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. |
Jesse says
If you live in the Northeast, look for Country Hen eggs out of Hubbardston, MA. They are organic, free-range eggs and they are fantastic with a deep orange yolk. Luckily those of us who live in town can get farm sales for significantly cheaper than in stores, but they are sold in grocery stores all along the East coast (I think). If I don't get to the farm sales I buy the Nature's Promise brand of organic eggs at Stop and Shop.
Diana @ Eating Made Easy says
Great post! It's so important that people are aware of what these different labels mean. They can be so confusing. Vital Farms is one of my favorite brands because I can always find them at my local Whole Foods, and I like that they show me a picture of the hens who laid my eggs! Here's a post I did on the subject as well.
http://eating-made-easy.com/2012/06/04/what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-eggs/
Tiff says
Thanks for this. I had no idea. I usually go for organic, but then again, I don't visit my farmer's market like I should.
Debra T. says
My inlaws have chickens so we get out eggs from them! I know what they eat and it's mainly breads and grains, and whatever insects they pluck out of the ground, they get let out everyday! Can't get any fresher then that lol!
Clare says
Wow. I had o idea that there were so many different terms when it comes to eggs. I just figured and egg is an egg. Thanks for sharing! Now the problem is actually finding the healthiest ones!
Morey says
What to do in the wintertime? Had a flock of chickens this past summer and was converted, but had some predator problems and have been bird-less since fall. I continue to buy farmers' eggs but I wonder what the value is, since no one has been eating pastured grass here since November. Free range is essentially meaningless. I like buying local, but other than that, I don't know.
Jenifer says
We have chickens. Free range isn't totally meaningless. In the winter they still get foliage, just not "green" grass. They still eat the brown grass, they eat small leaves off of plants, and they dig for bugs and worms, especially under leaf piles. Our small flock ranges farther in the winter looking for stuff because there isn't as much wild "food" available to them in our yard. Of course, we also supplement with feed, but our eggs still have orange yolks and nice thick shells. (I admit, we are in Northern TN, so we have a bit more temperant climate than those farther North, but still stays pretty cold here during the winter.)
Pam@behealthybehappywellness says
We buy our eggs from a local farmer too- that way I can SEE for myself how the chickens are raised. However, I do struggle when we travel, I often end up buying the certified organic, pastured or cage free eggs and hope for the best.
Karen Holley says
I raise laying hens and the color has nothing to do with the quality of the egg. Like others have stated the dark orange color comes from marigold extract that farmers add to their feed (mainly due to the misconception that dark orange is better). I have four different breeds and each hen eats basically the same diet which is a mix of organic, non-GMO feed and what they eat from the yard. Each egg yolk is a slightly different color. The biggest difference in a farm fresh egg and a store bought egg is the consistency of the egg whites. Fresh egg whites are very thick and cause the yolk to sit up high and less fresh store bought eggs have runny, thin whites.
One more note... if the farmer is still feeding GMO feed with corn and soy they are not any better nutritionally than store bought. They are most likely happier chickens which is very important, but their eggs are not necessarily healthier.
Tonya Mae says
I made the switch to real food last June. I shopped around trying to find the best eggs I could. No farmers market in my area. I finally found a local source who lets his chickens roam free. On the rare occasion he has to supplement, he uses organic feed only. I know this family and trust them: I teach their daughter. :-)
Thank you for the information and for all you to do inform us!
Kenedi - Real Food Whole Life says
I hear from so many newbies to Real food who are so devastated by this news. They've been spending extra money on "cage free eggs" in the grocery store and it certainly is depressing to find out that they aren't much different than the cheaper version. We only buy our eggs from locals farmers who I know and trust. Sadly even local farmers are still feeding their hens GMO grains as supplementation. Know your farmer, talk to you farmer!
Heather says
Something I've been wondering that you haven't addressed in this article: Pastured eggs certainly might be healthier in regard to the diet and health of the chicken, but what about if pastured chickens are being fed GMO feed (corn and soy that are "high protein")? Would they be better than the "organic" eggs from the grocery store? I'm not sure what to think. Your thoughts?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Heather. Several people have asked this so Jason added this to the post: 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." Readers have added a lot of good info. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Wendy says
Mandi expresses my very concern. Organic should be non GMO! I can't be sure about my local farmers market! Since I can't go to the feed store locally and purchase non GMO feed they can't either! I am sticking to organic for now!
