Standing in the egg aisle at the store can be an overwhelming task nowadays. With so many options and confusing labels like cage free, free range, pasture raised, brown, white, organic, and humane certified, what is the real difference, and what do all these labels really mean? Let’s dive into some definitions and I promise at the end of this article you will be a pro at picking out eggs!
There are some important definitions in the world of eggs. Once you understand these terms it will be a breeze!
- Organic: “produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.”
- Humane Certified: “This label means the birds were raised in a manner that meets certification requirements of Humane Farm Animal Care. This includes; being uncaged and having access to perches, nest boxes and dust-bathing areas, limited flock density, no debeaking, or starvation to induce molting in the birds.”
- Cage Free: “These hens can move freely both horizontally and vertically, but they may not have access to outdoor areas.”
- Free Range: “These hens have the extra space that cage-free birds have, but also access some form of outside area.”
- Pasture Raised: “Hens that produce pasture-raised eggs have regular access to a large outdoor space that is covered in grass or other vegetation.”
- Grade AA: “A Grade AA egg is the highest quality egg you can buy. The egg whites are thick and firm, the yolks are high and round, and the shells are clean and unbroken.”
- Grade A: “Grade A eggs have the same exterior quality as Grade AA eggs, but their interior quality is slightly lower, as their whites are not as firm.
- Egg Shell Coloring: “Egg shell colors depend solely on the breed of chicken. For example, White Leghorn chickens lay white-shelled eggs, while Plymouth Rocks and Rhode Island Reds lay brown-shelled eggs.”
I hope this clears up any misconceptions or rumors you had about eggs. Many people are shocked to find out that white eggs and brown eggs are just from different hens, as many of us were told growing up that brown eggs are healthier. If you can find a carton that has organic, humane certified, and pasture raised you have the trifecta of the highest quality eggs. They may be a little more expensive, but always remember you get what you pay for, especially with food. Now that you’re an expert, share your egg knowledge with someone!
Want to check out the sites for all the definitions? Check them out HERE & HERE!
Note: * This is NOT an affiliate post. I do not receive anything for promoting or recommending things. *