Why are eggs so expensive and which are best? Cracking the code on carton labels

If you eat eggs on a regular basis, you’ve probably noticed that the price of a dozen eggs appears to have doubled in the last year or so. An outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, killed millions of egg-laying chickens across the country, causing a severe egg shortage. While supermarkets no longer run out of eggs, the higher prices remain.

A dozen grade-A eggs can cost anywhere from $3.00 to $10.00 at a typical Southern California grocery store. Are the more expensive eggs worth it, given that eggs are more expensive than ever? What exactly do the labels on the egg carton mean? There are some common misconceptions about egg labeling, so let’s decipher the meaning of common egg carton labels.

Grading of Eggs

Eggs are classified as AA, A, or B. The appearance and firmness of the white of eggs are graded, with AA being the highest quality. Supermarket eggs are typically graded A, which is suitable for baking and cooking.

Cage-free

While cage-free may appear to be a better way to treat chickens, it simply means that the chickens are not kept in cages. They could still be crammed into confined hen houses with no access to the outside or daylight.

Free-range

Free-range eggs are produced by chickens that must have at least six hours of outdoor access per day and two square feet of space per bird. There are no requirements for the outdoor space’s condition.

Pasture-raised

Pasture-raised eggs are produced by chickens raised in a vegetation-covered pasture of at least 108 square feet per chicken for at least six hours per day. Chickens are fed only grains and are free to eat insects and seeds in their natural environment. Humane Farm Animal Care, a non-profit certification organization, has certified pasture-raised eggs.

The eggs produced by pasture-raised chickens are known to have better flavor and significantly higher nutritional value, including more vitamin D, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E.

Organic certification

The United States Department of Agriculture regulates organic certification, which means that chickens have access to the outdoors and are fed feed that does not contain genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, or animal byproducts.

Antibiotic-free

According to the US Poultry & Egg Association, antibiotic-free eggs were produced by hens who did not receive antibiotics in their feed or water. However, due to other factors, these eggs may not qualify for organic certification.

Organic or farm-fresh

The terms “natural” and “farm fresh” are not regulated. These terms may be added to food labels, including egg packaging, but they have no significant meaning or value.

Eggs are a nutrient-dense food in general; however, omega-3-enriched and lutein-enhanced eggs are likely the best eggs for their added nutritional value. The label for nutrient enrichment and egg enhancement is distinct from those for hen treatment.

When selecting the best eggs for you and your family, there are several factors to consider. More nutritious eggs from humanely treated hens may be the best tasting, but they are also the most expensive. These are all important considerations when purchasing eggs. Remember that buying cartons of 18 eggs instead of a dozen can save you money. Shop around, compare prices at various markets, and use coupons to get the best deal. If any of your neighbors have chickens, you might be able to negotiate a good price or barter for fresh, local eggs.