What is ‘egg ick,’ and why are so many TikTokers suffering from it?
TikTokers are saying that a sudden egg repulsion called the “egg ick” is putting them off the protein-packed food.
And with over 4.3 million views on TikTok, the hashtag #eggick suggests this stomach-turning phenomenon might be a global one.
While some TikTok trends are all about the newest consumption craze — like people who are ingesting borax despite experts’ warnings — the egg ick movement is all about the inability to consume something.
But what exactly causes egg ick, and why do so many TikTokers seem to relate to the feeling? In The Know by Yahoo spoke with Meaghan Greenwood, a registered nutritionist and health coach at Hourglass Waist, to get to the bottom of this eggy anomaly.
What is egg ick?
According to TikTok user @shabnomnom, egg ick is simply when eggs “start to taste a little too much like eggs, and you can’t eat them anymore.”
In their videos, TikTokers demonstrate that egg ick can strike seemingly out of nowhere — mid-bite at brunch, while cooking a pan of scrambled eggs, seeing the way yolk runs from a soft-boiled egg — and the aversion can last anywhere from weeks to months.
What causes egg ick?
So what exactly causes egg ick? According to Greenwood, there are several reasons why some people may have an adverse reaction to eggs.
“The most common causes include food allergies or sensitivities, such as an allergy to proteins found in eggs, such as ovomucoid, ovalbumin, or lysozyme,” Greenwood explains.
What are some high-protein alternatives to eggs?
But at 6 grams of protein and nine essential amino acids per serving, eggs are among the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can eat, according to Healthline.
So how can those suffering from egg ick still get their recommended amount of daily protein?
“If individuals experience an aversion or adverse reaction to eggs, there are numerous alternative sources of protein they can incorporate into their diet,” Greenwood explains.
“Excellent protein sources include lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish, legumes such as beans and lentils, dairy products like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, tofu, tempeh, seitan and various types of nuts and seeds.”
She continues, “By including a combination of these protein-rich foods in their diet, people can still meet their recommended protein intake without relying on eggs.”
However, according to Greenwood, it’s important to consult with a registered dietitian or health care professional to ensure a balanced protein intake based on individual dietary needs and preferences.
Correction: In a previous version of this article, an expert incorrectly stated that lactose is the sugar in eggs, when according to the National Library of Medicine, glucose is the dominant free sugar in the egg.
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