How Much Protein Is in an Egg? A Table of Protein-Rich Foods

How Much Protein Is in an Egg? A Table of Protein-Rich Foods

date 5 minutes
date 783 words
date 442

Protein is one of the most essential nutrients for the human body. It supports muscle growth, organ function, tissue repair, and a strong immune system. Whether you’re into fitness, watching your diet, or just trying to eat healthier, it’s good to know how much protein you’re getting from your food. Eggs, in particular, are a super convenient and nutritious choice that many of us eat daily — so let’s find out just how much protein they offer.

In this article, we’ll look at how much protein is in an egg, why eggs are so good for you, and we’ll include a chart with the protein content of other popular foods.

How Much Protein Is in an Egg?

A medium chicken egg (about 50 g) contains around 6–7 grams of protein, with roughly:

  • 3.5–4 g in the egg white;
  • 2.5–3 g in the yolk.

Egg whites are often considered the gold standard for protein: they contain all essential amino acids and are absorbed almost completely — around 98%, making them one of the best protein sources you can eat.

Why Are Eggs So Good for You?

Eggs are rich in protein, but they also deliver:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (especially in the yolk);
  • Vitamins A, D, E, and B12;
  • Phosphorus, selenium, and iron;
  • Lecithin, which supports brain and liver health.

They also help you feel full longer, which makes them great for anyone trying to manage their weight.

Most people eat about 2 eggs per day, so here’s the average nutritional breakdown for that portion:

  • Calories: ~143 kcal;
  • Protein: ~13 g;
  • Fat: ~10 g;
  • Carbs: ~1 g.

These numbers vary depending on how the eggs are cooked. Fried eggs, for example, are the most calorie-dense.

High-Protein Foods – Table

Now that you know how much protein is in an egg, let’s look at other great sources. To build a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, it’s important to mix different types of protein — both animal and plant-based. Meat, fish, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds all offer not only protein but also other key nutrients like iron, calcium, and B vitamins.

What foods are rich in protein?
What foods are rich in protein?
You may also like:

Here’s a table of popular protein-packed foods, showing how much protein they have per 100 g:

FoodProtein (per 100 g)
Boiled chicken breast31 g
Pumpkin seeds30 g
Boiled beef26 g
Hard cheese (e.g. Gouda)25 g
Boiled pork24 g
Canned tuna23 g
Salmon22 g
Nuts (e.g. almonds)21 g
Low-fat cottage cheese18 g
Whole egg13 g
Egg white11 g
Greek yogurt10 g
Boiled lentils9 g
Tofu8–15 g
Boiled beans8 g

This chart can help you build a varied, protein-rich meal plan.

How Much Protein Do You Need Each Day?

Daily protein needs depend on factors like your sex, age, activity level, and goals (weight maintenance, muscle gain, fat loss). On average:

  • Women: 1.2–1.5 g of protein per kg of body weight;
  • Men: 1.5–2 g per kg;
  • Athletes/active people: Up to 2.5 g per kg.

For example, someone weighing 70 kg (154 lbs) needs about 90–140 g of protein a day.

Protein is a must-have in your diet — and eggs are one of the easiest and most effective sources. They not only keep you full but also support your muscles, brain, and immune health. Knowing how much protein is in eggs and other foods is especially useful if you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle.

By adding foods like meat, fish, legumes, and dairy to your meals, you’ll get all the essential nutrients your body needs. To stay balanced, combine both animal and plant protein sources and aim to meet your daily intake based on your personal goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eggs is it safe to eat per day?

Most healthy people can safely eat 1–2 eggs a day. If you don’t have high cholesterol or heart issues, eating eggs daily is usually fine. If you have chronic health conditions, it’s best to check with your doctor.

What happens if I don’t get enough protein?

Not getting enough protein over time can lead to muscle loss, a weakened immune system, fatigue, and brittle hair and nails. You might feel constantly tired, have trouble focusing, and notice changes in your skin. For kids, protein deficiency can slow down growth and development.

Can too much protein be harmful?

Yes, having too much protein can strain your kidneys, especially if you’re prone to kidney issues. It can also lead to dehydration due to increased waste removal. Plus, overdoing protein might mean you’re missing out on important fats and carbs, throwing off your nutritional balance. In some cases, it can even lead to weight gain if you’re eating more calories than you need.

Can I get enough protein from just plant-based foods?

Absolutely. While plant protein may not be absorbed as efficiently and might lack some amino acids, the right combinations — like grains + legumes — can give your body everything it needs. Foods like soy, tofu, seeds, and nuts make it totally doable to follow a high-protein, meat-free diet.

icon On the portal with 25.06.2023
icon 75 articles
icon 311184 переглядів

Steve Davy is the editor-in-chief and author of the English-language department of NENWS MEDIA, specializing in finding fascinating topics in the American media, sharing his thoughts and sometimes translating them for our portal.


You may be interested:
⚠️ This platform does not have a Ukrainian license. The link is provided for informational purposes only. Participation in games on such sites may violate Ukrainian law.