Understanding Egg Labels

Eggs are a staple of most breakfasts and a daily source of protein. Eggs almost always contain the same nutrients and components, but the way the chicken was raised and what it is fed will affect the color of the yolk, nutritional content, and flavor. 

The below information is meant to serve as a general introductory guide to understanding egg labels when reading in grocery stores or at home:

• Pasture Raised: This is the most natural life possible. Hens are inside coops for sleep and shelter at night, but they spend the majority of their days roaming around feeding on natural grasses, bugs, and living freely.
  • Raised with 108 square feet to move 
  • Outdoor space available all the time 
  • No antibiotics 
  • Access to natural grasses
  • 30-50% diet comes from foraging
• Cage Free: These hens may not be in cages, but they are extremely packed together in tight spaces in an unhealthy environment and without the best living conditions.
  • 1 square foot to move 
  • No outdoor space available 
  • Antibiotics allowed 
  • No access to eat natural grasses 
  • Corn based diet 
  • Live in an extremely packed space 
• Free Range: These hens do have some access to outside space, but it could be as small as a hole for them to pop their heads out. Their diet is primarily fed to them rather than being able to choose to forage what they enjoy.
  • 2 square feet to move 
  • Limited outdoor space available 
  • No antibiotics
  • Natural grasses not always accessible, must be provided with 2 square feet during the production cycle.  
  • Corn based diet