No, standard cheese is not made with eggs. Cheese is produced from milk, salt, and rennet (or another coagulant), while eggs are a separate ingredient used in some cooked dishes and certain processed cheese products. Below, we explain the difference, when eggs might appear in cheese-based foods, and how to check labels if you need to avoid eggs.
What Cheese Is Actually Made Of
Cheese begins with milk—usually cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk. The basic process involves adding a starter culture (bacteria) and rennet, which causes the milk to coagulate into curds and whey. The curds are then cut, cooked, drained, pressed, and aged to produce the final cheese. The only essential ingredients are milk, culture, rennet, and salt. Eggs are not part of this process in traditional cheesemaking.
This is true across nearly all cheese varieties, from fresh mozzarella and ricotta to aged cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Even many plant-based cheeses, which replace dairy with nuts or oils, do not contain eggs. So if you are simply eating a block of cheese, you are not eating eggs.
When Eggs Might Be in Cheese-Based Foods
While plain cheese is egg-free, some cheese-containing products do include eggs. Here are the most common ones:
- Processed cheese products – Some American-style slices, cheese spreads, and cheese sauces may contain egg yolks or egg whites as emulsifiers or thickeners. Always check the ingredient list.
- Fresh pasta with cheese filling – Ravioli, tortellini, and other filled pastas often use egg in the dough, even if the filling is cheese.
- Baked dishes – Quiche, frittata, and many casseroles combine cheese with eggs as a binding or setting agent.
- Cheese soufflé – This dish relies on beaten egg whites for its airy texture.
- Some breaded cheese sticks – The breading often uses an egg wash to help the coating stick.
If you are cooking at home, you control the ingredients. If you are buying prepared foods, read the label carefully—especially if you have an egg allergy or follow a vegan diet.
How to Tell If a Cheese Contains Eggs
The most reliable way is to check the ingredient list on the package. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration requires that any food containing eggs lists “egg� or a specific egg component (like albumin, ovalbumin, or lecithin) in the ingredients. In the EU, similar labeling rules apply under the “may contain� and allergen declarations.
For unpackaged cheese from a deli or cheesemonger, ask the staff directly. Most artisanal cheeses are made with just milk, culture, rennet, and salt, but some specialty cheeses (like certain smoked or flavored varieties) might include egg-based glazes or washes.
If you are dining out, inform the server about your allergy or dietary preference. Chefs can often tell you whether a dish contains eggs, especially in sauces or baked items.
Common Misconceptions About Eggs and Cheese
One widespread myth is that cheese contains eggs because both are dairy products. In reality, eggs are not dairy—they are poultry products. Dairy refers to milk and foods made from milk, while eggs come from birds. This misconception likely arises because eggs and cheese are often stored together in the refrigerator and used in similar breakfast dishes.
Another confusion comes from the term “egg cheese,� which in some regions refers to a type of cheese with a yellow-orange color, but that color comes from annatto (a plant-based dye), not eggs. Similarly, some European cheeses like “Egg Cheese� (a Pennsylvania Dutch dish) are actually made by cooking eggs with milk and cream—so that specific dish does contain eggs, but it is not a traditional cheese.
How to Choose Egg-Free Cheese
If you need to avoid eggs, your safest bet is to buy natural, unprocessed cheese. Look for labels that list only milk, culture, rennet, and salt. Avoid cheese products that contain “egg white,� “egg yolk,� “albumin,� or “lysozyme� (an enzyme sometimes derived from egg whites).
Here are some examples of widely available egg-free cheeses:
- Cheddar (block or shredded, as long as no anti-caking agent contains egg)
- Mozzarella (fresh or low-moisture)
- Swiss cheese
- Parmesan (check for added ingredients)
- Goat cheese
- Vegan cheese alternatives (made from cashews, almonds, or soy)
When buying shredded cheese, note that some brands use potato starch or cellulose to prevent clumping—these are egg-free. However, a few use egg-based coatings, so always check.
Egg Allergy and Cheese Safety
For individuals with an egg allergy, eating plain cheese is generally safe. However, cross-contamination can occur in restaurants or food processing facilities where eggs and cheese are handled together. If you have a severe allergy, look for products labeled “egg-free� or contact the manufacturer.
It is also important to distinguish between an egg allergy and lactose intolerance. Cheese is low in lactose, especially aged varieties, so many people with lactose intolerance can enjoy it. But if you have an egg allergy, cheese itself is not the problem—only products that contain eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cheese contain egg?
No, traditional cheese does not contain egg. It is made from milk, culture, rennet, and salt. Some processed cheese products or cheese-based dishes may include egg, so always check the label.
Is there egg in mac and cheese?
Homemade mac and cheese typically does not contain eggs—it is made with pasta, cheese, milk, and butter. However, some baked versions use an egg to create a custard-like texture. Boxed mac and cheese usually does not contain eggs, but check the ingredient list.
Can I eat cheese if I have an egg allergy?
Yes, you can eat plain cheese if you have an egg allergy, as long as it is not a processed product that lists egg as an ingredient. Always read labels and ask about cross-contamination in food service settings.
What is the difference between cheese and egg?
Cheese is a dairy product made from milk, while eggs are laid by birds and are not dairy. They differ in nutritional content, production, and culinary uses.
Are eggs used in making cheese?
No, eggs are not used in the traditional cheesemaking process. Some modern or specialty cheeses might use egg-based washes or coatings, but the curd itself is always milk-based.
Bottom Line
Cheese does not contain eggs. If you are eating a natural cheese, you are safe. For processed or prepared foods, always verify the ingredient list. This knowledge helps you enjoy cheese confidently, whether you have an allergy, follow a vegan diet, or simply want to understand what you eat.
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