Eggs are a great source of a high quality protein as well as vitamin D.  Stores and farmer’s markets have so many choices it is difficult to know what to choose.  Here is a breakdown of what you may find:

1. Conventional eggs – inexpensive and available in many store. Hen houses are usually full and they don’t see daylight often.
2. Cage-free – same nutritional value as conventional eggs. Chickens are in open houses and free to roam.
3. Free-range eggs – similar nutritional value as above. Chickens are able to roam free inside and outside.
4. Organic eggs – the feed ingredients may change the nutrients of the egg (e.g. higher protein or potassium). Chickens are provided organic feed, do not receive vaccines or antibiotics and are usually raised cage-free or free-range.
5. Pasture-raised eggs – it is unknown if these are of higher nutrient quality. The chickens roam free on pasture land and eat plants and bugs. There are not standard established as the USDA does not regulate this definition.
6. Vegetarian eggs – It is unclear if they are healthier. The eggs come from chickens who eat a vegetarian diet; there no animal byproducts in the feed.
7. Pasteurized eggs – same nutritional value as conventional eggs. The chickens may not experience cage-free or range-free living.  It does mean the eggs have been heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria in a plant.
8. Brown eggs – no nutritional differences than conventional eggs. The color is determined by the breed of the hen.
9. Omega-3-fortified Eggs – the nutrients may vary based on brand. The feed is supplemented with flax seed or fish (both are rich in Omega 3’s).

Source – Food and Nutrition Magazine. What Types of Eggs Should You Buy? https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/stone-soup/type-eggs-buy/. Accessed April 2, 2020.