I’ve certainly been in that situation myself, and I’m aregistered dietitian!

Tell me if this sounds familiar: Should I buy organic?

What’s the difference between cage-free and pasture-raised?

Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN

Does it mean anything if the eggs are brown instead of white?

What’s up with omega-3 eggs?

I dug into the “what” and the “wtf” so you dont have to.

I hope this saves you the time and stress it’s saved me!

First things first: Tune in to your priorities.

Before you go shopping, know what’s important to you when choosing eggs.

Are you most concerned with the nutritional profile?

Want to avoid eggs from chickens fed questionable feed or given antibiotics?

Is animal welfare an issue that’s near and dear to your heart?

Concerned about the environment?

Nutritional basics

One thing I like about eggs is that they provide built-in portion control.

One large egg provides 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat (1.5 grams saturated).

I’m often asked how many egg yolks are OK to have per week.

It’s not a sexy answer, but it really does depend on the person.

What is the healthiest kind of egg?

Many of these farms are third-party audited by organizations that monitor things like perching and dustbathing.

Natural eggs

“Natural” doesn’t really mean anything on an egg label.

Whether one is “better” than the other really depends on the intended use.

For example, if you buy eggs at the farmers market, chances are theyre not graded.

Also, this term is not USDA-regulated.

The best way to find out which brands are kindest to their hens is to learn about the company.

Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs?

Some hens even lay blue or speckled eggs, though these are less common.

What are the best eggs for the environment?

Pay attention to packaging as well.

Avoid Styrofoam cartons, and recycle empties appropriately.

The takeaway?

My personal favorite brand I purchase regularly isVital Farms pasture-raised eggs.

The most important thing?

It’s also important to be mindful of the environment, so whenever possible, opt for recyclable containers.

Want a fun way to use eggs?This is a trick R.D.s swear by.