I Cracked an Egg and It Had a Spot in It
You’re preparing breakfast and crack open an egg—only to see a spot inside. Maybe it’s red, brown, or white. You freeze, wondering: What is that? Is the egg bad? Can I still eat it?
If you cracked an egg and found a spot inside, it’s likely a natural occurrence, not a cause for alarm.
This guide breaks down the types of spots you might see in eggs, what causes them, whether they’re safe to eat, and when to be cautious—especially if you raise your own backyard chickens.
What Kind of Spot Did You See?
Different types of spots can appear in eggs, and each has its own meaning. Here’s how to identify and understand them:
| Spot Color | Common Cause | Safe to Eat? |
|---|---|---|
| Red/Brown | Blood spot from ruptured vessel | ✅ Yes |
| White | Chalaza (normal egg structure) | ✅ Yes |
| Dark/Brown Blob | Meat spot (tissue or blood clot) | ✅ Usually |
| Green/Pink | Spoilage (possible bacteria) | ❌ No |
Let’s look at each of these more closely.
1. Red or Brown Spot (Blood Spot)
What it is: A blood spot happens when a tiny blood vessel in the hen’s reproductive system breaks during ovulation. This blood settles on the yolk or in the white.
Appearance:
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Small red, brown, or rust-colored fleck
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Often near the yolk
Is it safe to eat?
✅ Yes. Blood spots are harmless. You can remove it with a spoon if you prefer. They occur more often in fresh backyard eggs because store-bought eggs are usually candled and filtered out.
2. White Spot (Chalaza)
What it is: A chalaza is a natural part of the egg that holds the yolk in place. It looks like a stringy or twisted white thread attached to the yolk.
Appearance:
-
White, stringy, and coiled
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Sometimes mistaken for a worm or abnormality
Is it safe to eat?
✅ Yes. The chalaza is totally normal and present in all eggs—you just don’t always notice it.
3. Dark Brown or Gray Spot (Meat Spot)
What it is: A meat spot is a small piece of tissue or blood clot that entered the egg during its formation.
Appearance:
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Irregular brown, dark red, or gray fleck
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Usually in the egg white
Is it safe to eat?
✅ Usually. These are natural and not harmful. However, if the egg smells bad or the spot is large and unusual, it’s safer to toss it.
4. Green or Pink Spot (Spoilage)
What it is: Possible bacterial contamination, often from Pseudomonas bacteria or another spoilage source. These spots can be a sign the egg has gone bad.
Appearance:
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Cloudy green, blue, or pink in the white
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Often accompanied by foul odor
Is it safe to eat?
❌ No. Discard the egg immediately.
What If You’re Not Sure What the Spot Is?
Here’s a quick checklist:
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Smell the egg – Any sulfur, rotten, or sour odor means it’s spoiled.
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Look at the texture – A solid, clean spot = natural. Slimy or discolored? Toss it.
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Check for other signs – Cloudy whites, green/pink colors, or odd yolks = not safe.
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Use your judgment – If you’re uncomfortable, it’s okay to throw it out.
Why Do Spots Appear in Backyard Eggs More Often?
If you raise your own hens, you’ll notice more spots than you would in store-bought eggs. That’s because:
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Commercial eggs are candled and checked for internal flaws.
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Backyard eggs are fresh and unfiltered, so natural spots are more visible.
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Young hens (pullets) often lay eggs with more irregularities.
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Stress, poor diet, or overcrowding can lead to laying issues.
Want to improve egg quality in your coop? Use this handy chicken coop calculator to make sure your flock has enough space. Crowded hens are stressed hens—and stress leads to more egg problems.
How to Prevent Unusual Egg Spots
While you can’t eliminate all egg imperfections, here’s how to reduce them:
✅ Feed a nutrient-rich layer diet:
Especially vitamins A and K, which support vascular and reproductive health.
✅ Reduce stress in the flock:
Limit loud noises, predators, sudden light changes, or aggressive flock mates.
✅ Avoid overcrowding:
Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure your coop has the right square footage per bird.
✅ Collect eggs daily:
Especially in hot or humid weather to prevent bacterial growth or staining.
Conclusion: A Spot in Your Egg Is Usually Natural and Safe
If you crack open an egg and see a red, brown, or white spot, it’s most likely a blood spot, meat spot, or chalaza—all of which are harmless and safe to eat.
Only discard the egg if:
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It smells bad
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The spot is green, pink, or unusual in color
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You’re not comfortable eating it
Want fewer surprises in your eggs? Use the chicken coop calculator to calculate how much coop space your chickens need, reduce stress, and improve egg-laying consistency.
Now you know—when it comes to egg spots, most are just nature doing its thing.