The Difference Between Pasture-Raised, Free-Range, and Cage-Free Eggs

The terms on egg cartons can be confusing—especially when you’re trying to make the best choice for both quality and ethics. Words like "pasture-raised," "free-range," and "cage-free" each represent a specific type of egg production, yet they have vastly different meanings. At Yolked Up, our eggs are pasture-raised, which means our hens live happy, healthy lives in spacious, open pastures. In this blog, we’ll break down these labels, highlight what makes pasture-raised eggs superior, and show why Yolked Up’s pasture-raised practices matter.

Cage-Free: More Room, But Not Necessarily Outdoors

Cage-free is one of the more common labels you’ll see, and it’s a step up from traditional, tightly confined cage systems. In cage-free systems, hens are not kept in cages and have room to walk, spread their wings, and lay eggs in nesting boxes. However, cage-free hens remain indoors at all times, typically in large barns with many other birds, often with limited space to engage in natural behaviours like foraging or dust-bathing. This label doesn’t guarantee outdoor access, and the quality of life improvements are limited compared to other systems.

Free-Range: Access to the Outdoors—Sometimes

Free-range is a bit of an upgrade from cage-free, with the addition of outdoor access for the hens. However, “free-range” can be misleading because it does not define the amount or quality of time hens spend outside. In many free-range systems, hens might only have access to a small, fenced outdoor area for part of the day. The amount of time outdoors and the space provided can vary greatly, and in some cases, the outdoor area is limited in vegetation and natural foraging options. Free-range is often better than cage-free, but it doesn’t match the benefits of pasture-raised.

Pasture-Raised: Freedom, Fresh Air, and Natural Behaviours

Pasture-raised is the gold standard for egg farming. Pasture-raised hens are provided with access to open, grassy pastures where they can roam freely, scratch, peck, and forage naturally for insects and plants. Certified pasture-raised systems require at least 108 square feet per bird, allowing hens to roam in a natural environment and providing them with plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

At Yolked Up, we go beyond the standard requirements for pasture-raising, providing a spacious, nutrient-rich environment where our hens can live happy, active lives. This outdoor lifestyle allows hens to express natural behaviours, which supports their mental and physical well-being and leads to a more nutritious, flavourful egg.

Why Pasture-Raised Eggs are Superior

The benefits of pasture-raised eggs go beyond ethical farming—they’re also nutritionally richer. Eggs from pasture-raised hens contain:

• Higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.

• Increased Vitamin D from natural sunlight exposure.

• More beta-carotene, which gives the yolk its vibrant orange colour and contributes to eye and immune health.

Studies consistently show that the varied, natural diet of pasture-raised hens leads to higher nutrient levels in their eggs, providing you with a delicious, nutritious product that’s a cut above cage-free or free-range eggs.

Yolked Up’s Commitment to Pasture-Raised Quality

At Yolked Up, our commitment to pasture-raising is part of a broader mission to provide ethical, high-quality eggs. We believe that a healthier, happier hen lays a better egg. Our pasture-raised approach lets hens thrive, producing eggs that are full of natural goodness and rich flavour. By choosing Yolked Up’s pasture-raised eggs, you’re not only supporting humane animal treatment but also enjoying a higher-quality product that’s better for you and the environment.

Making an Informed Choice

The next time you’re faced with options in the egg aisle, you’ll know that terms like cage-free and free-range are a step up from conventional eggs but still fall short of the freedom and natural lifestyle provided by pasture-raised systems. When you choose Yolked Up eggs, you’re choosing eggs from a farm that prioritises both quality and animal welfare.

With pasture-raised eggs, you’re getting more than just an egg—you’re getting a product that’s nutritious, ethical, and made with care from farm to table.