Eggs are a beautiful thing. You can do so much with them – scrambled, fried, deviled, hard-boiled, omelettes, quiche… you name it! But have you ever noticed that one carton can taste, or even smell, different than another? There are times where I feel like I could scarf down half a dozen eggs and other times where the mere smell of it makes me nauseous. Low and behold, I finally figured out why I was so finicky with eggs. It’s where they come from and how the hens are raised that alter an egg’s taste or smell (a.k.a. the quality). I just so happen to be hypersensitive to bad eggs.
So let’s get down to business. What really is the difference between all these labels we see on egg cartons? I’ve done some research on this and was blown away when I realized how big of a difference labels can actually make. I want to start by saying that no matter where eggs come from, no hens are given hormones – it’s against the law.
Battery or Factory Eggs (“Regular” eggs)
Very few restrictions. Hens live packed together in multi-tiered cages, often unable to turn around or spread their wings at all. They never see daylight, and are given a standard commercial diet. Beak trimming is routine and lighting is kept low to reduce aggression. Just don’t eat these. Ever.
Organic Eggs
Organic eggs are regulated by the USDA and come from all of the below categories. The hens must be fed only organic grain and other feed must be free from animal byproducts (ex. Egg shells or ground bones) and fertilizers/pesticides. Hens must be cared for without the use of hormones, antibiotics (unless in the case of illness) or other enhancing drugs.
Cage Free Eggs
Cage free does not mean cruelty free!
These eggs are typically regulated, but it does not guarantee outside access (or even access to sunlight). It simply means they are not restricted to cages, but can still be in confined spaces, hindering their natural ability to grow. Hens are allowed to roam “freely” within barns, coops, or other similar structures. If the eggs are given a certified humane status, it means the hens had a minimum of 1.5 square feet each. Because their space is still limited, and large industrial farms can raise somewhere in the realm of 1,000+ chickens, their beaks are trimmed so they don’t endanger one another. Their diet is usually grain based (standard commercial feed). Antibiotic use is unrestricted.
Free-Range Eggs
Free-range hens are given continuous access to the outdoors, allowing them to consume insects, seeds, and other vegetation while roaming. This outdoor access must be unobscured and hens must be able to run in and out as they please. As such, there must be unrestricted access to a roofed structure. In order to be free-range and certified as humane, there must be a minimum of 2 square feet of outdoor space per hen (it can be under a canopy). Keep in mind that not all hens are outside at the same time, so ideally they will have more than the 2 square feet “allotted.” Grain may be fed to supplement their diet. Antibiotic use is unrestricted.
Pasture Raised Eggs
These eggs are not regulated by the USDA. However, in order to be labeled as pasture-raised and certified as humane, the hens must have ample space to roam and have access to a barn for cover. The amount of space required to be labeled as pasture-raised is significantly higher (somewhere in the realm of 108 square feet), which supports larger flocks. This allows for their natural diet of insects, seeds and plants. This also supports their natural growth. Grain based food may be used to supplement the diet, however the majority of nutrients are obtained from the fields and pastures.
Nutritional Standpoint
There is not a huge difference in which type of eggs you eat, but there is some nutritional effect based on how the hens are raised. Free-range or pasture-raised eggs have an increased amount of vitamins A and E, as well as omega 3 fatty acids. This is because free range hens are able to forage for insects and vegetation while in the pasture. It has also been shown that free-range and pasture-raised eggs have lower levels of fat, cholesterol and omega 6 fatty acids. Eggs that come from battery or factory production have a slightly higher chance of salmonella because their laying environments are not as clean.
What does the USDA shield mean?
This means that companies with egg cartons bearing the shield must comply with strict U.S. standards. Graders inspect the facilities for sanitation and refrigeration; this must be done at least twice annually. Packaging must also be preapproved to ensure it is truthful and not misleading. A verified shield indicates the above standards are met and the eggs qualify as their label.
What are Certified Humane eggs?
Certified Humane is a non-profit organization dedicated to Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC). This label ensures that:
- The producer meets the standards the entire duration of the animal’s life
- Animals are never kept in cages and must be free to do what comes naturally
- Animals must be fed quality feed with no animal by-products, antibiotics or growth hormones
- Producers must comply with food safety and environmental regulations
For a full list of egg laying hen requirements, look here.
Egg Recommendations:
*The labels and certifications can and will vary depending on the specific egg product*
Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs: Free-Range, USDA certified organic, Certified Humane
Nellie’s: Free-Range, Certified Humane
Vital Farms: Pasture-Raised, USDA certified organic, Certified Humane
(There are plenty more brands like these, and almost all local farms sell either free-range or pasture-raised.)
One final note: these standards typically apply to all meat/animal products. There are variations based on the animals, but it’s all based on the same general regulations. So in addition to eggs, be mindful of any meat packaging and pay attention to where it is coming from.
I hope I’ve helped to egg-ducate you (no way could I write this whole post without one bad pun)!
Sources:
Fergusson, Kymberly. “Organic vs. Free Range vs. Cage Free Eggs.” Delishably, Delishably, 20 Apr. 2016, Link.
Honey Sweetie Acres. “EGGS – Cage Free vs Free Range vs Organic – What Is the Difference?” Honey Sweetie Acres Goat Milk Soap and Goat Milk Lotion, 24 Jan. 2017, Link.
Morris, Craig A. “USDA Graded Cage-Free Eggs: All They’re Cracked Up To Be.” USDA, USDA, 13 Sept. 2016, Link.
“Overview.” Certified Humane, Certified Humane, Link.
Thomson, Julie R. “Cage-Free Hens Do NOT Have The Great Life You Think They Do.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 17 Oct. 2016, Link.
