
With so many labels on egg cartons, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose. There's cage free, humane, organic, free range, and more!
After seeing the environmental scores, participants who could shift their choice to a more ecological option that was less expensive did so. This included individuals who originally chose a free run or free range egg who shifted to a cage or enriched egg.
Natural and Humane Farming Practices
There's a lot to take into account when choosing the eggs you buy, with so many labels parsing different claims. Cage-free, free-range, and pasture-raised are just a few of the claims that have been thrown around.
Unfortunately, most consumers don't understand the differences between these terms. A recent survey from animal advocacy group Farm Forward revealed that a significant percentage of consumers are confused by the differing definitions.
Despite this confusion, some egg producers are trying to clear things up for the public. According to McKeon, one of the best ways to find a good quality egg is to look for AWA certified eggs. The Animal Welfare Approved label ensures that hens are uncaged, have enough room to nest and perch, and are fed humanely.
Other options include looking for a combination of free-range, organic, and American Humane Certified eggs. The American Humane Certified egg requires a hen to be outdoors for at least six hours a day (weather permitting) and have access to a spacious outdoor run.
Better Nutrition
The hens that produce free-range eggs eat a natural diet of grass, seeds, insects and worms. The result is eggs with a wide range of essential nutrients, including Vitamins A, D and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which reduce the risk of macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
Hens that are caged produce eggs with less nutritional value. Caged hens are fed a low-quality mixture of corn, soybean and cottonseed meal with added vitamins and minerals.
Egg producers can label their eggs as free-range or free-roaming if the hens have access to outdoor areas, but these confined spaces often aren’t large enough for the birds to roam. And the USDA’s inadequate definition of “free-range” allows egg producers to put the term on their cartons even if the hens have only small doors that get opened once a day. This is not true freedom!
A More Ethical and Sustainable Choice
You may see a myriad of egg labels on the cartons in your grocery store, including cage-free, free range, organic, pasture raised, and certified humane. But with so many claims, it can be hard to know what each means.
For instance, free-range eggs only mean that the hens have outdoor access—which can be just a small area—but don’t necessarily spend all of their time outdoors. Pasture-raised eggs are another option, and they are typically from chickens that spend a good amount of their day grazing on grass and other plants and pecking at insects.
If you’re seeking a truly humane and sustainable egg, look for the Certified Humane or American Humane label on your carton. These groups have a rigorous standards that include no hormones and a requirement that the chickens have ample space to roam.
Delicious!
A plate of scrambled eggs and a side of vegetables packs a one-two punch of protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied until lunch. Eggs are also incredibly versatile, and can be used in many different recipes.
A hen’s diet plays a big part in the nutritional value of her eggs. Free range hens have the freedom to hunt their own food, resulting in healthier, nutrient-dense eggs. They are also fed a specialized feed that is fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids, giving them even more health benefits.
A study found that free-range eggs have higher levels of Vitamin D than other eggs. This “sunshine vitamin” supports bone strength, immunity, and a happy mood. Plus, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that promote eye health, are found in the yolks of free-range eggs. These nutrients are often missing from the average diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top organic products?
The fastest-growing industry is organic food. But even though we've come a long way from our roots, there is still much room for growth.
Organic products will be the future. Organic products are safer, more sustainable, and cheaper for consumers.
They also tend to have higher prices. This is why we created the Organic Food Index. We wanted to determine which foods are the most popular among shoppers today and whether these trends are changing.
The results showed that organic food is increasing in popularity. Between 2011 & 2012, almost half of Americans purchased organic food.
The USDA reported that organic production rose by 10% in the last year. The U.S. now produces 9% of its agricultural output from organic food.
Organic food is definitely on the rise, but it still seems expensive for consumers. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) reports that organic food retail prices average almost double the price of conventional foods.
The organic food sector is growing faster than other segments of the food supply. You can see that organic food has been steadily increasing since 2009.
According to OTA, organic products sold in supermarkets grew 14% between 2010-2011.
