Pasture – raised eggs are superior in taste and nutrition to regular eggs and are worth seeking out. Pasture-raised is not the same as free-range, and “free range” may even produce the same quality eggs as “caged”! Despite all the pretty labeling and logos in the grocery store egg case, it’s not easy to determine what exactly you are buying. This post clearly explains what these differences are, and why they should matter to you.

Note: Some of the links in this post will send you to my Mary & Martha shop, where I sell vintage-inspired and farmhouse wares. For example, the eggs above are resting in the Joy Nested Bowl Set (smallest bowl).

Free-Range is not the same thing as Pasture-Raised.

The label free-range is little more than a marketing tool. There is no legal definition for “free range”.  In fact, the USDA defines “free range” simply as “allows for…. continued access to the outdoors”. (source) This could just mean an open door at one end of the chicken barn that the birds never use.

Furthermore, there is no standard as to what kind of outdoor environment (concrete, bare ground, grass) “free range” birds should be allowed continuous access to. It is possible that there would be no bugs or grass to eat when and if the birds actually get outside.

In case you didn’t already know this, hens are natural omnivores- our flock will go crazy trying to pry an unfortunate bug, mouse or worm from each other’s beak. Vegetarian-fed hens are typically fed a mixed feed/meal product containing soy.   

The mere mention of this phrase “free range” adds a few dollars to the price of the eggs in your cart. However, there is no demonstrable improvement in the egg’s nutrient content.

In fact, a study done by NC State University detected “essentially no differences in the nutritional quality of eggs” from a typical supermarket “caged” egg and a typical supermarket “free range” egg. (source)

These results really aren’t surprising, given that the dietary intake of the birds would be virtually identical. A bit of sunshine might help the chicken’s mood, but it would take a different input (bugs, grasses, and natural forage) to change the nutritional output.

A better “free range”: Certified Humane Free Range

The Certified Humane- Free Range eggs  have a set requirement for free range: 2 square feet of outdoor pace per hen. This is approximately two feet long and two feet wide. (source) Not all birds will venture outside at the same time, of course, so that’s an average.

With this certification, hens can access the outdoor space for at least six hours per day, weather and season permitting. The chicken’s diet is still primarily feed and feed products, supplemented by whatever grasses, seeds, bugs, worms, or other treats they find in the free-range area.

It’s reasonable to assume that eggs from chickens who consume their natural diet for some percentage of their total calories will produce more nutrient-dense eggs. However, I was unable to locate a study that compares “more” free range to “standard” free range.

A search for the nutritional analysis of these eggs brings up some erroneous references to research actually done on pasture-raised eggs (below). So we don’t actually know how much more nutritious these eggs are than a standard egg.

If you choose to buy free-range eggs, be sure you understand what is meant by “free range”.  A Certified Humane producer of eggs seems more likely to produce eggs with a better nutritional profile than a producer following industry standard of “free range”. Another option might be a small farmer or backyard producer whose chickens have a small fenced area and an unmoveable outdoor coop.

A better option: Pasture Raised

Pasture raised birds spend virtually all of their lives outdoors, with a shelter for predator protection, shade, and laying eggs. They have substantially more space to roam. The pasture areas are rotated on some sort of schedule. The hens spend their days happily hunting and pecking for their omnivorous meals, but generally have access to supplementary chicken feed.

The organization who certifies free range eggs also provides a “Certified Humane – Pasture Raised” label. This certification requires that the chickens live outdoors as described above, with 108 square feet of space per bird, and with rotating fields. (source) This is a far cry from the 2 square feet requirement for the Certified Humane-Free Range birds!

Currently, 16 of our hens are overwintering in the space we call our “lower garden”- about 3,000 square feet of space (187 square feet of space per hen). Most afternoons, we open the garden gate to allow them to wander anywhere and everywhere. They forage to their heart’s content and are supplemented with a superior quality soy-free, certified organic feed. We’ll move them to a new, larger living area in about a month.

Mother Earth News produced a study in 2007 showing that chickens raised in this type of environment (or better) produce vastly superior eggs to typical supermarket eggs.  (And don’t forget that uncertified free range supermarket eggs are virtually the same as a typical supermarket egg).

What does vastly superior mean, you ask? The differences are astounding- on average, the pasture raised chickens laid eggs containing roughly 700% more beta carotene, 300% more vitamin E, 200% more omega-3 fatty acids, 66% more vitamin A, 25% less saturated fat, and 33% less cholesterol.  (source)

Obtaining pasture-raised eggs:

These eggs can be found in better supermarkets and many natural-foods stores. Unfortunately, there are only few commercial producers of these Certified Humane- Pasture Raised eggs. The certification organization’s website showed five at my last check.

If you aren’t up for putting a couple of hens in your backyard, consider seeking out a local producer of pasture raised chickens. Ask about the farmer’s methods, and where the chickens live and spend their days. You will probably want to know if the chickens’ supplemental feed is organic, soy-free, or conventional. The farmers will undoubtedly be thrilled to answer your questions!

Resources such as www.eatwild.com may help you locate pasture-raised poultry and egg farmers nearby. You can also ask around to find homesteaders and micro farmers. Frequently, these individuals may have extra eggs for sale- but not enough to be listed on a website or go to a farmer’s market. We fit into this category.

Bottom line:

The nutritional benefit of pasture raised eggs is significant! While pasture-raised eggs may cost more, there is demonstrated quality and value directly correlating with your dollars. Such a nutritious product, easy to prepare and store, deserves to be sought out and given a prominent place in our diets.