Hidden names for egg on ingredient labels
Ingredients that come from egg include albumin (or albumen), ovalbumin, ovomucoid, ovomucin, globulin, lysozyme, egg lecithin, meringue and mayonnaise. On most US packaged foods the label must also say "egg" in brackets or a Contains statement, but knowing the names helps when it doesn't.
Ingredients made from egg
| Name | What it is |
|---|---|
| Albumin, albumen, ovalbumin | Egg white protein |
| Ovomucoid, ovomucin, globulin | Other egg proteins |
| Lysozyme | An enzyme from egg white, used as a preservative, for example in some cheeses |
| Egg lecithin | An emulsifier made from egg yolk |
| Egg powder, egg white, egg yolk | Dried or separated egg |
| Meringue | Whipped egg white and sugar |
| Mayonnaise | Traditionally made with egg yolk |
| Eggnog | A drink made with egg |
Foods to double-check
- Surimi (imitation crab), which can be bound with egg white
- Fresh pasta and egg noodles
- Baked goods with a glossy top, which may be brushed with egg wash
- Sauces and dressings such as hollandaise, aioli and Caesar dressing
- Marshmallows, nougat and some foam toppings
Not every product in these categories contains egg, which is exactly why the label matters.
Let SafeScan do the matching
Add egg to your profile and SafeScan flags every egg-derived ingredient with the reason it matched. Foods like surimi that may or may not contain egg are marked as uncertain so you can check, and the Strict sensitivity mode treats those as potentially unsafe.
This guide is general information based on US labeling rules, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or allergist about your own allergies, and always read the label on the package in your hand.
Catch egg under any name
SafeScan matches albumin, lysozyme, ovalbumin, meringue, mayonnaise and other egg ingredients, and flags foods like surimi that may contain egg. Every match comes with an explanation.
Download on the App StoreFree to download for iPhone and iPad. No account needed, and your profiles and scan history stay on your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is lecithin always from egg?
No. Most lecithin in food comes from soy or sunflower. Egg lecithin is one type. On US packaged foods, the source allergen must be named, for example "lecithin (soy)" or "lecithin (egg)".
Do all egg products follow FDA allergen labeling?
Certain egg products are regulated by the USDA rather than the FDA, so FDA allergen labeling rules don't apply to them. Check the ingredient list carefully.