Yes, you can eat eggs on Ash Wednesday if you are a Roman Catholic following the usual Latin (Western) Church rules.

Quick Scoop

  • For Roman Catholics:
    • Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting (one full meal, two small meals) and abstinence from meat (no beef, pork, chicken, etc.).
* “Meat” means the flesh of warm‑blooded animals; eggs and dairy are allowed, as they are considered non‑meat animal products.

* So: eggs, milk, cheese, butter, and fish are all permitted foods on Ash Wednesday, as long as you still respect the fasting limits if they apply to your age/health.
  • For Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic traditions:
    • Their traditional Lenten rules are much stricter: they often avoid meat and animal products like eggs and dairy on fast days.
* That means many Orthodox Christians would _not_ eat eggs on Ash Wednesday or on many Lenten days.

Who has to fast and abstain?

  • Roman Catholics:
    • Abstain from meat: age 14 and up.
* Fast (one full meal, two small that don’t equal a full meal): ages 18–59, unless excused for health, pregnancy, or similar reasons.
  • Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions are commonly exempt from fasting, though they may still choose some small sacrifice.

Simple example meal for a Catholic on Ash Wednesday

  • Breakfast: toast and eggs, plus coffee or tea.
  • Midday: a small bowl of soup or salad.
  • Main meal: a modest fish dish with vegetables, no meat.

All of that respects abstinence from meat , and as long as the portions fit the fasting guidelines for your age and health, it’s within normal Catholic practice.

If you’re ever unsure, your local parish priest or your own church’s guidance is the best final word, since customs and obligations can vary by rite and country.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.