Conventional Eggs
Eggs laid by hens living in cages with access to feed, water, and security. The cages serve as nesting space as well as for production efficiency. In this type of hen house, the birds are more readily protected from the elements, from disease and from natural and unnatural predators.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Free-Range Eggs
Eggs produced by hens that have access to outdoors in accordance with weather, environmental or state laws. In addition to consuming a diet of grains, these hens may forage for wild plants and insects and are sometimes called pasture-fed hens. They are provided floor space, nesting space and perches.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Organic Eggs
Eggs produced according to national U.S. Department of Agriculture organic standards related to methods, practices and substances used in producing and handling crops, livestock and processed agricultural products. Organic eggs are produced by hens fed rations with ingredients that were grown without most conventional pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or commercial fertilizers.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Cage-Free Eggs
Eggs laid by hens at indoor floor operations, sometimes called free-roaming. The hens may roam in a building, room or open area, usually in a barn or poultry house, and have unlimited access to fresh food and water, while some may also forage for food if they are allowed outdoors. Cage-free systems vary and include barn-raised and free-range hens, both of which have shelter that helps protect against predators. Both types are produced under common handling and care practices, which provide floor space, nest space and perches. Depending on the farm, these housing systems may or may not have an automated egg collection system.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Pasture Raised Eggs
Laid by hens who roam and forage on a maintained pasture area. The USDA does not recognize a labeling definition for pastured eggs as no standards are established.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Certified Organic Egg
Laid by cage-free or free-range hens raised on certified organic feed and have access to the outdoors. The feed is grown without most synthetic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or fertilizers and of the agricultural ingredients must be certified organic.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Pasteurized Eggs
Eggs heated to a temperature just below the coagulation point to destroy pathogens.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Omega-3 Enriched Eggs
Laid by hens fed a special diet rich in omega-3s. These eggs provide more omega fatty acids, from 100 mg to over 600 mg per egg.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
Vegetarian Fed
Laid by hens fed a vegetarian diet.
- Colors: Brown eggs and White eggs
- Sizes: Available in Jumbo, Extra-large, Large, Medium, Small, and Peewee
What are the six classifications of eggs?
It all comes down to size. According to the USDA, there are six different weight classes for chicken eggs, so the size labels on a carton are determined by “net weight per dozen eggs”—not by the egg’s dimensions or how big it looks.
- Jumbo: 30 ounces (63 grams). Jumbo eggs, which are somewhat rare, can be more than 20% larger than “large” eggs.
- Extra-large: 27 ounces (56 grams). Slightly bigger than large eggs, extra-large eggs may be called for in some ingredient lists.
- Large: 24 ounces (50 grams). Large eggs are the most common—when recipes don’t specify size, it’s safe to assume this is the size to be used.
- Medium: 21 ounces (44 grams). These are likely the smallest size you’ll find at the grocery store. They also have thicker shells, making them a good option for hard-boiling and peeling.
- Small: 18 ounces (38 grams). Small eggs come from young hens and are not readily available in most grocery stores.
- Peewee: 15 ounces (32 grams). Peewee eggs, aka pullet eggs, also come from young hens, and are not readily available in most grocery stores.
Why Eggs Unlimited?
As one of the largest egg producers in the U.S., Eggs Unlimited is well equipped to face any challenge. That includes increasing demand for eggs, issues with a specific farm, and challenges across the supply chain. As customers explore their egg options, our knowledge, resources, and experience can help them make smart, cost-effective choices.
At Eggs Unlimited, we partner with farmers and suppliers that care about their animals and the environment. We’re proud to work with farmers who follow robust environmental and ethical practices. Plus, with our global reach, we can take on any challenge for customers all around the world. We always have a way to meet – and exceed – our customers’ expectations.
Connect With Top Egg Producers
Connect with the Eggs Unlimited Sales team to learn more about your egg options. eusales@eggsunlimited.com