Susan says
Eye opening discussions. We raised chickens in the past and enjoyed the fresh eggs. But after reading the comments, we didn't have the best possible eggs. We weren't particular about the feed we used. We were afraid of them getting eaten by the coyotes, so we limited them to a 16x16 pen with weeds, no grass, and nesting boxes. Hard to grow grass in drought ridden Central Texas. If we have chickens again, we'll re-think the feed and pen. In the meantime, we just buy the best possible at the store...Although I think I'll try to find a local source. But when I read of low prices from the local sources, I have to assume they aren't buying that $35 feed.
Rachel says
We buy eggs that are from a local farmer. They are wonderful...the yolks are so dark as to almost look orange and the taste is so much better than store bought eggs. Soooo worth it! Thanks for your post!
Jill C. says
This post is quite timely as a friend posted on her FB wall about her confusion with eggs. It was amazing for me to see everything her friends said about them that simply isn't true (these ladies are all in or near their 50s). The biggest error: egg quality is determined by shell color (and thus cost more in the stores). I'm quite suprised that this misinformation is still believed by many people. My years as a poultry 4-H student informed me that it is the breed of chicken that determines shell color. The higher cost for brown, blue, etc. eggs typically stems from a) this misconception on health benefits so consumers are willing to pay more, and b) breeds the produce white shells are smaller, less meaty birds and require less feed and thus a lower cost/egg.
Cady says
We purchase ours via a weekly year-round CSA, and have done so now for about four years. They taste much richer. They're certified organic and are pastured chickens. We can literally see them running around on the farm. If we ever need more than the dozen/week our farm provides we choose the most humane label available at the grocery store, but your picture has proven to be our experience as well... yellow yolks instead of that gorgeous golden orange.
Mandi says
My biggest concern here is that most local eggs are fed GMO corn and soy feed. I have to decide between a more healthful egg and one that I'm sure isn't toxin tainted. I'd rather give my kids the organic eggs from Trader Joes than local GMO
The best is local organic, but spendy and HARD to come by. The local growers would prefer NON-GMO but it is hard to even get the information about it (I know I asked) and there are so few choices for them thanks for Agro consolidation.
Jill says
That was my concern...
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/soy he feeds his chickens).
Which is better for my health and daughter’s health? I currently skip out on my brother and get our organic ones from Whole Foods or Trader Joes. Am I doing the right thing?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jill. Jason added a little blip to the post: 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
Jenny says
We buy from our eggs from our raw milk dairy farmer, so we kill 2 birds w one stone. They're also cheaper than the farmer's market. This can be a frustrating thing- looking at all the labels in the market- daunting & discouraging! So glad to buy my farm eggs and not be afraid to eat them raw in my dressings, mayo and French silk pie! My husband calls me a food snob too;) but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to buy things in the standard grocery store.
Anndee says
We raise our own chickens and enjoy fresh eggs. The darker yolks are definitely linked to the chickens's diet. Many chicken feeds have merigold extract in them which really has an effect on the color of the yolk. When we changed our chicken feed to an organic variety, it no longer had the merigold extract in it. As a result our yolks are no longer quite that bright orangey-yellow. The chickens still roam freely and eat all sorts of veggie scraps and bugs as well as other plants in the yard. I have no doubt that these eggs are healthier, but I think the color can be deceiving.
Catherine @ Happily Ever Crafter says
I love this! Wish I had seen this months ago but I still learned :) I made a promise to myself about 6 months ago to try my best to only buy my meat and eggs from local farmers. I slip on occasion but still try to get the most farm fresh as I can from the store. I've found that it's difficult to find the right kind in stores. My local Food Lion is ALWAYS out of stock of the cage free, free range, and vegetarian fed chicken eggs. Target has cage-free and cage-free organic but I'm still leery buying from such a large corporation. I've found the best solution is to take a little trip downtown to my local farmer's market! It's like killing two birds with one stone (ha!) because I'm getting eggs I can feel confident about the treatment of the chickens and I'm supporting local business!
