Hi Jessica,

When I’m at the health food store, there are so many varieties of eggs to choose from.  Would you please explain the differences?

Thanks,
Anna

Dear Anna,

I agree that there are a lot of different eggs to choose from at the market and it’s often hard to know which ones are best.  I researched some terms commonly found on egg cartons and here’s what I discovered:

Egg Color– Eggs are available white or brown.  Some people think brown eggs are healthier but it’s really just a myth!  There is no nutritional difference between white and brown eggs.  White eggs come from white-featheredhens and brown eggs come from red-featheredhens.  

Egg Size – Eggs are sized based on their weight and are typically available in medium, large and extra-large.  The size of the egg is dependent on the breed, weight, age and environment the hen lives in.  Most recipes call for large eggs.

Organic – The hens are uncaged in barns or warehouses and are given access to the outdoors.  However the term “access to the outdoors” is very lax and some producers provide “access” but the hens never actually go outdoors.  Organic hens are fed an organic, all-vegetarian diet free of antibiotics and pesticides.

Free-Range – The USDA has not defined any specific standards for “free-range” egg production.  However, free-range hens are typically uncaged in warehouses or barns and have some access to the outdoors.  There are no special requirements regarding what the hens are fed. 

Cage-Free – As implied, cage-free hens are uncaged in barns or warehouses but often do not have access to the outdoors.  There are no special requirements regarding what the hens are fed.

Humanely-Raised – It is an unregulated term, however organizationsare working to create definitions. The most prominent organization, Humane Farm Animal Care, has a certification process which prohibits cages and debeaking and requires nest boxes (provides hens a secluded place to lay eggs). The organization does not require the hens to have access to the outdoors.  To learn more about their requirements, visit http://www.certifiedhumane.com

Fertile- The eggs are laid by hens living with roosters, meaning the hens are most likely not caged.

Vegetarian Fed– The hens’ feed does not contain any animal by-products.

Pasture Fed– The hens are fed grains and are also able to forage outside for wild plants and insects.

Omega-3 – The hens are fed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. flax seeds) which increases the amount of omega-3 in the yolks.

All-Natural– There are no guidelines governing this term so it could mean (or not mean) anything.

Battery-Eggs– Although typically not labeled as such, most eggs are battery-raised unless labeling indicates otherwise.  This term refers to eggs laid by hens that are permanently caged.

To learn more about the treatment of hens, visit the Humane Society Factory Farming Campaign http://www.hsus.org/farm/

Jessica

In her free time, Jessica enjoys researching food and healthy eating.  If you have a food-related question that you would like answered in the journal, please email her at Jessica_L_Tucker@yahoo.com