'Difference between white and brown eggs explained'

Following Sainsbury's (UK Supermarket) decision to ditch brown eggs and stock exclusively white eggs, many Brits have been questioning whether there's any nutritional different between the two. And more importantly, whether the change is reason enough to switch supermarkets.

The reason behind the chain's move to white eggs centres on their reported 12.7% lower carbon footprint versus brown eggs, based on Sainsbury's own research. This stems from hens that produce white eggs consuming less feed while laying the same quantity of eggs, lowering the resources needed throughout the supply chain. Feed production represents 50-60% of the environmental impact of egg farming.

Britain gets through approximately 14.5 billion eggs annually, generating an estimated 4.35 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in the process. If the entire industry achieves the same 12.7% reduction claimed by Sainsbury's, emissions could drop by over 550,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, 'The Independent' reports.

That's roughly equivalent to removing nearly 300,000 cars from Britain's roads. But what about the difference in quality?

For much of the 20th century, white eggs were standard in the UK. However, during the 1970s, brown eggs became the preference of Britain's middle class and ultimately dominated the market.

Today, the majority of eggs sold are brown, and, as the well-to-do presume, the darker the egg and the more vibrant the yolk, the superior the quality. In reality, there is remarkably little distinction between the two differently coloured eggs, with Sainsbury's stunt appearing to be little more than a shrewd marketing exercise.

Influencer Sunna Van Kampen, known as @tonichealth, claimed in a TikTok post that the characteristically vivid orange yolks are not an indicator of quality, but a consequence of what the hens have been fed. Sunna, who has 8.5 million likes on the platform, said: "The reason why your yolks are so dark and orange... is because they feed [the hens] marigold and paprika."

This was backed up by a 2024 study published by the 'National Library of Medicine'. "We found that paprika improved the colour of the egg yolks and affected the hens' blood cholesterol levels in different ways," the study claims.

The shade of a yolk is largely determined by pigments known as carotenoids, which are found naturally in produce such as maize, marigold, peppers and carrots.

The colour of the eggshell is determined by the breed of the hen. Generally speaking, white hens lay white eggs while brown hens lay brown eggs.

There is no nutritional distinction between white and brown shelled eggs, according to British Lion Eggs.

What is more significant, however, is checking the code stamped on the shell. Organic eggs carry a 0, free-range eggs a 1, barn eggs a 2 and eggs from caged hens a 3 - though all major supermarkets no longer stock caged hen eggs.

Ultimately, neither the shell colour nor the yolk shade reveals how healthy the hen was, or whether the egg will produce a better omelette. What it does indicate is that selling white eggs is considerably more cost-effective for a supermarket chain such as Sainsbury's - and perhaps better for the environment too.

Words and image above from article seen here

Related Post

What colour do you buy? - read it here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within the blog, not all may be suitable for you. Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. Any allergies, or underlying health issues must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

Please be aware that articles, and any comments, within this blog are provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor, pharmacist or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider.

All the best Jan

Summer vegetable and butter bean stew : A slow cooker recipe

'A slow cooker is the pinnacle of low-maintenance cooking. Place the ingredients inside, turn it on, and let it cook. Your only thought is how delicious that meal is going to taste.'
Read more about slow cookers here

This recipe is an easy-going, vegan/vegetarian, slow-cooked summer vegetable stew. Serve as a main course with crusty bread to mop up the juices, or as a warm salad along with other sharing plates.

Ingredients
Serves 2/3
2 red, orange or yellow peppers, roughly diced
1 small courgette (zucchini), diced
½ aubergine (eggplant), diced
1 small red onion, finely sliced
1 small fennel bulb (or ½ a large one), finely sliced
3 large ripe tomatoes, finely diced
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
small handful fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped, or ½ tsp dried oregano
15g/½oz basil, plus extra small leaves to serve
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
60g/2¼oz marinated olives in oil
400g tin butter beans, drained
1 tbsp sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper
fresh bread, to serve
(some low carb bread recipe suggestions here)

Method

1. Preheat the slow cooker to high.
2. Add all the chopped veg to the slow cooker pot and stir in the garlic, oregano, half the basil and the olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, cover with the lid and cook for 2 hours.

