I'll never forget my first hunt to find "real" eggs back when we initially made our switch to real food. I'd read in Michael Pollan's book, In Defense of Food, that "pastured" was the optimal egg label to look for yet when I visited three different grocery stores in our area - including health food stores - everyone basically looked at me like I had three heads. Those early days were fun. So, I went back to my research just to make sure I wasn't confusing the word "pastured" with "pasteurized" (two similar sounding terms with very different meanings!), and I was momentarily at a loss.
Eventually I figured out that the "good" eggs are the local ones found at the farmers' market (that come in all different colored shells by the way, including white). I learned that in most cases pastured chickens not only roam free, but roam on a green, grassy field - or should we call it - a pasture! Unlike cows, chickens do well solely on grains, BUT they are much healthier animals if they eat some greens as well. And as I've shared before, "The diet of the animals we eat strongly influences the nutritional quality, and healthfulness of the food we get from them, whether it is meat or milk or eggs.*"
Healthier chickens
(defined by diet and living conditions)
= more nutritious eggs!
So, for a couple years now we've been almost exclusively buying our eggs from our local grower's only farmers' market. And what I've noticed is that - no matter what type of grocery store eggs we compare them to - you can see the difference. The color of the yolks from truly pastured eggs are a vibrant orange versus the pale yellow you typically find. And when farmers' market shopping there is no need to understand the different egg labels since you basically "shake the hand that feeds you" and can simply ask the farmer about the living conditions and diet of their chickens as well as the use (or lack) of antibiotics.
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In an effort to clear some things up, here's the low down on some common egg labels (based on information provided by the USDA and Humane Society). Read on to see what terms are actually regulated by the government and what they mean exactly - if anything!
*Quote from the book Food Rules.Update 3/5/13: A lot of readers have asked what the best choice is if there are no quality eggs from a farmer's market in their area. We think organic eggs from the grocery store would be your next best bet, but also suggest reading the other comments below.
Packaging Term |
Definition |
| Certified Organic | The birds are kept uncaged inside barns or warehouses, and are required to have outdoor access, but the amount, duration, and quality of outdoor access is not at all regulated (therefore it could be minimal and low quality). They are fed an organic, all-vegetarian diet free of antibiotics and pesticides, as required by the USDA's National Organic Program. |
| Free Range, Free Roaming | This indicates that shelter was provided with unlimited access to food, fresh water, and the outdoors (which may be fenced and/or covered). This label is regulated by the USDA, but there are no specific requirements around the duration or quality of outdoor access. So let’s face it – this could simply mean there is an opening to a small, crowded dirt yard. |
| Cage Free | This label indicates that the chickens were able to freely roam a building, room, or enclosed area with unlimited access to food and fresh water. Note: No outside time provided or specific requirements around how many chicken per square foot. |
| Vegetarian Fed | These birds are not fed animal byproducts, but this label does not indicate anything about the animals' living conditions (i.e. caged vs. outside time) or what else they are fed. |
| Pasture Raised, Pastured | Due to the number of variables involved, the USDA has not developed a federal definition for pasture-raised products. Generally speaking though, “pastured” means the animals had access to a green field (not just any field) and in turn likely provide high-quality nutritious products. But since this term is not currently regulated there is no way to know for sure unless you directly ask the farmer (at the market). |
| Natural | “As required by USDA, meat, poultry, and egg products labeled as ‘natural’ must be minimally processed and contain no artificial ingredients.” However, the natural label does not include any standards regarding farm practices – i.e. how a chicken is housed and fed – and only applies to processing of meat and egg products. |
Lorie says
I have severe gastrointestinal problems, and one day when I was at my GI's office she asked me what kind of eggs I used, especially since my diet is so limited. I told her regular eggs, and I thought she was going to flip her lid. She announced that THAT was going to change, and I either needed to find a reputable source or start raising my own chickens. Fortunately one of the ladies in my church has a surplus of eggs from the chickens she got to feed her own family, so she has been selling them to me for $2 per dozen. It was disconcerting to get used to the different color of yolks, though!
Michelle Ritchie says
Wow does this bring back memories! I grew up with chickens, and learned at a young age the health and flavor benefits of pasture-raised eggs...from chickens that happily run free, to eat bugs, worms and grass, and roll around in dust baths. Yup, chickens take dust baths. They also love leftovers - veggies and grains! :-)
At any rate, my sister and I would always enjoy demonstrating the huge differences between the pale, sickly-looking, less flavorful store-bought eggs (yuck) vs. our deep orange, delicious-tasting pasture-raised eggs. Now I live far from home, so must buy eggs. Even for me, who really knows what to look for, its not an easy task to find the perfect egg vendor. I have found that even eggs purchased at Farmer's Markets are not always presented accurately. As you so well lay out above, it is sadly not a well-regulated industry. The only way to REALLY know is to do your research. To buy from a trusted source. To know exactly where your eggs are coming from, how the chickens are raised, and what they are fed (Carol, above, raises some really important points on that front). Then, the final test...crack open an egg. If it's truly pasture-raised, its going to be deep orange in color (particularly in the summer). It might take you a bit of time to find the right vendor, but in the end it's worth it.
