Why Eggs Are Still the Hardest Working Food in Your Fridge

There are very few things in this life as reliable as a box of eggs. They’re there at 7am when you’ve fifteen minutes to get everyone out the door. They’re there at 6pm when the fridge is looking bleak and the children are already declaring they’re starving. They’re there when you’ve nothing planned, no energy left and absolutely no interest in cooking anything complicated. And today, on World Egg Day, it turns out the rest of Ireland feels exactly the same way.

New research from Bord Bia confirms what most of us already knew: eggs are a firm fixture in Irish homes, with 72% of households buying eggs every single week. Irish consumers will purchase almost 705 million eggs this year, up 2.7% on last year. That’s a lot of omelettes, frittatas, fried rice and yes, the classic egg and chips.

Why eggs deserve a bit more credit

To mark the 30th anniversary of World Egg Day, Bord Bia has partnered with registered nutritionist Aileen Cox Blundell, chef and influencer Trisha Lewis, chef Rachel Allen and Olympian Derval O’Rourke to shine a light on just how nutritious that humble carton in your fridge actually is.

Aileen Cox Blundell, who knows a thing or two about feeding a family well without losing the plot, puts it simply: “I love foods that combine simplicity with great nutritional value, and eggs do exactly that. They are one of the few foods that naturally contain Vitamin D, and they are a source of high-quality protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids as well as iodine, selenium, vitamin B12 and choline. Eggs are always on my shopping list. Whether it’s a quick omelette, frittata, fried rice or simply egg and chips, they are a delicious, healthy and versatile option for the whole family to enjoy.”

Packed with high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals and naturally low in fat, eggs support energy levels, focus and general wellbeing as part of a balanced diet. Which, frankly, explains a lot about why the school run feels marginally more manageable on a scrambled egg morning versus a grabbed-a-biscuit-on-the-way-out morning.

Building healthy habits that actually stick

Trisha Lewis, who has been refreshingly honest with her community about her own health and fitness journey, talks about why eggs have remained a constant in her kitchen even as her whole approach to food has shifted.

“My attitude to food has changed dramatically over the years. I’ve moved away from quick fixes and learned to focus on building healthy habits that are realistic and sustainable for the long term. Today, I am much more conscious of protecting my muscles and overall health as I get older. Eggs have always been a key ingredient in my kitchen because they’re so protein rich, good for you, versatile, and taste delicious. They’re one of those foods that work incredibly hard for you, helping you create simple meals that leave you feeling full, energised and nourished.”

That idea of food working hard for you is something most busy mums will recognise instantly. Nobody has time for ingredients that require effort and deliver nothing. Eggs require almost no effort and deliver quite a lot.

Celebrating World Egg Day with free range eggs.

Look for the Bord Bia Quality Mark

Rachel Doyle, Bord Bia’s Marketing Campaign Manager, is keen to point out that while most of us clearly love eggs, many people still underestimate just how much nutritional punch they pack.

“As we celebrate 30 years of World Egg Day, it is fantastic to see eggs continue to be a shopping list staple in Irish households, with shoppers buying more eggs year on year. That’s why we are delighted to partner with Aileen, Trisha, Rachel and Derval this year to highlight the benefits of eggs for all ages. By choosing eggs carrying the Bord Bia Quality Mark, consumers can be confident they are produced to high standards while also supporting Irish egg farmers, packers and the communities they sustain.”

So next time you’re reaching for that carton, it’s worth having a quick look for the Bord Bia Quality Mark. It’s a small thing that means a fair bit, both for what ends up on your plate and for the Irish farmers producing it.

This weekend, Aileen, Trisha, Rachel and Derval will be going head to head in a recipe challenge on @bordbia’s Meta channels, sharing their most delicious egg dishes alongside meal inspiration, tips and a good helping of friendly competition. Well worth a follow if you need a nudge out of the weeknight dinner rut. For recipes and more information, click here.