Understanding what the labels on egg cartons mean can help you choose the healthiest eggs. They convey information about how animals are treated as well as the nutritional content of the eggs.

1. Pasture-Raised Eggs

Pasture-raised eggs are generally more nutritious than conventional eggs. They provide more antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and E than conventional eggs.1

If you are concerned about animal welfare and the environment, choose pasture-raised eggs.

"Pasture-raised" eggs come from hens that spend time outdoors on at least 108 square feet of pasture. This practice supports soil quality and ecosystem health.2

Keep In Mind: "Pasture-raised" is not a U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA)-regulated term. It's best to purchase pasture-raised eggs that come with an animal welfare certification, such as "Certified Humane Raised and Handled."

2. Cage-Free

This USDA-regulated term means hens are raised without cages and can perform natural behaviors.

"Cage-free" does not mean hens have outdoor access. These hens can roam vertically and horizontally inside.

Cage-free hens make up around 38% of the United States laying flock. Their popularity is on the rise as more people demand better living conditions for laying hens.3

3. Free-Range

Free-range is another USDA-regulated term. It requires laying hens to have continuous access to outdoor space during their laying cycle.

Each hen must have at least 2 square feet of range. The USDA does not specify outdoor access time or type.

Free-range hens are required to have protection from predators and adequate housing that promotes animal welfare.4

4. Certified Organic

This USDA-regulated label requires laying hens to be fed 100% certified organic feed.

Certified organic laying hens are prohibited from being treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. They must also be free-range.5

Should You Try Non-Chicken Eggs?

Like chicken eggs, the USDA inspects eggs from other types of domesticated birds, such as ducks, turkeys, and geese. The inspection process makes sure eggs are not adulterated and safe to eat.6

Producers of eggs from domesticated birds like ducks can also have their eggs graded, which is voluntary. 

What Other Factors Should You Consider?

Many labels require humane conditions for hens, but most U.S. hens live in poor conditions. About 71% of eggs come from hens in conventional cages.7

Hens in these systems spend their lives confined to cages, unable to turn around or perform natural behaviors.

These conditions affect the health and quality of life of laying hens. They also produce the worse-quality eggs, including eggs with weak shells and pale yolk color.7

How Egg Grades Affect Your Choices

The USDA mandates egg safety requirements. Egg grading, for quality and size, is voluntary.

During this process, eggs are evaluated to determine their grade, which ranges from AA to B.8 Grading is based on shell cleanliness, yolk defects, blood spots, irregular shells, and other factors.

The USDA egg grades include:9

• USDA Grade AA: The highest quality eggs, such as those with clean, unbroken shells and firm, round yolks
• USDA Grade A: Very high-quality eggs, including those with clean shells and reasonably thick whites
• USDA Grade B: Lower-quality eggs that have defects and are usually used for liquid egg products

Eggs are also weighed and separated into weight classes, such as:9

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

Large eggs are the most common type sold in grocery stores.

Common Egg Labels and What They Mean

There are a few more certifications and labels to be aware of when shopping for eggs, including:10

• Animal Welfare Certified: This program from Global Animal Partnership has five levels. Level one allows indoor living, while level five requires full-time pasture access.11
• Certified Humane®: Eggs with this label come from hens raised without cages and given space to move, perch, and eat quality feed. Outdoor access is not required.
• HFAC's Certified Humane® "Pasture Raised": These eggs come from hens with at least 108 square feet of pasture each. They must also meet other animal welfare standards.

These certifications are voluntary and are verified yearly by their respective organizations.

You will also see labels that have to do with the feed that hens are given. Omega-3-enriched eggs come from hens given omega-3-enriched feed. They can contain up to five times more omega‐3 fatty acids than conventional eggs.12 

Eggs can also be enriched with vitamin D, which is essential for immune function, bone health, and more. They can contain up to 78% more vitamin D than conventional eggs.13

How Can You Choose the Healthiest Eggs?

Consider choosing eggs from companies that use humane practices and those that carry labels such as Humane Certified or Animal Welfare Certified.

Eggs from pasture-raised hens are higher in some nutrients compared to conventional eggs, which makes them a healthier choice.17 Not only that, but pasture-raised hens have much better living conditions than hens raised in conventional cage systems.

Most people buy eggs at the grocery store. You can also buy eggs from local farms that use humane practices and raise their hens on pasture.