• Allergies

Common Foods You Didn’t Know Had Eggs

Published: February 24, 2025
Updated: February 24, 2025
4 mins

Eggs are the second most common allergen in children. An egg allergy occurs when proteins in the egg bind to specific IgE antibodies in the immune system.

Most kids outgrow egg allergies over time by consuming eggs in baked goods. Exposure over time disrupts the relationship the proteins have with the immune system. However, if an egg allergy remains into adulthood, some foods may affect the immune system without any visible symptoms.

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What are the Symptoms of an Egg Allergy?

Some people may react mildly to eggs, while others may have a more severe allergy. A severe allergic reaction may send a person into anaphylaxis — a severe life-threatening allergic reaction.

Mild to moderate egg allergy symptoms include:

• Diarrhea

• Shortness of breath

• Persistent cough

• Stomach cramps

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Swelling

• Vomiting

• Skin rashes

For people severely allergic to eggs, a healthcare provider may recommend carrying an EpiPen (epinephrine injector) for emergencies.

5 Foods with Eggs in Them

It’s not always obvious that egg proteins are present in certain foods. Be sure to double check with a healthcare provider about the following foods. Many of the foods listed below have egg substitutes as well.

1. Waffles and pancakes

These breakfast staples often require eggs in the recipe to help the flour or mix stick. However, there are alternative vegan waffle and pancake mixes at select grocery stores.

2. Salad dressing

Caesar salad dressing often has egg as one of the main ingredients. This particular type of dressing also has other dairy products like milk and eggs. It’s often used as a thickener in different salad dressings to create a creamy consistency.

3. Cakes and muffins

Many cake and muffin recipes use eggs as a binding agent. It helps to clump the ingredients together and create a soft, cake-like texture. However, it’s possible to use a store-bought egg substitute instead of eggs in many recipes.

4. Sauces

Commonly used pasta and soy sauces may have egg proteins in them. However, there are plenty of recipes for making homemade sauces without eggs.

5. Breaded foods

Chicken tenders and other fried foods with a lot of breading contain eggs. They’re often used to coat the mixture on top of breaded meat or vegetables.

5 Foods You May Not Know Have Eggs in Them

Eggs are a staple ingredient in many baked goods. However, there are other foods that many people may not realize have eggs as an ingredient.

1. Vaccines

While eggs are not the first thing we think of when getting a shot, some vaccines contain eggs. The yellow fever vaccine contains egg proteins. This vaccine is often required for international travel to parts of South America and Africa. If needed, a healthcare provider may provide a waiver for the vaccine. 

2. Candy

Popular candy brands may have a coating that has egg protein in it. Popular candies like Reese’s peanut butter cups, candy corn, and sweet tarts contain eggs.

3. Chips

One of the main ingredients in store-bought and homemade chips is eggs. Be sure to carefully check the label of chips before purchasing them.

4. Protein powder

Many protein powders have egg protein as an ingredient. However, there are many different options for vegan protein powders that do not contain eggs.

5. Wine

Some wine is made with egg-derived products early in the process. However, most wine options do not have strong traces of egg protein in the product.

How to Identify Eggs in Foods

While it’s important to check for eggs listed as an ingredient in foods, sometimes eggs are listed under a different name. Eggs may be listed as an egg protein under one of the following names:

• Albumin

• Livetin

• Lysozyme

• Ovalbumin

• Ovoglobulin

• Ovomucoid

• Ovovitellin

• Vitellin

There are also ingredients often used in processed foods that come from egg protein. These ingredients include:

• Lecithin

• Marzipan

• Natural flavorings

• Artificial flavorings

What are Some Egg Alternatives?

There are many alternatives to cook with instead of cooking with eggs. Depending on the recipe, consider using the following egg alternatives:

• Carbonated water

• Flaxseed

• Gelatin

• Yogurt

• Peanut butter

• Tofu

• Applesauce

• Soy protein

Dairy-free ice cream and pastries are available for purchase in most grocery stores or online. Eggs are a great source of protein that people depend on for the satiety they provide. If you’re having trouble cutting eggs out of your diet, consider working with a nutritionist to create an egg-free diet.

Where Can I Learn More About Food Allergies?

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about what to do if you develop a food allergy. They can give you tips for keeping yourself safe during an allergic reaction and alternate food options to consider.

Book an appointment today to learn more about living with an egg allergy.

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