SALEM, N.H. — In celebration May’s National Egg Month, Pete & Gerry’s Organics LLC, commissioned a national survey to determine where eggs fell in the public ranking of protein sources, as protein has become the focus of the American diet.
In the end, they found that consumers are choosing eggs over processed protein products, partly because they are familiar and reliable sources of protein.
According to the company’s “2026 Protein Preferences Survey: The Egg Came First” report, more than 4 in 10 Americans say they’re more focused on protein than they were five years ago. This signals a clear shift in eating preferences as protein has become more mainstream.
Protein is no longer just a buzzword in the fitness community. It has now become a staple in everyday people’s lives. As protein has become a more standard part of the average American diet, numerous products have flooded store shelves, leading to an oversaturation of the protein category.
It’s because of this that the public is being drawn to eggs as a protein source. In fact, among every protein option tested in the survey, eggs are cited as the healthiest and most trusted source of protein, ranking above bars, powders, shakes, and even meat, seafood, and beans, the report stated.
Eggs are familiar and have been proven to be good sources of protein with numerous health benefits. However, the recent rise in egg popularity is not because the public see it as a last resort for good protein.
Consumers are deliberately choosing eggs to be the protein in their diet. Two-thirds of Americans eat eggs every week, specifically for the protein, the report noted.
“Protein has become a daily priority, but consumers are becoming more selective about how they get it,” Tom Flocco, Pete & Gerry’s CEO, said in a statement. “What we’re seeing is a return to basics — people are choosing real, minimally, processed foods they trust. Pete & Gerry’s eggs have always delivered on that, and now there’s even greater appreciation for their simplicity, versatility and quality.”
An interesting shift among shoppers, especially younger consumers, is the growing need for transparency from food companies. The report highlights that more than 70 percent of Gen Z and Millennials, ages 18 to 34, say it’s important to know the sourcing practices behind their protein choices.
In recent years, consumers have become interested in the ethics of a company before spending money on that company’s product, and that is especially true for the younger demographic. Consumer trust is now not only built on a quality product, but also on the ethics of the production process.
The report highlights some of the main questions at the forefront of young people’s minds when it comes to purchasing animal products:
- Where did this [product] come from?
- How were the animals treated?
- Who is the brand accountable to?
“This is the generational shift that brands can’t afford to ignore,” the report noted. “For younger shoppers, trust isn’t built on a nutrition label alone; it’s built on transparency, reflecting more mindful, informed eating habits.”
“As more people question what’s in their food and how it’s produced, transparency is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s expected,” Flocco added. “That’s where we believe we can continue to lead. Our pioneership in humanely raised eggs serves as a trusted voice in the broader protein conversation.”
For 30 years, Pete & Gerry’s has built its brand around humane farming practices that produce high-quality, “real” food options, putting the consumer first. As the first Certified Humane egg producer in the United States, Pete & Gerry’s helped write the playbook for ethical egg farming, the report noted, and they are happy to use this distinction to help consumers understand why it matters where their food comes from.
“As Americans rethink protein, eggs are meeting the moment, and Pete & Gerry’s is delivering a simple, high-quality, and versatile whole food protein raised with transparent and ethical farming practices shoppers can trust,” the report added.
