Eggs are a staple item in many people’s homes. In my house, a carton of eggs is regularly on the weekly grocery list. While eggs can have major health benefits, the egg aisle can also be very misleading and confusing to people because of terminology like cage-free, pasture-raised and organic. Most people go to the egg aisle and buy the ones with the cheapest dollar sign. But do you know the effects this could be having on your health? It’s time you learn the different meanings behind egg labels and start buying the most beneficial for your health. Let’s break it down: 

Let’s start with cage free. 

This term is often the most deceiving. All that cage free means is that the hen is not living in a cage. However, most likely the hen is still living in an enclosed room where they are given corn and soy to eat (often heavily GMOed). It’s commonly a very stressful situation for the hens. Since they are given scraps of food, the eggs are usually not very nutrient dense and don’t offer your body many benefits. 

Next, let’s talk pasture raised. 

These hens are raised in small pastures where they are given an area to walk around and eat grass and plants. They are often given some scraps of corn and soy but mostly eat the greenery from the pasture. They are significantly more nutrient dense and contain twice the amount of Vitamin A, E and omega fatty acids. 

Lastly, organic. 

Since USDA Organic is very regulated, this guarantees you that the pastures are not treated with any antibiotics or chemical pesticides. The hens are also not given any GMO corn or soy to eat. It is also more mindful and environmentally sustainable/ not as stressful of a situation for the hens.