Mary Beth says
Lisa, do you have a preferred vendor at the Matthews Farmer's Market - and if you do, any reason why?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Mary Beth. This should answer you question: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/02/08/where-to-buy-real-food/. ~Amy
Lindsey says
What if the carton also says "roaming nesting hens"? To me that's a different label than the ones mentioned above.
Less Sugar Naturally says
Really interesting article. I hadn't really thought too much about eggs yet. I do have a friend who gets fresh eggs from a farmer but wondered how different they might be from the store eggs. I'll have to do more research into this and what the standards are in Canada.
Catherine @ Happily Ever Crafter says
Chickens that are free-range and healthy live less stressful lives and eat better which in turn produces a much better egg. It tastes better and is better for you. Easiest bet is to buy from your local farmer's market! You'll be supporting a local business and you can be confident that the chickens who produced your eggs are well cared for.
Lindsey says
What about roaming nesting hens? That seems like a different term than the ones listed.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lindsey. This is from Jason's chart: "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." ~Amy
Lauren says
I've read that it's really the bugs and pebbles that the pastured chickens have access to that makes the difference, not necessarily the greens. Also, my farmers egg yolks are a different color depending on the time of year and other factors. I love cracking them to see just how intense or pale the color will be each time! I saw a commercial for industrial eggs (trying to make them seem wholesome) and they mentioned that marigolds are part of their feed. It's to make the egg yolks darker. So now you can't even trust that!
Amanda Cowan says
I have a hard time finding them reliably available at our farmers markets (they seem to only have a dozen or two available at each market, which are roughly 3-4 days a week here. So if I can't make it early enough in the market, I'm out of luck.
BUT we found a high school nearby with an AG (FFA) program where the kids actually care for the chickens. We have been able to visit the chickens and talk to the students who care for them, who are able to answer all our questions regarding the chickens and their care.
And yes! The quality and taste is light years away from those standard white grocery store eggs!
Bonnie Groce says
For the past year or so, we have been getting eggs from a neighbor who has pastured chickens and we have become total egg snobs! Even if they weren't better for you, they taste 100 times better than any egg I've bought at a store. I could definately tell the difference in a blind taste test! REAL eggs are the way to go!
April says
What about the ones that are "certified humane". From what I understand it's an independent company that certifies them and verifies they are living in a humane way-not over crowded, access outside, etc. The brand I buy is Phils and they are somewhat "local" and are certified humane.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi April. Here is their website: http://www.certifiedhumane.org/. They have a short video that explains what they do. ~Amy
terita says
Wow, unbelievable! I just bought a dozen supermarket eggs (in addition to the beautiful farmer's market eggs I already have) to snap a comparison photo and blog about this exact same thing!
I've only recently made the switch to real eggs, and I'm astonished at how fresh they taste. Great post!
Pat tanner says
No one has mentioned Fertile eggs which I have been told is important. Any comments.
Kim says
Fertile eggs are nutritionally the same as unfertilized eggs. There is no change in the egg unless a chicken begins to sit and incubate the eggs. I keep and raise chickens, and because I have a rooster most of my eggs are fertilized.
Sarah says
I buy my eggs from my husband's aunt for $2 a dozen! I think they cut us a deal since we're the young married couple in the family. I love buying them from a family I know treats their animals well. The chickens are usually out all day, but are put into a shelter at night. They live in an area where coyotes are known for eating the chickens! We are also able to buy whole, unprocessed milk and grass fed beef! There's nothing quite knowing the farmers you buy from! I'm very thankful for their generous prices since cutting our food budget down to $300/month!
sally cloud says
First of all, I am allergic to soy and have only recently discovered why certain eggs make me sick. It is worth noting that most of the chicken feed out there is not just GMO but in particular is GMO SOY. I bought some local eggs & they made me quite ill which led to the search for WHY. The Japanese have done a study on the amounts of soy contained in egg yolks from soy fed chickens and the amount is alarming. I only buy eggs labeled "soy free" and have not been sick once.
Darcy says
I live in metro Detroit and farmers markets are not down the street. I do buy organic meat from a farm 1 x per year so when we go i buy eggs. So i recently started buying organic eggs @ costco. 2 dozen for 6.50- just read the package and it says
cage fee
Certified organic feed
No hormones or antibotics
Usda graded for assurance of quality
Usda grade AA.
