Egg Buyer's Guide

Shopping tips and information for buying fresh eggs

What do all those claims that are crowded onto egg cartons these days—really mean? And how do you know how to buy good eggs? Here’s help:

Comments

COMMENTS	POSTED
Regarding the color of chicken eggs. It is not so m much the feather color as it is the earlobe color. I have been a backyard chicken farmer/caretaker whatever for almost two years now. I have had chickens with all white feathers that laid brown eggs. They had red ear lobes. Their breed was White Plymouth Rock. I have chickens that are a mix of colors from dark brown and black to white with gold feathers mixed in. The lay pale blue to light green to almost khaki colored. They have pale green earlobes. Their breed is Ameraucana sometimes called Easter Egger Chickens. I also have chickens that have blue/gray feathers with white feathers interspersed (white lacing). They have white to cream colored ear lobes. They lay the most beautiful white eggs I have ever seen. Their breed is called Blue Andalusian. I will say having chickens does take some effort and some time, but the rewards of fresh eggs every day make it worth it. Also, once you eat eggs from your own chickens you will find it very difficult to ever eat store bought eggs ever again. Susan M. — Anonymous	04/16/2012 - 1:04pm
It's ALL important and connected: humane treatment, sources of chicken feed, and antibiotic free. I take issue with the statement that the FDA has "strict guidelines for organic labeling." Does that include the fact that the FDA allows products produced with as little as 30% organic qualities to be labeled "FDA Certified Organic." I'm following a healthy food plan to keep cancer from reoccurring. 30% organic and additive free will not cut it for me. I always insist on one other organic certification on the products I buy, including eggs. Eggs should not be from chickens fed with additive contaminated grains or with corn, they should be free ranged, organic grass fed same as beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. — Anonymous	05/03/2011 - 12:37am
If the eggs float does it mean that there is no nutritional value left in them? How is it that some companies took eggs that didn't sell by the expiration dates, mixed them with fresh eggs, and returned them to the stores with new expiration dates. Does that mean that all those eggs were worthless as far as nutrition is concerned? I would like to believe that an older egg has some nutritional value. -- Marci — Anonymous	06/09/2010 - 1:33am
I didn't even know hens had earlobes! — Anonymous	03/30/2010 - 5:36pm
Are we talking about humane treatment for chickens, or claims that omega 3 eggs are better for us than regular eggs? I don't get this message — Anonymous	10/16/2009 - 7:51am