The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Eating Pasture Raised Eggs

The Benefits of Pasture Raised Eggs

When it comes to eggs, not all varieties are created equal. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness around the importance of choosing pasture raised eggs whenever possible. Pasture raised eggs come from chickens that are allowed to roam freely outdoors on a pasture, as opposed to being confined to small cages or crowded barns.

Why Choose Pasture Raised Eggs?

There are many benefits to choosing pasture raised eggs over conventional eggs from caged hens:

• Higher in omega-3 fatty acids - Pasture raised eggs contain significantly higher levels of beneficial omega-3s compared to conventional eggs.
• Richer color and flavor - The orange yolks of pasture raised eggs reflect the diverse diet and natural behaviors of the chickens. They often taste richer as well.
• No antibiotics or hormones - Chickens raised on pasture do not require routine antibiotics or growth hormones.
• Supports more humane farming - Allowing chickens outdoor access provides a healthier, lower-stress environment compared to cramped cages.
• Environmentally friendly - Pastures help capture carbon in the soil and require less energy inputs than large confined barns.

The Real Meaning of "Cage Free"

You may have noticed that some egg cartons are labeled as "cage free." However, it's important to understand that cage free does not equal pasture raised. Cage free simply means the chickens are not confined to small cages and have some ability to move around. However, they typically remain crowded inside barns with no outdoor access. So while cage free is better than normal caged facilities, the label is rather misleading compared to true pasture raised eggs.

Finding Quality Pasture Raised Eggs

Not all pasture raised egg brands are equal when it comes to transparency and production practices. Here is what to look for when evaluating pasture raised eggs:

Third Party Certification

Look for reputable third party certifications on egg cartons like Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved. These indicate independent audits to verify humane treatment and living conditions in accordance with certified standards.

Feed and Supplement Details

High quality pasture raised eggs come from chickens eating their natural diet of grass, bugs, and plants outdoors. Be cautious of vague labels like "vegetarian fed" which could still include corn, soy, or other grains. Ideally the eggs come from chickens eating non-GMO feed without soy, corn or other fillers. This optimizes the omega-3 content.

Pasture Specifications

Denser, rotated pastures with mobile housing and sufficient land allow chickens to fully exhibit natural behaviors. Approximately 108 square feet per bird is best practice for rotation. Details on the supplier's pasture practices indicate true free range methods.

Top Brands of Pasture Raised Eggs

Here are some leading national brands when it comes to verified pasture raised eggs:

Vital Farms

Vital Farms eggs come from family owned farms allowing chickens to rotate on 108 square foot pastures. They offer both pasture raised and organic pasture raised lines. While not 100% soy and corn free, they avoid GMO feed and aim for ethical, sustainable practices.

Pete & Gerry's Organics

Pete & Gerry's guarantees certified humane, free range living conditions allowing chickens outdoor access year round. Their feed is certified organic without GMOs or animal byproducts. Their specialty egg line also includes organic hard boiled and liquid egg whites.

Egg Innovations

Egg Innovations adheres to the strict requirements of the Certified Humane program. Their pasture raised eggs come from family farms where chickens enjoy a minimum of 108 square feet each of rotating outdoor access. They also avoid antibiotics and animal byproducts in feed.

The Nutritional Benefits of Eggs

Given all the advantages of pasture raised eggs covered already, you may be wondering - are eggs healthy to eat freely in your diet? Growing research continues to indicate that eggs provide exceptional nutrition and health value.

High Quality Protein

One large egg contains about 6 grams of protein with all nine essential amino acids. The protein quality surpasses nearly every other food. The egg protein digestibility score sets the benchmark for evaluating other protein sources.

Choline and Other Nutrients

Eggs serve as one of the best dietary sources for the vital nutrient choline, which supports brain health and development. They also contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin along with vitamins, minerals like selenium and phospholipids.

Sustainable Satisfaction

The combination of fat and protein in eggs promotes satiety and sustained energy levels. This leads to less impulsive snacking between meals or overeating at lunch/dinner. So while high in calories, eggs sustain you compared to empty carb sources.

Given the wealth of research on all the health and nutrition advantages, eggs can be safely enjoyed every day as long as you opt for the pasture raised variety whenever possible. When buying eggs, look for brands backed by third party certification and transparent about their pasture practices and chicken feed. This ensures you receive all the benefits pasture raised eggs have to offer.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of pasture raised eggs over conventional eggs?

Pasture raised eggs from chickens raised outdoors on rotating pastures are superior to conventional confined eggs in several key ways: higher omega-3 fatty acids, brighter color and flavor, lack of antibiotics/hormones, more humane for chickens, and better for the environment through regenerative grazing methods.

Does the "cage free" label mean the same as pasture raised?

No! Cage free simply means the chickens are not in tiny enclosed cages, but they still typically remain confined inside crowded barns with no outdoor access. True pasture raised means the chickens can exhibit their natural behaviors outdoors eating grass and insects on rotated pasture land.

What certifications should I look for on egg cartons when buying pasture raised eggs?

Credible third party certifications like Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved indicate that high standards around ethical treatment and housing have been verified through independent audits. This ensures authentic pasture raised practices are being upheld.

Can I eat pasture raised eggs frequently as part of a healthy diet?

Yes! Extensive research confirms eggs provide exceptional nutrition including high-quality protein, choline for brain function, antioxidants like lutein, and metabolism-sustaining fats/amino acids. The fat and protein also promote satiety. So with the qualifications met for pasture access and feed, eggs can be enjoyed daily within a balanced diet.