Hidden egg ingredients: what to look out for on the ingredient list
Avoiding eggs does not mean you are safe — many processed foods contain hidden egg ingredients.
Common ingredient names
- Egg white powder, egg yolk powder, whole egg powder, liquid egg
- Ovalbumin, egg albumin, lysozyme (often from egg white)
- Lecithin: mostly from soy, but some products use egg-derived lecithin, so check with the manufacturer
- Terms such as egg white, egg powder, egg extract
Where it often appears
Cakes, biscuits, bread, egg rolls, egg tarts, salad dressing, some meatballs and sausages, the batter and coating on fried foods, some noodles and dumpling wrappers, ice cream, some sweets and puffed snacks, and soups and desserts containing egg may all contain egg. Cross-contact in freshly cooked restaurant dishes is also worth noting, for example a spatula or fryer shared with scrambled eggs.
Practical tips
- Read the ingredient list, not just the product name, and check each flavour of the same brand separately
- Re-check after any change in ingredients or production process, and contact the manufacturer if needed
- When eating out, tell staff about the allergy and ask about how the food is made and whether utensils are shared
- Carry your emergency plan with you and make sure the people with you know about it
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.