I figure this is better than reg eggs at the store. Someday im hoping to have my own chickens and wont have to worry about it. Basicly i feel we can only do what we can with what we have to work with. Ive learned so much recently about organic, that it can go to the store organic but get contaminated while in shipment or in storage and one farmer doing things right but down the road another is not and it blows on to the organic stuff. Sometimes its so frustating that it feels whats the sense of trying so hard when so many obstacles are out there. But then i look at my babies and that is why i do it.
Cortni McGregor says
Hi there!
I recently did some of my own research as to what these terms meant when I was buying chicken. I usually purchase my "happy" chicken from a local small farmer, one that I have visited and witnessed the chickens roaming free. Your story is inspiring and I look forward to following your blog. Thanks for the helpful tips.
I just graduated from Cornell with a biology degree thinking I wanted to go on to Med school, now I have found a true passion in nutrition and food science. If you're interested, I have just started a blog and have been overwhelmed with all of the food investigations I want to take on, but look forward to posting about all of the research I have done.
http://yakkafit.wordpress.com/category/food-investigation/
Thanks again!
Julianna says
This is not to discredit the organic certification, but to clarify one common misconception (that has been repeated in this blog on a number of occasions): Certified Organic DOES NOT MEAN pesticide-free. It means that SYNTHETICALLY-DERIVED pesticides are not allowed to be used.
For an excellent, fact-based summary of this myth and three others related to organic farming, I refer you to a recent Scientific America post: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/science-sushi/2011/07/18/mythbusting-101-organic-farming-conventional-agriculture/
Bottom line is this: Eat whole foods. Eat a variety of different foods. Buy locally as much as you can. Wash ALL produce before you eat it whether it was conventionally grown or organically certified, because unless you grow it yourself, there are no guarantees.
Kristin says
If you really want to see if the chicken are pastured take a drive out to the farm. I get my beef and sometimes eggs from a local farm and my kids love to walk up to the fence to see the cows. We also see the chickens running around proving there are in fact free range. The farm's website also has extensive details about their farming practices. For convenience and price, I usually get my eggs from another local farm at the farmer's market, I have read up about their practices as well. I guess the key is to find a farmer you trust.
The fresh eggs I buy from the farmer's market run $4 a dozen for large, though extra large are the same price, so I usually get extra large for eating (fired, scrambled, hard boiled, etc.) and use the large eggs for baking. I've seen them slightly cheaper from other vendors, but I trust this vendor's farming practices. It is hard to get to the market some Saturdays, but the eggs usually last for 4 weeks so I stock up when I need to.
Also, I had heard vegetarian fed by definition never get time outside because if they were allowed to eat grubs and bugs, they would no longer be vegetarian. Not sure if this is actually true.
Namastemama says
I have been buying eggs directly from the farm for 8 years. I am on my 4th farmer . Not really farmers, just people that keep chickens with extra. Sometimes we go without in the winter. I can definitely tell the difference from different sources. We currently pay $3-$4 a dozen. I am completely baffled if I have to buy eggs in the store. This chart helps a little. I hate paying 4-5 dollars at the store for far inferior eggs. I am currently thinking of keeping chickens but don't know if I can add that my todo list. Plus we want to move in 2 years .
I have always found my eggs by following signs on the side of the road. Once u start buying on farm u will find more suppliers. It's a close knit community.
Kathleen says
In winter, we get ours from the local butcher shop that carries products primarily from the store's own sustainable farm. They claim that they're free range--not sure beyond that but trust that the ethical farming practices that they use factor into their chicken-raising. In the summer, we've gotten eggs from our CSA.
I'd live to have a backyard coop but am not sure we can in our neighborhood. I'm envious of friends with hens...
RoAy says
This makes me want to have my own chickens. That's really the only way to know. Even getting it from the farmer's market is assuming that the farmer is telling the truth, and anyone can "fib" when money is involved. No one is immune.
Judi says
We got our chickens last year. We have 7. In the spring and smear they produce about 5-6 eggs per day. More than we can eat. They have a coop and a yard, but several of them have also figured out how to escape. The get bugs and grass and table scraps. We have found that the taste of these eggs is amazing. Just a note. We do use feed and as of right now it is the cheaper pellets. Might look into local feed corn this year.