Although, when I go home to visit my parents, I still usually smuggle at least 2 dozen eggs on the plane...all the way from NY to SF! Worth every effort as these eggs are still the very best I have ever had.
emily says
We have a small flock of 8 hens. They are kept in a chicken tractor and let outside to roam the back yard and forage most afternoons (not if the weather is bad.) We supplement with regular feed.
Jess says
Can we also add that chickens are naturally NOT vegetarian? When I read "vegetarian fed," I just think "corn." Chickens, allowed to roam truly free, tend to eat whatever they find, including BUGS, meaning they are omnivorous naturally.
Lisa says
Jess - As stated above, vegetarian fed only means the feed "given" to the chickens does not contain animal by-products. It by no means indicates they are restricted from eating bugs and whatever else they find...which like you said is totally natural!
Amy S says
I am with those ahead of me with the same question...if we have to buy them at the grocery store, which should we choose?
Lisa says
Amy S - It depends on what factors are most important to you, but if it were me I'd choose organic.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Amy. Jason added a bit to his post because this question has come up a lot: Update 3/5/13: "A lot of readers have asked what the best choice is if there are no quality eggs from a farmer’s market in their area. We think organic eggs from the grocery store would be your next best bet, but also suggest reading the other reader comments." ~ Amy
Alyson says
I recommend that those interested look at the Cornucopia Institute report. http://www.cornucopia.org/2010/09/organic-egg-report-and-scorecard/
You may also find information about other farm products as well.
Darcy says
Alyson- just looked at that report and found costco organic eggs rate a one egg result.
:-( that sucks. You think your doing good and then find out your not.
Carrie A Groff says
I buy my eggs from a local Amish farmer up the street from me. They are always so fresh and you can see the chickens out running around in the field. They are much cheaper than the grocery store too!
Chrystal says
There is a little farmstead in the middle of our suburban sprawl that sells pastured eggs for $2 a dozen. It's a dream come true. When eggs aren't available from them, we buy Phil's at Cub Foods, a reasonably priced brand that is recommended by Take Part and the WSPA.
Kim says
Egg yolk color is not always indicative of egg nutrition. Don't be fooled by color! I have a small flock of chickens that I raise for eggs only. I provide grain and other treats, but they also forage for greens and insects.
Since starting my flock, I've learned that feeding your chickens certain plants, like marigolds, or supplementing their grain with paprika accounts for the deeper yellow/orange color sometimes observed in eggs. I've learned that commercial chicken farms often use these tricks to make the buyer believe they are purchasing better eggs.
Sonja says
We have our own chickens, but unfortunately, use more eggs than our girls produce :( Thus we save our eggs for eating, and use eggs from local farmers for baking. Hopefully, someday soon we will have adequate egg production to feed our family and help out others too!
Tracey says
I started buying pastured eggs from Whole Foods about a year ago but they were $8 & $9 a dozen so I moved over to buying organic from Costco. Then yesterday, I found a local farmer that sells free range eggs from his own backyard flock. They are going to be $4 for large, $4.50 for extra large and $5 for jumbo. He says the jumbo is about the size of 3 large eggs. Very excited to pick up my eggs from the farmer's property. Perhaps I'll even get to see the chickens. :)
Amy says
I've seen this list before and although its educational, it hasn't helped me at all when I'm standing in a grocery store trying to buy eggs. None of these terms really give me assurance that the chickens are pastuered AND fed an organic diet.
Eggs through our meat CSA or farmers market are well out of our price range and not convenient. I need to be able to pick up eggs at the grocery store, and given that I'm in the SF Bay area with lots of organic options that should not be a challenge! I will pay extra for Pasteurized Organic but I always find myself baffled when I try to find any brand that has both labels.
ISA says
I agree. This post assumes that anyone can just afford and/or have access to farmers' eggs, but that is not the case for me. My bottom line question which is "What are the BEST eggs to buy at a store" has still gone unanswered, so I would appreciate any elaboration on that. Thank you!
