The Hunt for Truly Soy Free and Corn Free Eggs

The Hunt for Truly Soy Free and Corn Free Eggs

In today's world of specialized diets and food allergies, finding ingredients that fit your needs can be a challenge. This is especially true when searching for soy free and corn free eggs. With more people avoiding common allergens like soy and corn, the demand is growing for eggs from hens raised on feed free from these ingredients.

Why Soy and Corn Free Eggs?

Soy and corn are two of the most common food allergens. Eggs labeled soy free and corn free appeal to those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. People on elimination diets like paleo also seek out these specialty eggs when reintroducing food groups.

Those without allergies may wonder if these eggs are any healthier. The answer is maybe. Some people feel soy interferes with hormones in the body. Corn is also high in omega 6 fatty acids, which most modern diets contain too much of. Pasture raised hens allowed to roam and eat grasses and bugs produce eggs higher in omega 3s and other nutrients.

The Problem with "Cage Free"

Grocery store egg cartons boast many claims like "cage free" and "all natural." However, don't let these terms fool you when searching for soy and corn free eggs. While cage free means the hens are not confined to tiny cages, it tells you nothing about their diet.

Hens raised cage free likely still ate feed containing soy, corn, and other standard industry ingredients. So while cage free offers more humane conditions for hens, the eggs themselves are not any different nutrition-wise.

Finding True Soy Free and Corn Free Eggs

Pasture raised eggs offer the best solution for avoiding soy and corn in your eggs. When hens roam freely outdoors eating grasses, bugs, and other foraged fare, their feed contains none of the industry standard ingredients.

Pasture Raised Options

Several small farm egg producers allow their hens access to pastures. They feed an all-natural, GMO-free diet without soy or corn. Below are some pasture raised egg brands to look for either locally or online.

• Pilgrim's Pride Eggs
• Egg Innovations
• JK's Farm Fresh Eggs
• Wilcox Farms

Trying Vital Farms Pasture Raised Eggs

One pasture raised egg brand growing in popularity is Vital Farms. While not labeled soy free and corn free, their hens eat a non-GMO verified diet. This diet avoids soy and corn as much as commercially possible per the company.

Vital Farms eggs offer an excellent pasture raised option if you cannot source local soy free and corn free eggs. Their hens enjoy 108 square feet of outdoor space each and rotate to fresh pasture every few days. The diverse forage diet leads to superior nutrition and more delicious eggs.

Benefits of Pasture Raised Eggs

Why go through so much trouble finding specialty pasture raised eggs? Besides avoiding certain allergens, pasture raised eggs provide more nutritional value.

Higher in Key Nutrients

Studies show eggs from pasture raised hens contain:

• 2/3 more vitamin A
• 3 times more vitamin E
• 3 to 6 times more omega-3 fatty acids

Pasture raised eggs also contain more carotenoids and vitamin D. These increases stem from the diverse diet hens eat while roaming outdoors.

Better Fatty Acid Ratios

The improved omega-3 content along with lower omega-6 changes the ratios for the better compared to commercial eggs. Most modern diets lead to imbalanced fatty acid profiles. Pasture raised eggs help correct this imbalance.

Incredible Nutrition, Soy Free and Corn Free

After learning about the nutritional boost pasture raised eggs provide, it's easy to see why demand increases for them. While finding 100% soy free and corn free eggs labeled as such proves difficult, pasture raised eggs offer the next best thing.

As the market for pasture raised eggs grows, new brands continue to emerge. Be on the lookout for pasture egg producers in your area. Or seek out the online options shipping straight to your door.

While the hunt continues for ever-elusive soy free and corn free eggs, pasture raised offers huge nutrition and taste benefits. Their high-quality proteins and nutrients will have you eagerly incorporating eggs into your diet instead of limiting them.

FAQs

Why should I care if my eggs are soy free and corn free?

Soy and corn are common food allergens. If you have an allergy or sensitivity, you'll want to avoid them. Those on elimination diets like paleo also seek out soy and corn free eggs when reintroducing foods.

Do cage free eggs mean the hens eat a soy free and corn free diet?

No. Cage free simply means the hens are not confined to small cages. Their feed likely still contains soy, corn, and other standard industry ingredients that you're trying to avoid with specialty eggs.

Where can I find soy free and corn free pasture raised eggs?

Check local farmers for true pasture raised eggs where hens are able to forage naturally eating grasses, bugs, etc. Online pasture raised egg brands like Vital Farms offer excellent nutrition while avoiding soy and corn feed as much as possible.

Why are pasture raised eggs more nutritious?

The diverse forage diet hens eat while roaming freely outside boosts levels of omega-3s, vitamin A, vitamin E, carotenoids and more compared to even organic eggs.

Can I eat as many pasture raised eggs as I want?

Yes! Pasture raised eggs provide superior protein and nutrients for good health. Unlike grains and soy, eggs do not appear to interfere with hormones or inflammation the same way either.