Let's Talk About Eggs

Pasture-raised, cage-free, and free-range eggs: Can you explain the difference between these three? I used to get confused by these similar labels, especially when trying to decipher which one was most sustainable.

I did the research, so you don't have to :) Below, I will break down the differences between these labels while highlighting the most sustainable option.

Pasture-Raised :)

Pasture-raised hens have access to the outdoors, allowing them to forage for their food. These hens have a natural diet, which leads to a higher nutritional value. These are preferred eggs for health and ethical reasons. These pasture-raised hens are not allowed to be given growth hormones as well.

*Organic is always good as that ensures that the hen feed is free of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and GMOS. However, non-organic, but still pasture-raised, is most likely treated without these chemicals; it just doesn't have the certifications that can prove it. If you have the option, I would go with organic, but if you do not, the regular pasture-raised will still be the best sustainable choice.

Free Range

Free-range hens have access to the outdoors, but the amount of space they have can vary. This also does not mean that the hens go outside; they simply have access to it.

Cage-Free

These hens are cage-free, but that doesn't mean they aren't housed indoors or in similar cramped structures to cages. The criteria to be labeled "cage-free" are that the hens have enough room to stand up and stretch their wings.

*You always want your yolk to be a golden-orange color, as that shows that the hen ate lots of carotenoids (powerful antioxidants). A pale-yellow color indicates that the hens ate a more barley, wheat, or white cornmeal-concentrated feed.

I hope this article helps you for the next time you pick out your eggs :)

Stay Nourished,

Grace