros:

Per Large Egg

ComponentCaloriesProteinFatCarbs
Whole egg726.3g5g0.4g
Egg white only173.6g0.1g0.2g
Egg yolk only552.7g4.5g0.6g

Key insight: The white has most of the protein with almost zero fat. The yolk contains more fat, calories, and all of the nutrients.

Nutritional Comparison

NutrientWhiteYolk
Protein57%43%
Fat1%99%
Cholesterol0%100%
Vitamin A0%100%
Vitamin D0%100%
Vitamin B126%94%
Choline5%95%
Iron0%100%

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

Protein Quality

Eggs provide the gold standard of protein:

  • Complete protein: All 9 essential amino acids
  • Bioavailability score: 100 (reference standard)
  • PDCAAS: 1.0 (highest possible)
  • Leucine: 0.5g per egg (key for muscle synthesis)

The biological value of egg protein is used as the reference against which all other proteins are measured.

Fat Profile (per large egg)

Fat TypeAmount
Saturated fat1.6g
Monounsaturated fat1.8g
Polyunsaturated fat1g
Omega-30.04g (standard) to 0.2g (omega-3 enriched)

Micronutrients

Eggs are incredibly nutrient-dense, especially the yolks:

NutrientPer Large Egg% Daily Value
Choline147mg27%
Selenium15.4mcg28%
Vitamin B120.6mcg25%
Riboflavin (B2)0.2mg15%
Vitamin D1.1mcg6%
Vitamin A80mcg9%
Phosphorus86mg7%

Choline highlight: Eggs are one of the best sources of choline, essential for brain health and liver function. Most people don’t get enough.

Egg Variations and Their Macros

By Type

Egg TypeCaloriesProteinFatNotes
Chicken (standard)726.3g5gMost common
Omega-3 enriched726.3g5gHigher omega-3
Duck1309g10gRicher, larger
Quail141.2g1gPer egg
Turkey13511g9gLarger
Goose26520g19gLarge, rich

By Preparation Method (1 large egg)

MethodCaloriesNotes
Boiled (hard or soft)72No added fat
Poached72No added fat
Scrambled (no added fat)72Use non-stick
Scrambled (with butter)100++30 cal per tsp butter
Fried (butter/oil)95++20-30 cal
Omelette (with fillings)VariesAdd filling macros

Egg Products

ProductPer 100gProteinFatCarbs
Liquid egg whites4710g0g0.7g
Liquid whole eggs14313g10g0.7g
Egg white powder38282g0g4g
Whole egg powder59447g41g4g

How Eggs Fit Your Macro Diet

For Muscle Building

Eggs support muscle growth:

  • Complete protein with high leucine
  • Easy to add to any meal
  • Affordable protein source

Bulk breakfast: 4 whole eggs + 2 whites + toast + avocado = 520 cal, 34g protein, 30g carbs, 30g fat

For Fat Loss

Eggs excel for cutting:

  • Highly satiating (eggs rank high on satiety index)
  • Protein-dense, especially whites
  • Versatile for any meal

Cut breakfast: 2 whole eggs + 4 whites scrambled + vegetables = 230 cal, 28g protein, 5g carbs, 11g fat

For Keto

Eggs are keto staples:

  • Virtually zero carbs
  • High fat in yolks
  • Complete nutrition

Keto breakfast: 3-egg omelette with cheese, spinach, bacon = 450 cal, 30g protein, 3g carbs, 35g fat

For Budget-Conscious Tracking

Eggs offer exceptional value:

  • ~$0.25-0.40 per egg (12-18 eggs per dozen)
  • ~$0.04-0.06 per gram of protein
  • One of the cheapest quality protein sources available

Meal Ideas Using Eggs

High-Protein Meals

  1. Protein Omelette: 2 whole eggs + 4 whites + vegetables + cheese
  2. Shakshuka: Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with feta
  3. Egg Muffins: Whisk eggs with vegetables and protein, bake in muffin tin

Meal Prep Ideas

  1. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Batch cook a dozen for the week (5-7 day shelf life)
  2. Egg Bites: Bake egg mixture in silicone molds, freeze and reheat
  3. Breakfast Burritos: Scrambled eggs + beans + cheese, wrap and freeze

Quick Recipes

  • Microwave Scrambled Eggs: 2 minutes in microwave-safe bowl
  • Egg in a Hole: Egg fried in center of toast
  • Egg Salad: Hard-boiled eggs + mayo + mustard + seasonings
  • Quick Fried Rice: Cold rice + scrambled eggs + soy sauce + vegetables

Comparison to Other Protein Sources

Protein (per 100g)CaloriesProteinFatCost
Whole eggs14313g10g$
Egg whites4710g0g$$
Chicken breast16531g3.6g$$
Greek yogurt9717g0.7g$$
Cottage cheese9811g4g$
Whey protein40080g4g$$$

Key insight: Eggs provide moderate protein with more fat than lean meats. The value comes from complete nutrition (not just protein) at low cost.

