Eggs varieties seem to be taking over the dairy isle these days, have you noticed? Let’s not even go there with the entire row of frozen pizza options! Here is a little help with the mystery of labels on eggs these days, and the added cost. Use these to make the best choice for your family and yourself.
Cage-Free
This label means that the hens live in large barns. They don’t have outdoor access, and they get about 1.5 sq. ft. of space each typically. Not idea for moving about much, but better than the extremely confined corners of a cage. They can move more and socialize, which makes for happier, healthy ladies!
Free-Range
The hens are often housed in barns, and have limited access to outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces are required to be at least 2 sq. ft. per hen and have the added bonus of vegetation. More plants to nosh on means more nutrients for the hens which translates into more nutrients in the eggs. No guarantee that every hen eats the plants, so a slight toss up on the added benefits in each egg.
Pasture-Raised
These chickens are required to get a minimum of 108 sq. ft. of outdoor space in addition to indoor space for resting and roosting. The more natural environment results in less stress for the hens and more room to move about and do what they do. Some studies have even shown these eggs to contain more nutrients and Omega 3s than non-pasture-raised hens.
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