3. Stir in the olives, butter beans and vinegar and cook for another 15–20 minutes until the veg is all tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir through the remaining basil.
4. Finish with a scattering of small basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with fresh bread.
From original idea here

Did you know that butter beans are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and thiamine, they are also a good source of protein - more details here

Have you tried 'Fasolakia Yiahni' or Greek Greens Stew - more details here

~ wishing you a happy day ~

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog and not all may be suitable for you. Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. Any allergies, or underlying health issues must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

'The Baby Boomer Habit That's Linked To Better Mental Health'

The Baby Boomer Habit That's Linked To Better Mental Health

Sometimes it seems like baby boomers* and their habits are the subject of ridicule by younger generations. While a little good-natured joking between generations can be a good thing, it might be worthwhile to take a closer look at the closely held beliefs and habits of different groups from time to time. And while some baby boomer pastimes, like how they save everything, may not be the healthiest, the habit of making phone calls instead of texting is linked to better mental health.

Social media use is a growing habit in baby boomers, however, many still insist on calling instead of sending a message. This may seem old-fashioned at first glance, but there are often good reasons for doing so. In some cases it's discomfort with using newer technologies or difficulty reading text on small screens. In other cases it can be because baby boomers are talking to people who don't text. At the same time, younger generations may be more reluctant to make phone calls than to send a text.

Calls allow for more nuanced communication

Text-based communication is great for sending a quick message, but can fall short when it comes to more real-time conversations. It also makes it easy to stay in touch with another person without interrupting the sender or recipient's day. Fear of interrupting or being a bother is one reason why many younger people shy away from making phone calls. However, there are tradeoffs that come along with the convenience of texting and social media use.

One big disadvantage is that text-based communication can make misunderstandings more likely than they are over the phone. A short message with no context can sometimes be confusing, meaning that the recipient would have to ask questions for clarification. On a voice call the process of getting clarification can happen faster, if it's needed at all. It can also be difficult to feel out what emotions are being expressed over text sometimes. Using emojis is one way to help clarify messages, but they can't match nonverbal cues like tone of voice that come with phone conversations. Even when talking to a stranger, hearing another human's voice can create more tangible connections.

The connection of hearing a voice

In addition to being better for back-and-forth communication, people are finding that talking on the phone can have mental health benefits. While people send and receive text-based communications all day, many people report feeling lonely. This is where voice-based communication shines. Hearing the voice of someone familiar can reduce stress and signal the body to release oxytocin, a hormone important for building trust and closeness.

Getting regular phone calls can also help decrease reported feelings of loneliness in homebound people and the elderly. Talking on the phone can also benefit children, helping them become better at understanding the nuances of communication. Talking on the phone also has the benefit of reducing kids' exposure to social media and its effects on the brain. A growing number of parents are setting up home phones and working with other parents so children can communicate with one another. This also has the benefit of allowing children to talk more with distant relatives, potentially benefiting both young and old.

The convenience of texting makes it useful for many situations; however, some people are finding that it doesn't replace the immediacy and connection of hearing someone's voice. While some baby boomer habits aren't worth imitating, picking up the phone and calling may be one practice that can help with mental health.

Images above from google, above words by George Hale from article seen here

*Baby boomers are people born between 1946 to 1964, you can read more about which generation are you here

-----------------------

My view is - although text messaging can be useful, you just can't beat a chat! Ideally in person but next best thing a telephone call!

What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

All the best Jan

Why this village hangs its underwear in the street !

They say you should not air your dirty laundry in public, but residents of a village in Derbyshire have made it part of their annual carnival celebrations.

No, the people of Bonsall have not got their knickers in a twist - the quirky bunting made up of lines of underwear is hung up as part of a week-long series of events, which began in 1927 and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

People hang underwear out during the carnival in Bonsall

photo credit - Louise Stevenson

The display was originally started by an elderly resident and the village followed suit.

Louise Stevenson, secretary of the carnival committee, said: "I have a string of underpants on the front of my house and people will stop me and ask me why they're there... to be fair, I'd be asking the same question."

Various events including a fun run and a nature walk have been held as part of the carnival, which ended on Saturday 1st August.

The committee had to make a decision to cancel the usual firework display due to the risk of wildfires, which has now been rearranged for September along with its lantern display.

The unusual bunting was started by one local and others followed suit

photo credit - Louise Stevenson

Stevenson said the display of briefs across the village was started by resident Jeff Phillips, who is now in his 80s.

In a cheeky twist while taking part in the "best dressed house competition" which dominated the village each year, Phillips and his late wife began stringing a line of bunting across the high street full of ladies corsets and old-fashioned underwear.

Phillips has been doing the undergarment arrangement for more than 30 years but it did not catch on until more recent times.

