You might want to think twice before reaching for a scoop of scrambled eggs next time you eat at a hotel breakfast buffet. A hotel worker revealed how many locations make their eggs, and it’s probably not how you’d guess.
In a video with over 10.8 million views, TikToker Liz (@elizabeth.emmert) stands in the kitchen of the hotel where she works. She starts to prep the eggs by putting a large plastic bag in a microwave. Instead of removing the liquid egg mixture from the packaging, she starts to heat it up as-is.
Liz removes the hot plastic bag from the microwave, showing the now-cooked mixture. Then, she chops up the semi-cooked egg brick until it resembles traditional scrambled eggs.
On-screen text reads, “Make hotel scrambled eggs with me!! (You might never want them again).”
Why Do Hotels Make Scrambled Eggs Like That?
Some commenters questioned why hotel buffet workers don’t just crack dozens of eggs by hand to make scrambled eggs the traditional way. However, many buffets and fast food restaurants use pre-mixed egg concoctions to save time and money.
On the r/Ask subreddit, members discuss why the pre-mixed egg mixture is so popular at hotels.
“You can get them 15 quarts per case. Already mixed and homogenized. 5 quarts at a shot in a tilt skillet with oil. Scrambles in about five minutes – take out, serve, repeat. I did scrambled eggs for 250 in 45 minutes – 2 full cases. Equivalent of 40 dozen eggs,” one shared, breaking down why it makes more sense to heat up the mixture instead of cracking eggs by hand.
According to one restaurant food supplier, the pre-mixed eggs only cost about 19 cents per ounce.
Are Pre-Mixed Eggs Bad For You?
In the comments, viewers questioned whether heating up a plastic bag of egg mixture could be exposing them to microplastics from the packaging.
“Secret ingredient: Microplastics,” one remarked.
Another joked, “They taste like they’re made exactly like that.”
“This is actually exactly how i imagined them being made, therefore the reason I’ve never touched them,” a third commented.
Research suggests that heating up plastic in a microwave can cause some of the particles to leech into the food inside, according to the American Osteopathic Association. Accidentally consuming microplastics may lead to inflammation and hormone disruption. However, some materials may be “microwave safe.”
Despite the risk, some commenters said they aren’t concerned with the hotel’s method for whipping up buffet eggs.
“I’m still gonna eat that. Nothing a little salt and pepper can’t fix,” a viewer said.
A second added, “Lil pepper and hot sauce and some of that nasty cheap bread toasted and I’m all set babe.”
“Girl move, I DONT CARE. Give me my free hotel breakfast,” another commenter exclaimed.