This increase is due to consumers' demand for healthier foods. It is why organic food sales are growing across all ages.
However, younger generations are leading the charge when choosing organic food. Millennials are twice more likely to purchase organic food than baby boomers. Young adults below 35 years of age account for 25%.
What's the difference between organic foods and inorganic food?
Organic food is free from pesticides, chemical fertilizers and sewage sludge. It can also be grown without irradiation or genetic modification. Organic farming practices support soil health, water quality, and animal welfare.
Inorganic foods are produced using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage effluent. Radiation is used to treat irradiated food; biological engineering techniques are used to create genetically modified organisms (GMO).
The term "natural" is often used interchangeably with "organic." But natural does not necessarily imply organic. There are also products labelled "natural" which may contain synthetic ingredients.
Because organic produce contains fewer harmful chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers than conventional produce it is more nutritious. Organic farmers are free from artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
Organic meat is better
You probably know the answer if you have been paying attention for a while. However, the truth is organic food is gaining popularity at a time when conventional food is falling out of favor.
The reason why organic foods continue to rise in popularity is that they are healthier for us. Organic products are not only safer for our health but also reduce pollution and waste.
There are two sides to the coin. Organic produce takes longer and requires more resources. Organic food is more expensive than non-organic.
Organic meats can be more expensive that those from conventionally raised animals. However, it is possible to reduce costs without compromising on quality.
One way to save money is to buy locally. Buy locally grown vegetables and fruits to help keep prices low. Farmers receive incentives to grow healthier crops.
Look for bargains to cut down on costs. There are often discounts offered when purchasing organics.
You can also save money by eating less meat. Meat production can be costly due to the feed needed to raise livestock.
Organic food is healthier for the planet and our bodies than conventional food, but it's important to not overlook its cost.
Statistics
- According to a study performed by consumerreports.org, organic products, compared to non-organic products, ranged anywhere from 13 percent cheaper to 303 percent more expensive. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Once certified by the USDA, it can fall into one of four categories: "100 percent organic", "organic," "made with organic ingredients," or "made with less than 70 percent organic ingredients. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
[TAG38]
- Organic Industry Survey
- U.S. sales of organic products soared to new heights, reaching nearly $62Billion in 2020
[TAG41]
- PubMed: Assessment of the micronutrients found in plant foods that are produced using organic and conventional agricultural techniques - PubMed
- Comparison of the total ascorbic and phenolic acid contents of air-dried and freeze-dried marionberry, strawberry and corn grown using conventional, organic and sustainable agricultural practices – PubMed
[TAG44]
- The impact of organic food on human health: Assessment of the status quo, prospects for research - ScienceDirect
- Technical note: Simultaneous analysis of vitamin and carotenoid content in milk from cows fed total mixed rations. Xanthophyll detection is possible - ScienceDirect
[TAG47]
How To
Is there anything negative about buying organic products?
Organic food offers many benefits. However, organic foods have their drawbacks. There are also higher consumer prices and lower quality standards.
There's nothing wrong with wanting more variety when it comes to groceries. But we've been conditioned to expect cheap foods that taste awful. That's why you'll find most grocery stores stocked with identical prepackaged products.
Organic food is popular because it is healthier and tastes better. So how do you convince people it's worth paying a little extra?
It's possible to tell them that organic food is more expensive. It doesn't change the fact that organic food tastes more delicious. They might be suspicious of your motives.
It is better to emphasize its positive aspects. Organic food is healthier and contains less pesticides, antibiotics, and it has higher nutritional content. It's also grown without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, so it's better for the environment and us.
Organic food is often avoided by people who think it's too expensive. They may find that spending just a few dollars per Week is worthwhile if they consider the health benefits.
Organic food tastes better, because it's made under strict guidelines to prevent contamination. Organic food tends to have more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
Organic food tastes better because it is picked later in the season. This makes it more fresh and easy to digest.
Organic food is often cheaper as it's grown organically which requires less labor and fertilizer.
Resources:
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