Buzz
Is cage-free truly superior to organic? Do omega-3 enriched eggs justify their higher price tag? Let’s dive into the terminology commonly found on egg packaging to uncover what each label signifies.
Organic - Hens laying organic eggs must not be caged and must have access to the outdoors, though the extent of outdoor space isn’t defined. Their diet consists of organic feed, free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and animal byproducts. Farms must obtain organic certification to use this label.
Cage-Free - These hens are not confined to cages and can move freely within a barn or enclosed structure, though outdoor access isn’t guaranteed.
Free Range/Free Roaming - Hens are cage-free and have access to the outdoors via doors in their housing. However, the amount of time spent outside isn’t regulated. For more detailed classifications, Whole Foods uses labels like Cage Free Plus, Outdoor Access, Pasture Raised, and Mobile Houses on Pasture.
Large, Extra Large, Jumbo - These terms refer to egg size. Most recipes assume the use of large eggs (approximately 2 ounces each). As Claire Lower, our food and beverage editor, notes, “Egg size rarely impacts everyday cooking, though it might matter in precise recipes.”
Grade AA, Grade A, Grade B - The USDA grades eggs based on quality, considering factors like air cells, blood spots, and yolk defects. Lower grades indicate minor imperfections. Detailed grading criteria can be found here.
Pastured/Pasture Raised - While not officially defined, this label suggests hens spend most of their time outdoors, foraging naturally.
Omega-3 - These eggs typically come from hens fed an omega-3-enriched diet, often supplemented with fish oil or flaxseed, boosting the eggs’ nutritional profile.
Vegetarian Fed/Vegetarian Diet - Hens are fed a diet free from animal byproducts. However, it’s worth noting that chickens are omnivores by nature and typically consume insects and worms when foraging outdoors.
Labels That Lack Real Significance
Some labels on egg cartons—or descriptions on menus—are vague or misleading, offering little meaningful information about the eggs’ production or quality.
Grass Fed - While chickens might live in grassy environments, such as pasture-raised settings, they don’t primarily consume grass. [Update: As many chicken enthusiasts have pointed out, chickens may nibble on grass occasionally, but their diet is predominantly composed of insects and seeds, unlike cows that thrive on grass.]
Antibiotic Free - Unlike meat chickens, which are sometimes given antibiotics for growth or disease prevention, egg-laying hens are rarely treated with antibiotics.
Hormone Free, No Added Hormones - The use of growth hormones in chickens is prohibited by federal regulations, making this label redundant.
Brown - The color of the shell simply indicates the breed of the chicken. Brown eggs are not inherently healthier or more natural than white eggs; they are just a different variety.