Sara says
The thing is, you really can't get pastured eggs at the grocery store. That's why it's so hard. I get my eggs from a local farmer for $2.50 a dozen, which I think is very reasonable. If you check localharvest.org, you may be able to find a farmer near you who offers eggs for less than you might think (mine even delivers!). Also, just ask around to see if you know anyone who has chickens. Many people in suburban and rural areas are now choosing to keep their own chickens and may have extra eggs that they'd be willing to sell to you.
That said, if I can't get pastured local eggs, my backup is certified organic as second best. I hope that helps. I know it can be frustrating but it is possible to do.
Lisa says
ISA - That answer depends on what factors are most important to you, but if I were to buy eggs from the grocery store I would choose organic.
Lacey says
Lisa, I scanned through the comments and I don't think you responded to this yet. Would you mind answering the question about which is better from a farmer? Pastured or Organic(non-GMO) assuming most don't do both??
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
HI Lacey. Jason added to his comments in the post to answer this question. Here is what he said: Update 3/5/13: "A lot of readers have asked what the best choice is if there are no quality eggs from a farmer’s market in their area. We think organic eggs from the grocery store would be your next best bet, but also suggest reading the other comments". ~Amy
Amber says
It seems so ridiculous that some of these terms have to be qualified; that it's so difficult to treat animals humanely and feed them properly that companies actively seek out loopholes to the verbiage to dupe consumers.
Those bold orange yolks freak you out at first if you're used to store-bought eggs!
Millie Coker says
I am lucky enough to have 14 chickens and a coop with a chicken run plus a backyard full of grass and bugs for them to take care of. They are in the pen most of the time, but every day they have about three hours to glean the yard and grass, bugs, whatever until I take their salad (saved from my vegetable scraps) and spread over the front pat of the pen so they can scratch there too. I have a trough filled with cracked corn and laying pellets all the time inside the coop and keep water outside and inside the coop also.. I get orange yellowed eggs with a flavor that can't be beat.
Carol S. says
I raise chickens and used to sell my eggs at a local market. There are a few things that could add to this conversation to make it truly understandable. The main reason the yolks are yellow or bright orange is the amount of green grass the chickens are getting. But what happens in the winter when that grass dries up and turns brown? There aren't many weeds either, so the yolks might not appear as orange. I've heard that feeding alfalfa and feeding certain flowers could also intensify the color,
Most importantly, no once seems to think to ask "what do you feed your chickens?" Instead, the central issue seems to be pastured or conventional and the bottom line, PRICE! Almost all farmers supplement daily with grain of some sort. Here is where it gets tricky. There is feed that you get from major manufacturers that use GMO grains (could be just scratch corn or layer feed). I'm guessing that feed is about $18 to 20 per bag. Up from that, you have organic grain that farmers use, but unfortunately, their farming practices still involve pesticide use on their fields because of yield. So, they may tell you "I buy organic feed, so you aren't getting GMO's" and it would be tougher to know what you are really getting. Up from there, you have Organic feed using organic practices (no pesticides or GMO's) and up from there is Organic feed using Organic practices and also using no soy. At the moment, I am paying $35.00 per bag for that feed.
The discussion about buying pastured eggs is important, yes.. If you have read up and understand the possible negative aspects of pesticides, soy and GMO, you might want to seek out farmers who care enough to provide something with as much substance as possible on the backside, not just the front side (pasture). Once you are truly informed and can ask all the right questions, then you are on your way.
There is more on this subject when it comes to the chicken you eat, but I'll close for now.
Shannon says
I too have chickens and pay a whopping $35 for a bag of organic feed. I'm contemplating just getting the regular feed (more than likely GMO) for less than HALF the price. Do you feel it's important to continue with organic? I want organic, but it's just so expensive. They go through it 25% faster than the non-organic too. Fillers in the non-organic?
Mandi says
Have you looked into making black fly larvae compost? You can turn food scraps into proteins for the chickens to eat and would save a bundle I bet. Will do this someday if I have chickens.
Shannon says
Never heard of it. I'll look into it. Thanks.
LolaA says
Thank you for taking the time to post this info. You were very informative. Please hang in and keep using the organic food.
Lacey says
I'd like to know the questions you suggest us asking. Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lacey. Ask about their living conditions and how they are fed such as: are the birds are pastured? are they fed supplemental grain and if so what is it? Also, you the chart Jason provided to help guide your questions: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/02/25/egg-labels-whats-to-look-for/#comment-305923. Hope that helps. ~Amy
LaVonne says
With all the competition that the local farmers have with each other at the market, how can you be certain that they're telling you the truth about their farming practices? What if they say their hens are pastured, but they're really in an enclosed pen with a dirt surface? How can I know for sure what the hens are being fed? At least with organic eggs at the store, I know they're truly organic. I want to feed my family the healthiest eggs but I'm confused. I'm pretty sure I've been lied to by farmers before.
