What Egg Labels Really Mean

Understanding Eggs

If you don't have access to farm fresh eggs or own your own chicken coupe, then you are faced with buying eggs at the grocery store with many different claims and labels that can be confusing and somewhat misleading. 

The United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, regulates eggs sizes, grades, and terms used in association with the sale of eggs. 

This mini egg guide will help you understand what these labels mean & what you are buying! 

Grading of Eggs 

All the possible grades of eggs are USDA Grade AA, A, or B. Grades are given based off of the interior quality of the egg and the appearance/condition of the egg shell. Mostly focusing on appearance, all grades of eggs taste the same. 

Eggs are also labeled based on size which are jumbo, extra large, large, medium, small, and peewee. 

Grades: 

• USDA Grade AA: clean unbroken shells, whites that are thick & firm, yolks that are round, high and essentially free from defects. 
• USDA Grade A: have the same characteristics of Grade AA eggs, except the whites of the eggs are fairly firm/ less firm that Grade AA. 
• USDA Grade B: shells must be unbroken, but may show slight strains. 

Size (minimum net weight per dozen): 

• Jumbo: 30 oz 
• Extra large: 27 oz
• Large: 24 oz
• Medium: 21 oz
• Small: 18 oz
• Peewee: 15 oz

Raising of Eggs 

Cage-free, pasture-raised, free-range, and organic eggs can all be found at the grocery store, but what does this mean? 

Cage-free 

Eggs being labeled as "Cage-Free" means they can "freely roam a building, room, or enclosed area with unlimited access to food and fresh water during their production cycle, but [do] not have access to the outdoors." A normal hen cage size is about the size of a piece of paper, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, this is a slightly better life for the hens, but not by much. 

Pasture-raised (NOT regulated by the USDA)

When an egg is labeled with "Pasture-raised" the general meaning is that the hens are given the opportunity to roam on green, grassy pastures EVERY day. However, this term is not regulated by the USDA, and the meaning of this label varies from brand to brand. 

If the label states the eggs are "pasture-raised" AND have a stamp saying "Certified Humane" and/or "Animal Welfare Approved" this means that each hen was given 35 to108 square feet of outdoor space in addition to barn space inside. 

Free-range 

Eggs that are labeled as "Free-range" means the hens have some access to the outdoors. This does not mean that the hens are encouraged, or do, go outside nor does it explain what 'access to the outdoors' means... Simply put it means there is a door the farmer could potentially open for the hens to reach outside. 

Organic eggs 

Eggs labeled as "organic" means that the eggs must come from hens that are fed only organic feed free of animal byproducts, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or chemical additives in addition to not being given antibiotics or hormones. 

Other Egg Jargon Explained 

Local: eggs must come from a flock that's located less than 400 miles from the processing facility or within the same state. 

Vegetarian-Fed: chickens are omnivores that love worms and bugs, but are usually fed animal byproducts like feather meal and chicken litter, so being vegetarian fed is potentially a good thing.  

Enriched Colony: production system that improves hens environment. These enrichments can include perch space, dust bathing or scratching areas, and nest space, enriched colony systems are American Humane Certified. 

Good Source of Protein: ALL eggs fit this nutrient content claim because they meet or exceed the recommended daily value of protein in a diet. (More of a marketing ploy than anything, unfortunately).

Natural: USDA ensures all egg shells are natural.