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The confusing egg categories on the shelf

It’s always a bit of a struggle, buying eggs.

The first hurdle is trying to find them, somehow they have a weird place in supermarkets. Once you found them, the next step is choosing the right one. At the end of the day it are all just eggs, right? You wouldn’t taste the difference in your sunny side ups.

So what’s the matter?

You have a better look at the shelf. First you’re confronted with big price differences. There are photos of chickens in grass on the packaging.

Brown eggs. White eggs.

Looks tempting.

You’re considering different animal welfare labels, innovative egg concepts and maybe a no chick culling label. Kudos if the latter is the case, by the way.

Confusing shelf, isn’t it?

Pricing the dozens

We’ve recently published an article about egg pricing. And guess what? There are some surprising economics going on behind egg pricing. 

Egg prices have recently skyrocketed due to various factors. Inflation is a big one, increasing feed costs for the chickens. Next to that, bird flu reduces chicken populations, creating a imbalance in supply and demand.

But the real surprise lies in the consumer demand for better animal welfare. 

Studies show that consumers are willing to pay more for eggs that come from farms that prioritise animal welfare. This impacts pricing a lot; eggs from welfare-focused farms cost more but attract conscious buyers who are willing to pay for animal welfare.

So it might be no surprise that many of the egg categories involve animal welfare at their core. 

Category 1: Caged Eggs

When it comes to animal welfare, eggs from caged birds aren’t doing very well. The name gives away the main characteristic of the eggs: hens are confined to cages, often referred to as battery cages, where they spend their entire lives. These cages are designed to use a space to its maximum efficiency but leaves little room for the hens to move around or exhibit natural behaviours, such as dust bathing or even stretching their wings. The conditions in which caged hens live are far from ideal. Or just really bad, actually.

The EU implemented a ban on conventional cages for egg-laying hens in 2012, but enriched, or ‘furnished’, cages were still allowed. In 2021, the European Commission has committed to phase out the use of cages in farming by the end of 2023, with the aim of enforcing the ban from 2027. It comes after the EU parliament passed a non-binding vote in favour of the ban in 2021.

So luckily, you won’t find any caged eggs on the shelves within the EU.

Category 2: Cage-Free Eggs

Cage-free hens are not held in battery cages; they are housed in larger barns or warehouses. While this allows them more physical space to move around, it does not guarantee access to the outdoors or natural sunlight.

Although cage-free hens enjoy more freedom of movement compared to their caged counterparts, the conditions in which they are raised can still vary widely. Some cage-free facilities may provide enrichments such as perches and nesting areas, allowing hens to engage in more natural behaviours. However, often these facilities are still crowded and lack the environmental stimuli necessary for hens’ well-being.

When purchasing cage-free eggs, it is essential to be aware that the label does not guarantee specific animal welfare standards apart from being outside of cages. If you are concerned about the welfare of hens, it may be worth considering alternative options such as free-range or organic eggs.

Category 3: Free-Range Eggs

The outdoor access provided to free-range hens leads to improved animal welfare compared to caged or cage-free systems.

The duration and quality of outdoor access can vary a lot, though. Some free-range hens have the opportunity to roam outdoors during daylight hours; exploring natural environments, pecking at the ground while enjoying the sunlight and fresh air. However, in other cases, the outdoor access may be limited to smaller spaces and concrete yards.

Category 4: Organic Eggs

Organic eggs are produced following specific guidelines set by organic farming standards. These guidelines cover various aspects of egg production, including the hens’ diet, living conditions, and access to the outdoors. Organic hens are fed an organic diet free from pesticides, synthetic fertilisers and genetically modified organisms.

Furthermore, organic hens are raised in systems that prioritise animal welfare. They are required to have outdoor access, allowing them to engage in natural behavioursand express their natural instincts.

By choosing organic eggs, you are not only supporting sustainable agricultural practices but also contributing to the well-being of the hens.

But there is a side note.

Organic has a clear view on the topic of male chicks too: they should not be killed. In itself, this is a good thing, of course. But organic eggs do not involve in ovo sexing, they are reared and used for their meat. 

Rearing male hens for their meat is of course a big improvement of animal welfare, but sustainability-wise, it’s not the best option. We’ve recently written an article about this topic: The balancing act between sustainability and animal welfare.

It’s also good to know that there are many egg producers who don’t necessarily fit in to one of these categories, but do actually have very high animal-welfare standards. So understanding these categories is important, but there’s more to say about eggs than its category.

So, what eggs should you buy?

Egg production is a complex industry with various methods and standards. Understanding the differences between caged, cage-free, free-range, and organic eggs is of course crucial for making informed choices as consumers. 

We won’t tell you which eggs to buy. Sorry if that’s a bit of a bummer to end the article with.

But as you reach for that carton of eggs next time, take a moment to consider the journey of those eggs and the impact of your choices. By going for eggs that prioritise animal welfare and sustainable practices, you can make a positive difference in the world, one egg at a time.