T says
LaVonne, I worry about that too. How can i be sure i am being told the truth because they all know what we want to hear. Couldnt they easily say NO GMO feed and all pastured, etc but how do you know it is true?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lavonne. My suggestion would be, if at all practical, to visit a couple of the farms. Most farmer's market farmers would likely welcome you. ~Amy
Lorena says
Eva, I'm from El Paso as well, and though I agree that it's very hard to eat good clean food here, I don't appreciate you calling it the "butt-hole" of Texas. That's unfair. Sorry guys, I just felt I had to say something.
Heather says
We are hoping to raise our own chickens in the next year or so. We love Farmers market eggs, but can't always afford them. I could be wrong, but I thought I read that a darker yolk doesn't necessarily mean healthier as you can feed your chickens a diet high in beta carotene (I think) to make them appear healthier and more orange.
Lee says
Any thoughts on how to tell whether the chickens/ eggs
are also free from added hormones? Or is this even relevant for eggs the way it is for meat? Our farmers market doesn't have eggs, so we rely on Whole Foods and Trader Joes.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lee. The best answer I could find was that "currently there are no FDA approved hormones for poultry", so your eggs should be hormone free. Hormones are approved only for use in beef and sheep. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Heather says
Our Farmer's market is only the first Saturday of the month in the winter and I am down to one egg! Not sure if I can stretch it till Saturday but we'll see. Last month I bought three dozen so maybe this month I will do four, just to be safe! I think that our locally owned grocery store sells eggs from the farm that I buy meat from at the market (at a markup of course) so that will most likely be my fill in till this weekend.
WebPixie says
Unfortunately, here in Southern California a dozen eggs at the local farmers market run about $10 for a dozen, so buying from them is just not an option.
Amy says
We have 5 chickens that provide my family of 4 with plenty of eggs and we LOVE them, (chickens & eggs). I always found the, "vegetarian fed" labels so strange as our chickens love bugs, worms, and meat, as much as any grass they have access to. Chickens need protein to be healthy and naturally eat a balanced diet. So, with that said, if you can't raise your own, I would stay away from the grocery store eggs and get them from a local source that free-ranges their chickens. The fresher the better too!
Jill says
So which is better....The organic egg from the store that you are assured through USDA standards the chicken is on an organic diet (defending the theory Healthier chickens = more nutritious eggs)...OR.....the eggs from my brother's farm, that have great living conditions and perhaps a more yellow yolk BUT I KNOW he does not feed them organic feed (I worry about GMOs/hormones in the conventional grain/corn he feeds his chickens).
Which is better for my health and daughter's health? We love to start our day with eggs!
Lani says
Perfect timing - I stood in the grocery just yesterday store reading & agonizing over all the egg choices! I ended up going with the USDA Certified Organic, although I was unsure if the feed could possibly be genetically engineered. Now I know that it is not - whew. I would love to be able to buy fresh market eggs, but we just don't have many choices where I live.
Amy says
I grew up with chickens roaming free in our yard. It was always a treat when we found random eggs and we were able to take it to mama so she could use it for whatever. I miss that and have recently switched to just buying cage free eggs. Budget won't allow to spent $5 or $6 for eggs so I figure that's a pretty good compromise although $3 is still kind of high and I have had to eliminate some other thing in order to buy it.
Heather says
Are there ANY brands you would recommend? I was buying from the farmers market (including meats) and then after asking further they were not able to guarantee that their chickens were not being fed non GMO corn....which to me said that they were! I stopped purchasing from the farm but have no other egg options from local farms. I've been buying Organic Valley after reading a few egg reviews online. Suggestions???
Sara says
This brings up an interesting question. Would you rather have a local, pastured chicken (eating bugs, grass, worms, etc) and supplemented with possible GMO food or a chicken who never has GMO's but possibly doesn't have access to the outside, pasture, bugs, grass, etc. It would be nice if we could 'have it all' with local, pastured, organic feed supplemented chickens, but if that's not all an option, I'd still take the local pastured ones with the possible GMO. I don't know if that's right or not, but that's what I'd do. :/
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Heather. Beyond Lisa's guidelines that she laid out in the post, take a look at the reader comments as they are full of suggestions. ~Amy
Chrissy @ Muse of the Morning says
We have our own chickens, and as nice as it would be to only get eggs from them, they're not turning out to be great layers! To save money, we're buying the cage free ones when we have to buy them, and when friends or other locals have too many, we'll buy from them.
