Can You Dye Brown Eggs?
(And other natural egg coloring methods)
Did you know most Americans are used to seeing white eggs in stores, but in many other countries—including the UK, Australia, and much of Europe—brown eggs are more common? It’s all about the chicken breed, not nutrition!
If you’ve ever skipped egg dyeing because you only had brown eggs on hand—good news: brown eggs dye beautifully. In fact, they give your creations a rich, earthy look that white eggs just can't match. Think moody blues, rustic reds, and jewel-toned greens—like something out of a woodland fairytale.
The secret? A quick 5-minute vinegar soak.
Before you start, give your eggs a vinegar bath to help the dye stick better—especially if you're using natural colors. You’ll literally see the difference as the shells bubble and lighten!
🥚 How to Prep Brown Eggs for Coloring
You’ll Need:
Brown eggs (boiled and cooled)
White vinegar
A cup or bowl
A soft cloth or dish towel
Instructions:
Place the cooled, boiled eggs in a bowl and pour in enough white vinegar to fully cover them.
Let them soak for 5 minutes. You’ll notice tiny bubbles forming—that’s the vinegar working its magic.
After soaking, gently rub each egg with a soft cloth or towel under warm water. This removes natural oils and slightly lightens the shell, giving you a clean surface ready for color.
Now your eggs are prepped and ready for their transformation!
Dyeing with natural ingredients is not only beautiful—it’s a fun springtime science experiment. You’ll get muted, earthy tones with a soft matte finish, especially on brown shells.
How to Make the Dye:
Boil each ingredient in 2 cups of water for 10–15 minutes.
Strain the liquid into a bowl, add 1 tbsp vinegar, and let it cool.
Submerge your eggs and let them soak until the desired color is reached—the longer the soak, the richer the tone.
Ingredient ——— Color on Brown Eggs
Red cabbage ——— Teal / Turquoise
Turmeric ——— Yellow
Onion skins ——— Burnt Orange / Rust
Beets ——— Pink
Hibiscus tea ——— Dusty Blue
Coffee ——— Orange
Spinach ——— Soft Sage Green
Blueberries ——— Slate Blue / Gray
Pomegranate juice ——— Rose Gold
💡 Tip: Let the eggs sit for hours in natural dyes for deeper color.
So don’t skip the egg dyeing fun just because your eggs are brown—they’re perfect for creating cozy, moody spring palettes. Pair them with flowers, herbs, or twine for a handmade, nature-inspired look.
For more creative seasonal ideas, craft show guides, and Northern Michigan maker features, check out the latest issue of Great Lakes Mosaic magazine!