Egg Whites for Maximum Protein

When cutting calories, egg whites offer extreme efficiency:

Egg White Comparison (per 100 calories)

FoodProtein per 100 cal
Liquid egg whites21g
Chicken breast19g
Whole eggs9g
Greek yogurt18g

Best use for egg whites:

  • Adding volume to scrambles (2 whole + 4 whites)
  • Protein boost without fat
  • Cutting phases when every calorie counts

Don’t fear whole eggs though: The yolk’s nutrients (choline, vitamin D, B12) are too valuable to skip entirely.

Tips for Tracking Egg Macros

Weighing Accuracy

  • Weigh without shell: Shell accounts for ~10% of total weight
  • Use consistent size: Know if yours are medium, large, or extra-large
  • Account for cooking additions: Oil, butter, cheese add up fast

Common Portions

PortionCaloriesProtein
1 large egg726.3g
2 large eggs14412.6g
3 large eggs21618.9g
1 cup liquid egg whites12626g
1 cup scrambled (w/milk)22015g

Restaurant Estimates

  • Diner 2-egg breakfast: ~2 large eggs + 1 tbsp butter = 200 cal
  • Egg sandwich: 1-2 eggs + cheese + bread = 350-450 cal
  • Omelette (restaurant): Often 3-4 eggs + fillings = 400-600 cal

Common Egg Questions

How many eggs can I eat per day? Current research supports eating 1-3 whole eggs daily for most people. Up to 7 eggs per week shows no increased cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals. Those with high cholesterol or diabetes should consult their doctor.

Do eggs raise cholesterol? Dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol than previously thought. For most people, eggs don’t significantly raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. The body adjusts its own cholesterol production based on intake.

Are egg whites better than whole eggs? Depends on goals:

  • For maximum protein per calorie: Yes, egg whites win
  • For overall nutrition: No, whole eggs provide essential nutrients
  • Best approach: Mix whole eggs and whites (e.g., 2 whole + 2 whites)

Brown vs. white eggs — any difference? No nutritional difference. Shell color depends on hen breed. Macros are identical.

Are omega-3 eggs worth it? Omega-3 eggs contain 3-5x more omega-3s due to hens’ diet (flax, algae). If you don’t eat fatty fish regularly, they’re worth the premium (~$1 more per dozen).

Buying Guide

Best Options for Macro Tracking

  1. Large eggs (standard): Most consistent for tracking
  2. Liquid egg whites: Convenient, pre-separated
  3. Omega-3 enriched: Better nutrition, similar macros

Quality Tiers

TypePriceBenefits
Conventional$Same macros, basic
Cage-free$$Ethical, same macros
Free-range$$Some outdoor access
Pasture-raised$$$Best nutrition, happiest hens
Organic$$$No antibiotics/hormones

Macros are nearly identical across all types. Premium eggs may have slightly more omega-3s and vitamin E, but the main differences are ethical and environmental.

Storage

  • Refrigerate: 3-5 weeks from purchase
  • Hard-boiled: 1 week refrigerated
  • Egg whites (opened): 2-4 days
  • Don’t freeze raw shell eggs: Texture suffers

The Bottom Line

Eggs provide 6.3g of the highest-quality protein per egg at just 72 calories. They’re one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, affordable, and infinitely versatile. Use whole eggs for complete nutrition, add whites for protein efficiency, and don’t fear the yolk — it contains most of the vitamins and minerals. For optimal nutrition on any macro diet, eggs deserve a regular spot in your meal plan.

Macro summary (2 large eggs):

  • Calories: 144
  • Protein: 12.6g (complete, highly bioavailable)
  • Fat: 10g (mix of saturated and unsaturated)
  • Carbs: 0.8g (negligible)
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen, MS, RD

Sarah Chen is a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience helping clients achieve sustainable weight management through evidence-based nutrition strategies. She specializes in macro-based nutrition planning and has worked with competitive athletes, corporate wellness programs, and individual clients seeking body composition changes.

View all articles by Sarah →

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on preparation method and source.