Check the freshness of any egg carton!

Common Labels & Claims

Here's a rundown of the common labels and claims you'll see on cartons, and what they really mean.

Cage Free

What it means: Hens are not caged, but they are kept indoors, usually in large industrial spaces with thousands of birds. The benefits: They can move around, lay eggs in a nest, and spread their wings -- unlike caged hens. One three-year study found that cage-free hens have stronger bones and lower risk of dying, compared to caged birds.

Free-Range

What It Means: Cage-free, plus access to the outdoors -- usually in a poultry house with flapped doors allowing them access to outdoors. There is no set standard on how much range is available to them. In many cases, "free-range" ends up being essentially the same as "cage free".

Organic

What It Means: Egg producers who use "Organic" claims are regulated by the USDA. Organic eggs must come from chickens that are free-range, fed organic feed (no synthetic pesticides), and receive no antibiotics. The chickens may still live in crowded, industrial spaces.

Pasture-Raised

What It Means: Most of their life is spent outdoors, with access to a barn. Many eat a diet of worms, insects and grass, along with corn feed. Pasture-raised is the gold standard of raising chickens in their most natural environment.

Omega-3 Fortified Eggs

What It Means: Hens are fed a diet consisting of feed like soybean meal, grains, canola oil, and/or flax seed, which are high in omega-3s, leading to higher levels of omega-3s in the eggs. However, while the omega-3s may be two to three times higher than traditional eggs, it's still far lower than omega-3 content of fish like salmon or tuna.

Egg claims that are more marketing than substance:

Farm Fresh

What it means: Not much. There is no standard definition or requirement for the term "Farm Fresh".

All Natural

What It Means: Again, not much. There is no standard definition or requirement for the term "Natural".

No Hormones

What It Means: While technically accurate, it's misleading. It is against U.S. regulations and illegal to give hormones to poultry. No eggs on shelves in the United States will be from hens that are given hormones.

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