How to buy eggs
Be a happy shopper by getting to know your labels. Our guide to reading egg packaging will help you to understand size classifications, ethics and nutrition...
Many of us add a box of eggs to our weekly shop, but beyond free-range and caged the terminology and symbols on packaging can be confusing. We talk you through common terms and markings.
• Organic
Always free-range. Hens must be fed an organic diet and can only roam on organic land.
• 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.
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• 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?