In our town, every other house has chickens, so they're not that hard to find. :)
Jackie S. says
I have been purchasing our eggs from Tropical Traditions online. These eggs are fabulous. They are from pastured chickens--grazing on grass and insects--and fed a special feed that includes organic coconut and, most importantly, corn and soy free! I always wait for the free shipping specials since these eggs are only shipped in quantities of at least 4 dozen. Sooo worth it! Tropicaltraditions.com
Eva says
I have been purchasing cage-free organic simply because that is the best I can find around. I live in the butt-hole of Texas (El Paso), where there are no locally raised meat and no organic farms. There is also one Sprouts. Makes it very difficult when it comes to obtaining good meats.
Becky says
Thanks for the clarifications. I've been buying organic free-range eggs for months and can notice a clear taste difference compared to conventional but haven't ventured much into pastured eggs. Unfortunately my schedule means I am usually shopping when there are no farmer's markets open (weeknight evenings), but hope to stumble upon some pastured eggs soon.
Jess says
We have a member of our co-op that raises their own chickens and has so many that she offers them to us. They really are the best tasting eggs!!
Christi M says
I must say that I always thought it was crazy to think that farm fresh eggs from pastured chickens were better and noticeably different! Then we started getting eggs from a local farm. You can stop out and see their hens enjoying the green field and large hen house. He also refuses to use light to help his hens produce more in the winter months. They don't always have your order right away, but can almost always get it within a few days! I really can't beat only paying $2/dozen for that quality of egg. I hate now when I have to buy from the store... not only are they more expensive, but not as good!
Tiffany Holmes says
I have been searching for a better option for eggs with little luck. I only have access to a Publix as the farmers markets are closed until summer. Lucky for me, a cousin posted on Facebook about organic, pastured eggs for sale. Turns out, my aunt and uncle have more eggs than they know what to do with and sell them for $2.50 per dozen! How absolutely lucky am I?
Lori B. says
Very lucky!! Visiting my parents in North Dakota they get 100% pastured eggs for $1.00/doz. that is crazy cheap!!!!! Farms are everywhere and keeping chickens is just standard on these farms.
Christin Attebury says
We've been buying organic eggs from Costco. I think they are at least a step up from what we were doing. It's so frustrating that all of the healthy food is so expensive and/or hard to find. Sometimes the expense and inconvenience are hard to swallow. We're watching Food Inc. soon (it's on our Netflix cue) maybe that will help me justify it and get my husband on board too.
Amy says
We eat the eggs from the chickens in our barn :) We are lucky enough to live on a few acres and be able to have our own. It's fun, the kids love it, and everyone says our eggs are the best they've ever tasted (likely only store-bought). Our chickens are out in the hay patures every morning. We have 15 acres, and the neighbor has maybe 20 and they roam both and flutter up in the trees. They are out catching bugs, and nibbling on whatever. Their yolks are bright orange, too.
Lauren says
We live on less than half an acre the city, and we keep our own chickens too. Chicken keeping is such a fun family experience, and once you get off the ground (that's lots of work) it is soooo easy! I am not animal person, we have no house pets, but I have to say, we all love our girls!! It was experience of keeping chickens that lead me too this site and others to revamp our entire diet. Why eat these awesome homegrown eggs, but stop there?
So I guess you can say, our chickens are chickens our lives :)
Lauren
Lauren says
Oops..our chickens are CHANGING our lives!!
Karen says
We recently switched to pastured eggs from our local CSA. Eggs are bigger, with harder shells and bright orange yolks. I understand the confusion about the term *pastured*. I sent my husband to buy whole, organic, pastured milk and he brought home *pasteurized, organic milk. NOW he knows the difference.
MrsDan says
We've been buying Pasture Verde's Organic Pasture raised eggs from Earth Fare. We eat them regularly so if you happen to think a different brand/type at Earth Fare is better please let me know. It can all be a bit overwhelming!
Suzanne says
We own our chickens and do not buy store bought eggs. There is a noticeable difference in the quality and like this article says, the color and richness of the yolk.
Justyna says
Thanks for clearing some things up for me! Recently, we had to buy some eggs from the local Bi-Lo (desperation, really) and even though they had organic, the yolks were very pale and the shells brittle. We paid $5.99 for those eggs (they are about $3.50 from the farm) and were extremely frustrated and disappointed. Now, I know why. Thanks!
Jennifer says
I am new to your site (recommended by my friend Lynsey Petree Moore) and I love it. I have been buying eggs at the commissary because they are relatively inexpensive. However, we just watched Food, Inc. and I'm currently reading In Defense of Food. Your post today clarified a lot of things for me. Just found our closest year round farmer's market (the rest don't open until May) and ill be getting my eggs from them. Thanks for educating us!