Something as simple as buying eggs may seem overwhelming once you get to the grocery store. The labels on egg cartons are plastered with terms like cage free, farm fresh, all natural, free range, organic, and more. The average customer knows little about these things. What do egg labels really mean? Are some options better than others?
What’s the Difference between Free-Range, Cage-Free, and Organic Eggs?
The term cage-free is used for eggs made by hens that are free to walk and nest in a barn and other indoor areas. They are not kept in cages. However, this term does not indicate how much space they have.
Free-range refers to hens that had access to the outdoors and can forage on the grass.
Pasture-raised describes hens that had access to an outdoor area of up to 108 square feet. This term is not regulated by the USDA.
Eggs may also be labeled vegetarian-fed, which means the hens were fed a vegetarian diet, with no additives or hormones.
Organic eggs come from un-caged hens that had some outdoor access. Their food contains no antibiotics or chemicals.
Omega-3 eggs have been enriched with essential fatty acids. They come from hens that are fed a diet rich in fish oil, flax seeds, and other high-fat foods.
Egg labels may also vary based on the egg color, size, grade, date of production, and animal welfare certification.
How to Pick the Best Eggs
According to experts, eggs labeled “pasture-raised,” “free-range,” and “organic,” are the healthiest. Customers can also purchase eggs from local farmers. If you go to the grocery store, look for the USDA mark. Choose eggs that are certified by Animal Welfare Approved or carry the Certified Humane, United Egg Producers Certified, or Food Alliance Certified label.
These animal welfare programs prohibit molting through starvation or ban beak cutting. They also ensure that hens have free access to the outdoors. UEP Certified Regular and Cage-Free eggs are a good choice too because they come from farms that emphasize hen care.