The wider change began three years ago when the carnival committee met to decide who would open the week-long celebration.

It chose Phillips and to honour him, it asked people who lived in the village to swap their regular bunting in order to hang out their smalls and the tradition stuck.

On her own underwear display, Stevenson said: "People think my husband's gone commando for weeks.

"We do have a gentleman who has the largest pair of pants you've ever seen... maybe someone can up that?

"We did think of having people match the bra to the lady but that hasn't happened yet."

She said the reaction had gone down well with tourists who visited the village and often had no clue what was going on.

"We do all things quirky here," she said.

"You see people from elsewhere taking photographs and I think it's one of the lovely things about this village."

Stevenson said the pants were being pulled down on Sunday evening to return next July for the carnival's 100th anniversary.

The Bonsall Carnival is held yearly starting on the last Saturday of July ... why not put it in your diary for next year!

Words and images from article seen here

-------

I've seen scarecrow festivals, cheese rolling championships, well-dressing and seaside and town carnivals, even worm charming championships but never an underwear carnival!

Have you experienced anything like this? Do please share your thoughts in the comments.

All the best Jan

Vienna Plum Cake : This recipe is low in carbs and gluten free

British plums are in season from August to October, they are wonderfully versatile and can simply be eaten as they are or used in sweet late summer bakes. With a smooth, chalky skin and juicy flesh, this succulent British fruit is popular. They vary in colour from golden to purple, and popular varieties include Victoria and Marjorie Seedling.

So it is with plums in mind that I share this recipe for a low carb / Keto Vienna Plum Cake. It's a sweet and dense vanilla almond cake with tangy, juicy plums baked into the top, and yes, it's low carb and gluten free!

... and before the recipe a little more about the "Viennese plum cake." It is often referred to as Zwetschkenkuchen, and doesn't have a single, definitive origin story like the Sachertorte. It evolved from European traditions of using dried fruits and spices in festive cakes, and became associated with Vienna through its use of local plums, particularly the "Zwetschke" variety. While not a dish with a specific royal or historical origin, it's deeply rooted in Austrian culinary culture and is a popular treat, especially during plum season....

image from here

Ingredients

Serves 8
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute (for example Swerve)
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
4 small plums, pitted and halved (skin on)

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees (F)
2. Cream the butter and sweetener together until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
4. Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat until combined.
5. Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, salt, baking powder, and xanthan gum in a small bowl and mix well.
6. Add the flour mixture to the butter/egg mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
7. Add the almond milk and blend well.
8. Spoon the batter into a well greased 8 x 12 pan (or equivalent) and spread evenly.
9. Place the plum halves (or slices) evenly over the top.
10. Bake on an upper rack of the oven at 375 degrees (F) for 35 – 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
11. Cut the cake into 8 pieces. Serve warm or cold... and enjoy 😋

Nutrition per serving 1/8th cake
Fat: 25g Carbohydrates: 6g net Protein: 9g
The above and more can be seen here

Need help with weight/measurement conversion see here
Read more about xanthan gum here
Read more about low carb and keto sweeteners/sugar substitutes here and here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog and not all may be suitable for you. Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. Any allergies, or underlying health issues must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Welcome the 1st of August 2026

 As we say goodbye to July it's time to say hello to August.

Yes, the eighth month of the year is here!

For many, August brings the best bounty of the season — ripened tomatoes, ripe melon, sweet corn on the cob, and courgettes/zucchini to name a few.

Summer declines and roses have grown rare,

But cottage crofts are gay with hollyhocks,

And in old garden walks you breathe an air

Fragrant of pinks and August-smelling stocks.

~ John Todhunter (1839-1916) ~

Some August Facts

The month of August was named to honour the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar (63 B.C..–A.D. 14)

August 1st, traditionally known as Lammas Day, was a festival to mark the annual wheat and corn harvest. Lammas also marked the mid-point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox, and was a cross-quarter day.

August’s zodiac signs are Leo (July 23–August 22) and Virgo (August 23–September 22).

In the USA August is the month that has the highest birth rate; in the UK it is September.

August’s birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy.

The gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, sincerity, and generosity.

The poppy symbolizes eternal sleep, oblivion, and also imagination.

August’s primary birthstone is peridot, which is said to symbolize strength and healing power, protecting its wearer from nightmares and evil, ensuring harmony and happiness. Babies born in August are lucky to be guarded by peridot’s good fortune.

Courgette / Zucchini Pizza Boats

see recipe details here

~ Wishing you a happy August 2026 ~

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan