What the Labels Mean

Picking up a dozen eggs at the supermarket used to be a simple matter, but no more. Here are the details on some words and phrases that are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Keep in mind that all whole eggs are considered to be all-natural, hormone-free, gluten-free, carbohydrate-free, trans fat-free, a good source of Vitamin D and a good source of protein. You may see these words on the carton, but they do not indicate better quality than other eggs.

Also remember that many eggs sold through at farms and farm markets are in fact organic, but they are not labeled as such when the farm’s egg production is too small to require certification. In any case, these eggs are more likely to have deeply golden, flavorful yolks and sturdy whites that stand up to poaching.

FREE RANGE The birds are not caged, have open space and can easy access the outdoors, where they are able to fly to nests and perches and to forage for food. (Farmers are allowed to restrict their activities according to weather, environmental requirements and local ordinances.)

CAGE FREE/FREE ROAMING The birds are not caged, but they may be crowded, restricted to indoor spaces and floors, and fed exclusively on chicken feed.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC Subject to U.S.D.A. certification, organic eggs must live under cage free/free roaming conditions (they are not free range, necessarily, but they can be). They are fed only organic feed.

PASTURED This is not an official label, but it is supposed to mean that birds spend most of their lives outdoors, with frequent changes of pasture area in which to forage, and access to a barn.

ANTIBIOTIC-FREE All eggs sold in United States markets are free of antibiotics and residue from antibiotics. But only eggs from hens that have not been treated with antibiotics can be labeled antibiotic-free.

NUTRIENT ENHANCED Eggs laid by hens who have been fed a special diet to increase certain nutrients like vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids or lutein.

FARM FRESH Marketing jargon that means nothing.

Correction, January 5, 2015: An earlier version of this guide incorrectly stated that eggs laid by hens treated with antibiotics are not allowed in the food chain. The eggs are allowed, but they may not be labeled antibiotic-free.