When it comes to talking about food and wellness, the amount of information (and misinformation) is overwhelming. My goal is always to equip you not just with practical action steps, but also some knowledge to make decision making for your health journey more simple. Why? When you know better you do better. You don’t have to know it all, but being able to wade your way through all the information to make wellness a lifestyle for you will serve you well.
Last week over at @awilsonwellness, I introduced you to Happy Eggs Co. with a giveaway (today is the last day to enter by the way!)! Eggs are one topic that we see so many labels and terms, and we aren’t quite sure which ones are best, what’s worth it, and what they mean! Today, I’m going to plainly break it down for you, so its not just me telling you to “eat these eggs”, but you can personally feel equipped and knowledgeable to make the best decision for you.
We are standing in the grocery store and see “cage free”, “organic”, “free range”, and then wonder what is our life that we have to discern between the living arrangements of these hens. I know, it seems crazy, but you'll see what I mean and why it's important. I wish everyone followed one way of raising hens that ensured the eggs I am eating have good quality nutrients, the hens are living like real animals, and being fed the good stuff, so that I can eat the good stuff.
Let’s quickly break it down these common terms:
Caged
This is the majority of eggs in the US, and no, it won’t be labeled “caged”. Caged hens spend their entire lives in an overcrowded, indoor wire cage with no room to spread their wings.
Cage Free
It’s better, but still not great. While they do technically have more space, only 1.5 sq ft is required for each bird. It is also not required that they go outside, so cage-free hens still spend their entire lives inside in an overcrowded environment that is not held to cruelty-free standards.
Free Range
In order that hens are truly free range, the farmers are required to provide 2 square feet per bird. However, there is no FDA standards for free range, so you are taking the farmers word for it. However, egg companies can become HFAC Humane Certified, which ensures that the hens are living a truly “free range” life. It provides requirements for them to be outside, their conditions, their feed, and how they are treated.
…and this is why I’m down with Happy Eggs Co., and how they operate. Not only are they HFAC Humane Certified, but they take it even further and give each bird a minimum of 21.8 square feet each. With automatic doors that open every morning, they are able to roam free as they please allowing them to exercise their natural behaviors like flapping, perching, socializing, etc.
Since they are pasture raised on over 8 acres, they are able to naturally eat insects, worms, and grass. They are also given an organic feed blend that ensures all their health needs are met, keeping the hens healthy and the egg yolks a beautiful rich color. Since Happy Eggs are raised on small family farms, they receive more love and attention, where they can ensure the standard of care remains high.
When hens are raised with love, they stay happier, healthier, and provide more nutrient-rich eggs. It’s as simple as that!
Eggs are my jam and in my weekly rotation for food prep and meals, so you can expect to continue to see new recipes and simple ways of preparing them from me! If you haven’t entered the giveaway already, head over to this post on my IG feed and enter (giveaway closes at midnight tonight!). Make sure to read through the comments because everyone has been giving the best ideas for their favorite ways to eat eggs!