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Food trends come and go, but eggs continue to reign supreme as a breakfast staple. These versatile and accessible foods are packed with protein and packed with important nutrients, including protein, iodine, vitamin B12 and choline, a nutrient that can help support memory.
In recent years, consumers have become increasingly aware of the ethics behind their food choices, and eggs are no exception. Options like pasture-raised, free-range and organic have flooded supermarket shelves, but what does it all mean? Pasture-raised eggs tend to be more expensive, but that's simply because these chickens require more land - i.e., they are raised both indoors and outdoors on open pastures. Cage-free is similar, because these animals have larger enclosures (and the farmer therefore has fewer chickens), while USDA-certified organic means that no pesticides, hormones or antibiotics have been added to the chicken feed.
Remember that most of the nutrients in an egg are in the yolk, so regardless of the source of the egg you eat, you'll get quite a nutritional boost. And since the American Heart Association suggests that one egg (or two egg whites) is fine for healthy people who eat them as part of a healthy diet, it's nice to know that including an egg in your balanced diet isn't just a matter of is about healthy eating. It's a wonderful exercise, but it's also unlikely to be harmful to your heart health. (Note: The American Heart Association suggests that older adults with healthy cholesterol can generally eat two eggs every day).
While most eggs will provide you with important nutrients, some types offer more qualities (such as organic or pasture-raised) that some people prioritize. If you're looking for eggs that offer extra bells and whistles, here are eight to consider.
The 8 eggs of the highest quality
What used to be a simple task: grabbing a dozen eggs while grocery shopping, can now be a chore that leaves people scratching their heads. With so many choices out there, here are some egg brands that are high quality and absolutely delicious!
Eggland's Best: Classic large white eggs
Per egg: 60 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 6 g protein
Eggland's Best Eggs are unique because they contain 25% less saturated fat, six times more vitamin D and 10 times more vitamin E than regular eggs. In addition, they contain more than double the omega-3 fatty acids compared to regular eggs. They also stay fresh longer than regular eggs, which can help reduce food waste.
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Happy Egg Co.: Heritage Free Range
Per egg: 70 calories, 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 5 g protein
With deep amber yolks, the Heritage Free Range Eggs from Happy Egg Co. downright gastronomic. There's a reason Michelin-starred chefs love eggs laid by Hölzl Blue and Hölzl Brown chickens: the flavor is full and rich, and the protein is far from watery. These free range eggs are also beautiful, they come in both brown and blue varieties in Happy Egg's biodegradable carton.
For a major nutritional boost, Happy Egg Co. offers. also recommend their Vitamin Plus box, which is packed with 12 eggs from free-range chickens that are enriched with vitamins and nutrients. This food results in eggs with 10 times the amount of vitamin D and twice the amount of vitamins B7 and B9 compared to standard eggs.
Vital farms: pasture eggs
Per egg: 70 calories, 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 6 g protein
Vital Farms' logo is, well, pretty simple: "Keeping it bullsh*t-free." Vital Farms guarantees that their chickens are treated ethically and given plenty of space to roam; eggs just taste better without abuse. Vital Farms pasture-raised eggs are available in both regular and extra-large varieties (as well as organic) and contain delicious golden yolks with six grams of protein per egg to keep you full and energized.
Alexandre Family Farm: large pasture eggs
Per egg: 91 calories, 5.85 g fat (1.95 g saturated fat), 87.75 mg sodium, 0.65 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 8.45 g protein
With no less than 8.45 grams of protein per egg, the eggs from Alexandre Family Farms are really great. Alexandre Family Farm, known for its regenerative dairy farming practices, uses a mobile chicken coop to raise healthy, ethical chickens. All eggs are laid in a nest and collected by hand, promoting the relationship between farmer and animal and reducing stress levels for the chickens. And ultimately, these eggs are simply delicious.
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Utopihen Farms: Large Organic Brown Eggs
Per egg: 70 calories, 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 6 g protein
A utopia for chickens? Yes please! These USDA Certified Organic eggs are fed a diet that is organic, non-GMO, and pesticide-free, and since all member farms are also USDA Certified Organic, there are no added antibiotics or hormones. According to the Utopihen website, these pastured eggs contain 25% less saturated fat, two times more omega-3 fatty acids, three times more vitamin D and seven times more beta-carotene than conventionally farmed eggs.
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Organic Valley: Pasture raised large eggs
Per egg: 70 calories, 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 6 g protein
Organic Valley is known not only for its delicious dairy products, but also for the company's USDA-certified organic eggs. These chickens produce such delicious eggs thanks to their varied diet, because they are allowed to forage and sleep for grubs and grit rather than living their lives without ever touching the ground. Organic Valley Pasture Raised Large Eggs also provide 6% of your daily vitamin D, as well as the necessary potassium and iron to help fill any nutritional gaps.
Pete and Gerry's organic eggs
Per egg: 70 calories, 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 6 g protein
These USDA certified organic eggs are laid by certified humane free-range chickens that forage and socialize outdoors. These eggs are produced by small family farms that never use synthetic pesticides.
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Farmer's chicken coop eggs: pasture-raised eggs
Per egg: 70 calories, 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 6 g protein
These delicious brown eggs have beautiful golden yolks. With a range of at least 10 square meters per chicken, you will only eat high nutritional value eggs from nutritionally satisfied chickens that have been bred extensively to supplement their diet. As a plus, Farmers Hen House processes their eggs with 100% solar energy, so a win for you and the environment!
