Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a savory, protein-packed dish of beaten eggs cooked with diced or sliced meat in margarine, yielding a tender, slightly fluffy texture with a rich, savory flavor from the meat and fat. The margarine gives it a distinct, slightly creamy mouthfeel and a subtle, buttery aroma. Nutritionally, it's a high-protein, low-carb option, with the fat content coming primarily from the margarine and meat.
Calorie split: 28% protein · 2% carbs · 70% fat
↓ Full nutritionPeople love its comforting, savory taste and the satisfying combination of fluffy egg and hearty meat. It's a beloved, quick-cooking staple that feels both nourishing and indulgent, often evoking memories of home cooking.
The high fat content, especially from margarine (which may contain trans fats), can be a concern for heart health if consumed frequently. Those watching their saturated fat intake should be mindful. To counteract this, consider using a small amount of a healthier oil like olive oil, or using less margarine overall. Pairing it with a large side of vegetables adds fiber and balances the meal.
The term 'omelet' is believed to have originated from the French 'omelette,' but the first known recipe in English was published in 1723 and called it a 'nunnery omelet'—supposedly because it was light enough for a nun's diet.
| Water | 70.7 g |
| Energy | 181 kcal |
| Protein | 12.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 14.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 1.0 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.27 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 42.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 181 mg |
| Potassium, K | 154 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 375 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 29.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.09 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.35 mg |
| Niacin | 0.82 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.25 mg |
| Folate, total | 44.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 44.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 44.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 229 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.76 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 196 ug |
| Retinol | 192 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 35.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 11.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 411 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.0 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 2.4 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 6.0 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.24 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 346 mg |
Estimated from Egg, whole, cooked, omelet — USDA does not publish this profile for Egg omelet or scrambled egg.
| Tryptophan | 0.14 g |
| Threonine | 0.47 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.56 g |
| Leucine | 0.91 g |
| Lysine | 0.77 g |
| Methionine | 0.32 g |
| Cystine | 0.23 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.57 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.42 g |
| Valine | 0.72 g |
| Arginine | 0.69 g |
| Histidine | 0.26 g |
| Alanine | 0.62 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.4 g |
| Glycine | 0.36 g |
| Proline | 0.43 g |
| Serine | 0.82 g |
Is this the same as a frittata?
No. A frittata is an Italian-style open-faced omelet, typically cooked slowly on the stovetop and finished in the oven, with ingredients mixed throughout. This description is for a more standard, folded or scrambled preparation.
Why use margarine instead of butter?
Margarine is often used for its lower cost, longer shelf life, and because it's dairy-free. However, its health profile depends on the type; some contain unhealthy trans fats. Butter or a heart-healthy oil are common alternatives.
Can I make this without meat?
Absolutely. The base is eggs cooked in fat. You can make a plain omelet or scramble, or add vegetables, cheese, or herbs instead for a different flavor profile.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.44 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.