The reasons for this are numerous. The first argument is that free-range eggs are more humane than regular, industrially-produced eggs. Furthermore, the hens that are laying the free-range eggs are not allowed to be kept in cages and are free to walk, nest and live naturally.
Free-range hens are also fed certified organic grains, which are legally required to contain ingredients that are free of pesticides, fertilizers or dyes.
By simply looking at these conditions that are set out for an egg to be considered free-range , it immediately becomes apparent that hens that are kept in such a way have a much better life than hens that are kept in industrial conditions.
While the humane aspect with regard to the hens’ welfare isn’t really debatable, the effect that free range rearing has on the nutritional value of the eggs produced is. Studies have shown that there’s a lower incidence of salmonella concentration in free-range eggs. Such eggs also tend to be free from traces of pesticides, fertilizer and dye.
With that being said, there’s no scientific evidence to conclude that free-range eggs are in any way more beneficial for human health than those produced on an industrial scale. The only considerable difference was that free-range eggs were observed to contain more fat than industrially-produced ones.
Nevertheless, free-range egg advocates will immediately cite the rich yolk color as their main reason for making their purchase. While free-range eggs tend to be an intense orange, industrially farmed eggs tend to be bright yellow.
See the difference between the two egg types in the video below:
Content and image source: Tip Hero
