How to buy eggs

• Free-range

Hens must have continuous daytime access to open-air runs that are mainly covered with vegetation. There must be at least 4 square metres of ground available per bird.

• Barn hens

These hens are kept indoors without cages. There must be 15cm of perch space per hen and 1 square metre of floor space for every nine hens.

• Caged

‘Battery’ cages were banned in the EU in January 2012. In the UK, these cages have been replaced with enriched colony cages. These have 0.75 square metres of space per hen. Most cages contain 40-80 birds.

• Omega-rich

Hens are fed a naturally enriched diet of essential omega-3 fatty acids, however, there is some debate as to whether the amount of omega in these eggs is worth the extra cost.

• British Lion Quality mark

The stamp above guarantees that the eggs have come from hens vaccinated against salmonella and are produced in accordance with UK and EU law.

• Best before date

Not a requirement, but there is a legal obligation to ensure that all eggs are sold within 21 days of laying.

• Hen egg weights

XL or Very Large: 73g and upwards, L or Large: from 63-73g, M or Medium: from 53-63g, S or Small: below 53g.

More egg know-how

Ultimate guide to storing and cooking eggs
Egg glossary
Egg recipe collection
How to poach an egg
The health benefits of eggs
Bill Granger's guide to cooking eggs

What kind of eggs do you buy, and do you think packaging is clear enough?