Egg Beaters are an egg substitute first introduced by ConAgra Foods to consumers in 1972. Egg beaters do contain real egg whites and therefore, have a similar taste and texture after cooking. But compared to a conventional white or brown egg, Egg Beaters may appeal to those who are watching their caloric intake--as well as their fat and cholesterol. Egg Beaters are still available in the original flavor, but are also sold in seasoned varieties, which include Egg Beaters Garden Vegetable, Southwestern and Cheese & Chive.
Calories, Cholesterol & Fat
A single serving (1/4 cup) of original Egg Beaters contains 30 calories, compared to the 70 calories in a single large egg. Egg Beaters have no cholesterol and fat, compared to the egg, which has 212 milligrams of cholesterol (most of which is in the yolk) and 4.97 grams total fat. An egg derives around 44 of its calories from fat and contains 70 percent Daily Reference Value (DRV) for cholesterol (based on a 2000-calorie diet), making Egg Beaters a healthier alternative for the weight-conscious and those who keep an eye on their blood cholesterol levels.
Protein Source
Under the Food Guide Pyramid, eggs are included among a group of protein-rich foods, along with meat, fish, beans and nuts. According to the American Council on Science & Health, two to three servings from this food group are recommended daily, or between 5 and 7 ounces. The American Egg Board states that a single large egg contains around 12.6 percent of the DRV for protein. A single serving of Egg Beaters contains 12 percent of protein--roughly the same amount. A single egg or one serving of Egg Beaters can be substituted for one ounce of meat.
Vitamins & Minerals
Egg Beaters are fortified with many vitamins and minerals. The ACSH notes that while protein is found in the entire egg, most of its nutritional value is contained in the yolk--which is also, unfortunately, where most of the egg's cholesterol resides. Many of the nutrients--but not all--associated with farm eggs are also found in Egg Beaters. A single serving contains 4 or more percent of the DVR for the following vitamins and minerals: riboflavin, thiamine, iron, pantothenic acid, zinc, and vitamins A, B, B12, D and E.
What's Missing?
Nutrients not present in Egg Beaters that are found in farm eggs include choline, which the AEB describes as a "little-known but essential nutrient" that aids in the developing brain of a fetus, as well as helping prevent birth defects. Other nutrients missing from Egg Beaters are lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes against age-related conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Other Egg Beaters Facts
An interesting fact about Egg Beaters is that when they were first introduced to the consumer market, they were sold in a frozen form. In 1984, ConAgra Foods began selling Egg Beaters in a refrigerated form, which made them more convenient to use. Consumers may be curious as to what else is in Egg Beaters that makes them suspiciously similar to beaten farm eggs in color and taste. According to the product's label, ingredients include: "egg white, corn oil, nonfat dry milk, emulsifiers (vegetable lecithin, mono and diglycerides and propylene glycol monostearate), cellulose and xanthan gums, trisodium and triethyl citrate, artificial flavor, aluminum sulfate, iron phosphate, artificial color, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin D."
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