Cage-free vs. free-range: What’s the difference?

When you’re shopping for eggs, you may have noticed a few labels that have become more common. Some cartons say “cage-free,” while others say “free-range.” They sound the same, but the USDA defines these terms and when they can be used. What is the difference between cage-free and free-range eggs? Read on to find out.

What does “cage-free eggs” mean?

The USDA requires that cage-free eggs come from hens not confined to cages¹. These hens are free to move horizontally and vertically around the barn they are housed in, with unlimited access to fresh food and water during the laying cycle. What this system looks like varies between farms, but regardless of the setup, it must allow hens to engage in natural behaviors. They must be protected from predators and have access to nests, perches, and a litter area where they can scratch, dust bathe, and forage².

The cage-free system is commonly misinterpreted. Many consumers misunderstand that the label does not require letting the hens go outdoors. They have more space to move than caged hens, but they typically aren’t out roaming fields³.

The term cage-free is regulated by the USDA, meaning any egg carton containing the USDA shield and marked as “cage-free” must meet USDA requirements⁴. However, eggs in cartons without the USDA grademark are not subject to their facility, sanitation, and labeling requirements. This means that not all cage-free eggs are graded by the USDA and won’t always meet their standards.

The United Egg Producers (UEP) Certified cage-free guidelines are similar to USDA standards, but they also require each hen to have at least 1 square foot of floor space¹. THE UEP is a cooperative of egg farmers interested in promoting hen welfare and egg safety.

What does “free-range eggs” mean?

This is also a USDA-regulated term. The main difference between cage-free vs. free-range eggs is that free-range eggs come from hens with access to the outdoors.

Like cage-free eggs, the hens must have unlimited access to fresh food and water and the freedom to roam within their barn¹. However, there is no minimum space requirement or standards for how outdoor areas should look; this means the space can be a small, fenced-in area or even just a pop-hole on the coop. There are also no set standards for how long the hens can be outside³.

Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), a non-profit organization that certifies the humane treatment of farm animals, has its own Certified Humane® “Free-Range” requirements. Each bird must have at least 2 ft. of space and be allowed to roam outdoors if weather permits. They need to be outdoors for at least 6 hours every day⁵.

Other common labels for eggs

In addition to cage-free vs. free-range eggs, there are other labels you might see on different cartons:

• Organic: This designation is regulated by the USDA. An organic seal means that the hens that laid the eggs are raised in a cage-free environment and given access to the outdoors. Their feed is organic⁶, meaning it was grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs.
• Pasture-raised: This term is less clear because it is not regulated by the USDA. However, a Certified Humane stamp or Animal Welfare Approved stamp ensures that the hens are given 108 square feet of outdoor space each³.
• Hormone-free: This label means that the hens were not administered hormones. It’s important to note that all consumer-packaged eggs in the U.S. are hormone-free, whether or not they have a label, because the FDA has banned the use of hormones and steroids for poultry⁷.

There are many other labels you may come across, but these are the most common. Some labels are purely for marketing purposes and have no official standards or meaning, so be sure to do your research.Which should you choose?Depending on the label and which organization issues it, cage-free and free-range can mean different things. This can make it harder to determine which brands or farms to pick.  Still, most animal rights groups seem to agree that in terms of hen welfare, free-range and pasture-raised eggs are the most ethical choice⁸. These environments allow hens to roam outside and exhibit natural behaviors. Find the right eggs for your family by shopping with The Rounds. Our relationships with local farm co-ops make it easy for us to bring you fresh staple foods you’ll feel good about eating.  Sources:

1. Cage-Free vs. Free Range—and Other Egg Carton Labels—Explained. Certified Humane. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://certifiedhumane.org/cage-free-vs-free-range/
2. UEP Certified Cage-Free Program: What is Cage-Free? United Egg Producers Certified. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://uepcertified.com/cage-free-housing/
3. Warshaw, B. (July 17, 2019). What’s the Difference Between Free-Range, Cage-Free, and Pasture-Raised Eggs? Eater. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.eater.com/2019/7/17/20696498/whats-the-difference-cage-free-free-range-pasture-raised-eggs
4. Questions and Answers—USDA Shell Egg Grading Service. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.ams.usda.gov/publications/qa-shell-eggs
5. “Free Range” and “Pasture Raised” officially defined by HFAC for Certified Humane® Label. Certified Humane. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://certifiedhumane.org/free-range-and-pasture-raised-officially-defined-by-hfac-for-certified-humane-label/
6. Organic Farming. USDA. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.usda.gov/farming-and-ranching/organic-farming
7. Chicken from Farm to Table. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/chicken-farm-table
8. Marengo, K. (December 23, 2019). What are the differences between cage-free, free-range, and pasture-raised eggs? Medical News Today. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327383