Pasture raised eggs vs Cage free eggs Meaning, Health Benefits, Price

Pasture raised eggs vs Cage free eggs Meaning

The cage-free egg setting provides more room for hens compared to caged conditions, however it does not guarantee outdoor access. Imagine a spacious chamber without any windows. During the Pasture-raised egg production, hens are provided with unrestricted access to the natural environment. They have access to at least 108 square feet of open space where they may walk around, hunt for seeds and insects, and enjoy the sun. 

Pasture raised eggs vs Cage free eggs Health Benefits

Pasture-raised eggs are commonly regarded as more nutritious than cage-free eggs. Research conducted by Pennsylvania State University reveals that pasture-raised eggs hold a double increase in omega-3 fat content, three times the amount of vitamin D, four times the quantity of vitamin E, and seven times the level of beta-carotene compared to eggs derived from hens raised on standard chicken feed.

Pasture-raised hens have the freedom to move around and consume a diet consisting of grass, bugs, and worms, leading to eggs that possess a greater abundance of nutrients. Furthermore, the utilization of pasture-raised egg systems plays a significant role in promoting regenerative agriculture systems. These systems have the aim of enhancing agricultural productivity and the resilience of the food system by establishing a relationship between soil and livestock management. There are four different egg production techniques: cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, and traditional way with no clear definitions for each.

Pasture raised eggs vs Cage free eggs Price

Typically, pasture-raised eggs have a higher price point compared to cage-free eggs. Cage-free eggs, which provide hens with more spacious living conditions and better well-being, generally cost between $1.50 and $2.50 per dozen. Pasture-raised eggs, which provide increased freedom and perhaps higher nutritional content, are priced at a premium, ranging from $3.00 to $5.00 per dozen or more. This price disparity is due to the additional land, labor, and feed needs of pasture-raised hens.

Cage free vs Free range vs Pasture raised eggs

Cage-free: Hens have unrestricted freedom within a spacious barn, but their mobility and exposure to sunshine are restricted. Free-range: Hens are provided with an outdoor space, however its dimensions may differ. May have limited outdoor exposure. Pasture-raised: Hens have unrestricted movement in a large, plant-covered space where they search for insects and vegetation.