1. Caged Eggs
These eggs come from hens confined in cages, restricting their movement and natural behaviours. While the EU has banned conventional cages, some enriched cages still exist, offering slightly better conditions but still far from ideal. These eggs are typically the cheapest option but come at a cost to animal welfare.
2. Cage-Free Eggs
Cage-free eggs are laid by hens kept in barns with more space than caged systems. However, they might not have access to the outdoors. Conditions can vary significantly, with some farms offering better environments than others. While an improvement over caged systems, they still might not meet all animal welfare standards.
3. Free-Range Eggs
Free-range hens have outdoor access, allowing them to exhibit more natural behaviours. However, the quality and amount of this outdoor access can differ widely between farms. Some free-range systems provide ample outdoor space and opportunities for natural behaviours, while others may offer smaller outdoor access.
4. Organic Eggs
Organic eggs come from hens that are fed organic feed and have guaranteed outdoor access. These standards ensure better welfare, but it’s worth noting that organic systems do not use in ovo sexing technology, which means male chicks are often raised for meat, in turn impacting sustainability.
Choosing the Right Eggs
Understanding these categories helps align your purchases with your values. While caged eggs are the most affordable, they come with significant animal welfare concerns. Cage-free and free-range eggs offer better living conditions for hens, with free-range providing some outdoor access. Organic eggs adhere to the strictest standards for both feed and living conditions but often have a higher ecological footprint.
Each label represents different welfare and sustainability standards, so your choice can make a significant impact on animal welfare and the environment.
Now, next time you’re faced with a shelf full of egg options, you’ll know exactly what each label means. Choose wisely!