Protein Content in 1 Egg White
One egg white contains approximately 3.6 grams of protein. 1
Detailed Breakdown
Whole Egg vs. Egg White Protein Content
- A whole cooked egg contains approximately 6.1 grams of protein 1
- Since egg white represents roughly 60% of the total egg protein content, and the yolk contains the remainder, one egg white provides about 3-4 grams of protein 1, 2
- In powdered form, egg white powder contains 7.5 grams of protein per 10 grams of powder, reflecting its concentrated nature 1
Protein Composition of Egg White
The protein in egg white is not a single entity but rather a mixture of several distinct proteins 3, 4, 5:
- Ovalbumin comprises 54% of total egg white protein and is the predominant protein 4, 5
- Ovotransferrin makes up 12% of egg white protein 4, 5
- Ovomucoid accounts for 11% 4, 5
- Lysozyme represents 3.5% 4, 5
- Ovomucin comprises 3.5% 4, 5
Nutritional Quality
- Egg whites have the highest biological value of 100, meaning they provide the most complete protein with optimal essential amino acid composition 1
- Egg white (albumin) is one of the few dietary sources of pure protein that contains virtually no fat or carbohydrates 1
- The protein content of egg white is approximately 110 g/kg (11% by weight) 3
Clinical Context
- For oral food challenge testing in allergy evaluation, clinicians use the reference that one whole egg contains approximately 6.1 grams of protein, with egg white powder containing 7.5 grams per 10 grams 1
- The average large egg contributes about 6 grams of total protein, which represents approximately 11% of daily protein intake 2