Pasture raised

Benefits, nutrition, and what sets their eggs apart.

Our hens are free to roam from sun-up to sun-down on open pasture; therefore, their diet includes insects, grass, and grain which create eggs with better flavor, color, and more complete nutrition — richer in nutrients, better for animal welfare, and noticeably more delicious.

More omega-3s
More vitamin D
108 ft² Space per hen
More vitamin E

The basics

What are pasture-raised eggs?

Pasture-raised eggs come from hens that have continuous, unrestricted access to outdoor pasture — typically a minimum of 108 square feet per bird. Hens forage naturally for grasses, seeds, and insects alongside a supplemental feed, creating a diet that directly improves the nutritional profile of every egg they lay.

Why it matters

Key benefits of pasture-raised eggs

From the kitchen to the farm, pasture-raised eggs deliver advantages that go well beyond the conventional carton.

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Higher omega-3 fatty acids

Pasture-raised eggs contain up to 3× more omega-3s — essential fats that support heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction.

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More vitamin D

Hens that spend time outdoors in sunlight produce eggs with 3–4× more vitamin D, supporting bone health and immune function.

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Better animal welfare

With open pasture, hens express natural behaviors — foraging, dust-bathing, socializing — in lower-stress, humane conditions.

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Richer yolk color & flavor

A varied natural diet produces deep golden yolks loaded with carotenoids and a full, complex flavor that's immediately noticeable.

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Sustainable farming

Pasture raised systems can improve soil health through natural fertilization and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.

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More vitamin E & beta-carotene

Studies show pasture-raised eggs contain roughly twice the vitamin E and significantly more beta-carotene than conventional eggs.

Side by side

How pasture-raised eggs compare

Not all egg labels are created equal. Here's what each one actually means.

Feature Pasture raised Free range Cage-free Conventional
Outdoor space per hen 108+ sq ft ~2 sq ft (min) Indoor only Caged
Continuous pasture access Yes Limited No No
Omega-3 content Highest Moderate Low Lowest
Vitamin D level 3–4× higher Higher Standard Standard
Animal welfare Highest Moderate Moderate Lowest
Third-party certification Available Sometimes Sometimes Rarely

Common questions

FAQ's

Multiple studies show pasture-raised eggs have significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin E, and beta-carotene compared to conventional eggs. The hens' natural diet of grasses, seeds and insects directly improves the nutritional density of every egg they lay.

Pasture raised means hens have continuous access to outdoor pasture — typically at least 108 square feet of space per bird. This goes well beyond free-range or cage-free standards.

The deep orange-gold color comes from carotenoids — natural pigments found in the grasses, plants, and insects hens eat while foraging outdoors. A darker yolk indicates higher levels of vitamins A and E.

Pasture raised refers to the amount of outdoor space and access hens have. Organic refers to whether the feed is free of synthetic pesticides and whether hens are given antibiotics. The best eggs are often both pasture raised and organic, but the two labels are independent.

Research suggests pasture-raised eggs can contain up to 2–3 times more omega-3 fatty acids than conventional eggs, depending on the hens' diet and the quality of pasture available. The natural foraging of grasses and insects is the primary driver of this nutritional advantage.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

Nutritional data referenced from USDA Food Data Central and peer-reviewed research including Karsten et al. (2010) and Ponte et al. (2008). Animal welfare standards based on Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certified Humane guidelines.

Learn more about farm fresh eggs here.

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