This is such a common question, thanks for asking us!
Eggs are a nutrient-packed food, and with so many choices these days, it can be confusing to know what they all mean.
Free run and free range describe the type of housing for the hens which laid the eggs.
Free run eggs come from hens that roam the entire barn floor, and some of these barns may have multi-tired aviaries.
Free range eggs come from hens that also roam the entire barn floor. And when the weather permits, the hens also have access to outdoors.
You may have seen these other types of eggs at the grocery store too:
Organic eggs come from hens which are raised free range and they’re also fed a certified organic feed.
Omega-3 eggs are nutritionally-enhanced or vitamin-enhanced eggs. The hens were fed a special diet with certain nutrients or ingredients (such as flaxseed), so that their eggs actually contain higher amounts of these healthy omega-3 fats.
Whichever eggs you choose, know that they all contain essential nutrients such as protein, iron, folate, choline, vitamin A and vitamin D.
What would you like to ask a dietitian? Comment below or send us an email, and we’ll answer it in a future blog.
– By Sue Mah, MHSc, RD, PHEc, FDC