It depends on what you think you’re getting. Take free-range eggs. They may cost more because of the way the hens are raised. But the term can be misleading. While “free-range” birds aren’t caged and have more access to the outdoors, the facility in which they’re housed may still be crowded, and the outdoor area may be quite small. To ensure you’re paying for eggs from birds that have a large outdoor run or pasture, look for a Certified Humane or American Humane Certified label along with one that says “free range” or “pasture raised.”
As for USDA-certified organic eggs, the hens that lay them must be provided with organic feed. And in small studies, organic eggs have been found to contain lower amounts of saturated fat. In addition, research suggests that people who consume organic eggs have increased levels of lutein and reduced levels of C-reactive protein, which is a marker of inflammation.
