Quail Eggs vs Chicken Eggs: Are Quail Eggs Better?

When you think of poultry as livestock, one of the first birds that come to mind? Chickens, certainly. But perhaps you also think of ducks, and maybe even geese.

But do you think of quail? Probably not, and so you might be surprised to learn that quail are becoming an increasingly popular livestock bird once again.

It’s nothing new; quail have been domesticated for thousands of years, and they are kept both for meat and for their tiny but delicious eggs.

I guess if we were going all in on quail eggs we’d need to know what the nutritional content is like. So, are quail or chicken eggs better for you?

Quail eggs are generally better because they have more B vitamins, protein and iron per ounce than chicken eggs while also being lower in fat. Although they’re much smaller, by weight quail eggs are superior to chicken eggs.

Most folks have never even had quail meat or eggs, but the eggs have been popular in various parts of the world, including right here in America, for a very long time although most of us have been living through a decline or trough in quail popularity.

But if you’re of a mind to raise birds that aren’t the usual chickens or ducks, quail can be an excellent choice.

They’re easy to care for, need even less space than chickens and the eggs are absolutely delicious- take it from me!

Anyway, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about quail eggs and raising quail for their eggs below.

Are Quail Eggs Healthier Than Chicken Eggs?

They are much smaller than chicken eggs, but yes, they tend to be more nutritious all the way around.

One of the main health benefits of quail eggs is their high nutrient density. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin D.

They even have more protein per ounce than chicken eggs. These nutrients are all things your body needs, of course.

Even better, quail eggs are lower in “bad” fats than chicken eggs, meaning you are getting more of the stuff you need, and less of the stuff you don’t!

Nutritional Profile of Quail Eggs and Chicken Eggs

That’s all fine and good, but what does the head-to-head comparison really look like? When comparing the nutritional profiles of the two eggs, quail eggs come out on top in terms of nutrient density with hardly any downsides aside from their relative rarity and small size.

Even though quail eggs are much are smaller in size than chicken eggs, they pack more of a nutritional punch by weight!

Protein

Quail eggs contain 13% more protein than chicken eggs by weight. A single, tiny quail egg has around 1.2 grams of protein, while a single, typical chicken egg contains around 6.25 grams of protein.

Although the total quantity of protein in chicken eggs is higher, quail eggs are perceived to be more protein-dense because they contain more protein per 100 grams.

Since it takes around 6 quail eggs to equal a single chicken egg, you can see with some quick math that an equivalent size serving of quail egg will contain more protein; appx. 7.25 grams!

Fat

Quail eggs are slightly lower in fat than chicken eggs by weight. A single, typical chicken egg has 5 grams of fat, while a single quail egg contains only 0.8 grams of fat by comparison.

Again, looking at the two by weight we see that quail eggs still win out!

Vitamins

Quail eggs have higher quantities of riboflavin and B12 than chicken eggs, containing nearly four times the amount compared to chicken eggs per serving.

In addition, Quail eggs contain 3-4 times more vitamin D than chicken eggs, essential for a strong immune system, bone health and disease prevention.

Quail eggs are also an excellent source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects against certain types of cell damage.

Chicken eggs are no pushover, however. They have more of the essential vitamins A, B6 and folate than quail eggs per serving.

But overall, it’s clear that quail eggs boast more vitamin advantages over chicken eggs…

Minerals

Quail eggs also contain significantly more minerals than chicken eggs. While both types of eggs are rich in the mineral iron which is important for oxygen transport, the amount of iron in quail eggs (again, by weight) can be up to five times higher than chicken eggs.

Quail eggs also have 15 times more phosphorus along with essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

However, it’s worth noting that quail eggs contain more cholesterol than chicken eggs. This means that people who have high cholesterol levels should consume quail eggs in moderation.

So, are Quail Eggs Actually Good for You?

Yes, absolutely. Quail eggs are very good for you!

What are the Health Benefits of Quail Eggs?

The high protein content in quail eggs can help to support muscle growth and repair, which can be particularly beneficial for athletes and those looking to build or maintain muscle mass.

The vitamins in quail eggs are important for maintaining good eye and skin health, supporting a healthy immune system, building strong bones and teeth, and protecting cells against certain types of damage. They also help to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin and hair.

The mineral content of quail eggs is important for oxygen transport and energy production, bone health and overall cell function.

Lots of benefits from a truly tiny egg!

What Do Quail Eggs Taste Like?

Quail eggs taste a lot like chicken eggs, but are commonly said to be richer and creamier than chicken eggs. If you like eggs in general, you should love quail eggs.

People with Egg Allergies Might be Able to Eat Quail Eggs

Another great thing about quail eggs is that folks with known egg (chicken egg) allergies might well be able to eat them normally.

Quail eggs contain different types of proteins than chicken eggs and are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

While this isn’t a guarantee on its own that someone with a chicken egg allergy won’t also react to quail eggs, it is promising.

However, it’s important to note that people with a severe egg allergy should still exercise caution and talk to a healthcare professional for testing before trying quail eggs. Severe reactions can be dangerous!

What Sort of Recipes Can You Use Quail Eggs In?

You can use quail eggs for all of the same things you’d use chicken eggs for; you’ll just need to use a lot more of them to account for their smaller size!

Also, the unique flavor profile of quail eggs makes them totally perfect for all sorts of things like quiche, frittatas and omelettes.

They make a wonderful garnish for toast, fried rice, salads and more, and they are perfect for deviling. The sky is the limit when using quail eggs in the kitchen!

How Many Quail Eggs Does it Take to Equal a Chicken Egg?

Approximately 6, as mentioned in the nutrition section above. A single quail egg is tiny!

Does it Cost More to Raise Quails or Chickens for Eggs?

In general, it usually costs more to raise quails for eggs compared to chickens, even though the birds are much smaller and don’t eat as much.

Quails require different housing compared to chickens, as they need more sheltered areas and more space to move around in, as well as a nesting area. This means modifying or building quail housing can be more expensive.

Quails also have a special diet that can be more costly compared to chicken feed, as they require higher amounts of protein and calcium.

Additionally, quails produce smaller eggs than chickens, which means it takes more quail eggs to make up the equivalent of a chicken egg, so quails would need to produce more eggs to achieve the same level of production as chickens.

And ultimately, quails may not be as widely available as chickens, which can impact the cost of purchasing quail chicks or adult birds.