Choosing the BEST Eggs - The Definitive Guide

Eggs are healthy. They're full of protein and essential amino acids (eggs have all nine of the essential aminos we can't make in our own bodies), and are extremely nutrient dense. Vitamins and minerals abound! Eggs also help with improving the good, HDL cholesterol, lowering one's triglycerides, and increasing satiety.

However, selecting the best eggs can be a task easier said than done. With so many options and so many marketing tactics at play, allow Big Horn to help simplify your egg shop. 

Here's what to look for and why:

🍳  Pasture Raised

When it comes to buying eggs, all the different labels and marketing terms can get confusing—and sometimes even misleading. For example, the term “cage-free” might sound like it means chickens are happily roaming free on a farm, but that’s not always the case.

Under FDA rules, “cage-free” chickens don’t live in cages, but they might still be crowded into large barns or warehouses with very little space to move around. While it’s a step up from traditional caged systems, it’s not the idyllic, open-air life the term might make you picture.

If you want to make the best choice for both the chickens and your plate, “pasture-raised” eggs are the way to go.

Why Choose Pasture-Raised Eggs?

Pasture-raised chickens live a life that’s much closer to what nature intended. These chickens aren’t stuck in cages or confined to small indoor spaces. Instead, they spend their days outdoors, roaming freely across large, grassy fields. They peck at bugs, scratch the soil, and enjoy fresh air and sunshine—all things that help keep them healthy and happy.

This better quality of life doesn’t just benefit the chickens; it also makes a difference in the eggs they lay. Eggs from pasture-raised hens are often:

• More nutritious: Studies show that pasture-raised eggs contain higher levels of vitamins like A, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
• Richer in flavor: The diet and lifestyle of pasture-raised hens lead to eggs with bright orange yolks and a richer, creamier taste.
• Better for the environment: Raising chickens on pasture can be more sustainable and eco-friendly, as it encourages natural grazing and reduces the need for factory-style farming.

How to Spot True Pasture-Raised Eggs

Unfortunately, not all egg cartons labeled "pasture-raised" are equal, so it’s important to check for additional certifications or details. Look for labels like Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved, which ensure the chickens were truly raised on pasture and treated well.

Keep in mind that pasture-raised eggs might cost a little more than conventional or cage-free eggs, but the benefits for your health, the chickens, and the environment are worth it. Plus, supporting farmers who prioritize animal welfare helps keep these better practices alive.

🍳  Organic

Organic eggs come from chickens raised according to strict standards set by the USDA. These rules cover everything from what the chickens eat to how they live, ensuring better quality eggs for you and a better life for the hens. Here’s what makes organic eggs stand out:

1. Clean, Natural Diets: Organic chickens are fed an all-organic diet free of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means no harmful chemicals make their way into your eggs.

2. No Harmful Additives: Organic standards forbid the use of antibiotics, growth hormones, and other additives often used in conventional farming. This ensures the eggs are free from substances you don’t want to consume, like inflammatory or potentially harmful chemicals.

3. High Sanitation Standards: Organic regulations require clean, humane living conditions for the chickens. While this doesn’t always guarantee free-range or pasture-raised living (you’ll need to look for those labels, too), it does mean the hens are treated better than those in conventional factory farms.

   

The Health Benefits of Organic Eggs

Organic eggs don’t just avoid harmful chemicals—they’re also measurably healthier. Studies show that organic eggs:

• Have More Omega-3s: These healthy fats are great for your brain, heart, and overall well-being, and organic eggs have nearly double the amount found in conventional eggs.
• Contain Higher Levels of Vitamins: Organic eggs are richer in important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
• Provide More Minerals: Essential minerals like selenium, which helps protect your cells, are often more concentrated in organic eggs.

By choosing organic eggs, you’re not only avoiding things you don’t want in your food but also gaining extra nutrients that support a healthier lifestyle.

🍳 The Best Choice: Organic and Pasture-Raised

To get the most nutritious and ethically produced eggs, look for labels that say "Organic" and "Pasture-Raised." This ensures the chickens were fed a clean, organic diet and allowed to roam freely in natural outdoor environments. The result? Happier hens and better eggs for your family.

🍳 Serving Up Egg Dishes

Now that you're versed in how to choose the best eggs, it's time to showcase your organic, pasture-raised eggs with some worthy recipes! Allow us to suggest a few:

• Shakshuka - A Savory, North-African Egg Dish that's steeped in tradition
• Spanish-Style Eggs on Toast - España is calling! Make something simple something special with a Spanish twist
• Sweet Potato & Egg Hash with Fresh Pesto - Indulge in a healthy hash, perfect for any meal of the day
• Garden Veggie Frittata - A light-yet-sustaining Italian egg & vegetable dish