If you’re an avid baker or just love a good egg dish for breakkie, you might be wondering whether farm-fresh eggs are actually better than store-bought ones. While there are clear differences between the two, there’s no wrong purchase, just personal preference. We’ve rounded up the ultimate comparison, so let’s get cracking!
What came first: The farm or the store
Farm or store: it sounds like the classic chicken-and-egg question. But when it comes to eggs, not all cartons are created equal. Farm-fresh and store-bought may look similar on the outside, but crack them open and you’ll start to notice some real differences.
1. Appearance
Farm-fresh eggs
- Usually have a deeper coloured shell
- May come in a variety of colours, depending on the species of hens kept
- Eggs from one farm may contain varying sizes, from small to large, in one basket
- Egg yolks usually have a richer, darker yolk (because hens are usually allowed to roam free, picking up more Omega-rich insects and seeds along the way)
- Freshly boiled farm eggs are usually difficult to peel (because they’re fresh, or not older than 30 days)
Store-bought eggs
- Shells may appear lighter and duller
- A basket or carton will contain the same-sized eggs that range from extra small to extra large
- Store-bought egg yolks aren’t as vibrant in complexion (hens are confined and don’t have access to Omega-rich insects and seeds)
- Freshly boiled eggs are easy to peel
2. Taste & Nutrition
Farm-fresh eggs
Usually, farm hens are allowed to roam free during the day under the sun, scratching and scanning grasslands or velds for insects, sweet green grass, or seeds. They are also fed a balanced diet, consisting of ground grains like corn. They should have access to clean water and loads of space to work their muscles.
All of these wonderful perks lead to a nutrient-dense and flavourful egg, packed with Omega-3s, a range of vitamins, and loads of protein. And believe it or not, you will be able to taste the difference.
Store-bought eggs
Mass-produced eggs usually mean hens are kept in small or confined spaces, with little room to run around, let alone a sunny veld to search for tasty insects. While they may have access to clean water and a balanced diet, without those extra tidbits that farm hens pick up, their eggs don’t taste as flavourful, and aren’t as nutrient-dense.
3. Farming practices
For many people, how an egg is produced matters just as much as how it tastes. Farm-fresh eggs come from hens that can roam freely, scratch in the dirt, and socialise with their flock, living closer to how nature intended. Store-bought eggs, on the other hand, often come from hens confined to tight spaces, with little room to move or behave naturally. It’s a choice that can make you think twice about what’s in your carton.
4. Price & accessibility
- Farm-fresh egg prices: Might be just a tad more expensive than store-bought (but you’re getting really good value for money)
- Store-bought egg prices: Much more affordable
- Farm-fresh egg accessibility: Unless you live in or close to a farming community (or own your own backyard chickens), farm-fresh eggs might be hard to come by
- Store-bought eggs: Easily accessible and convenient to get hold of
5. Shelf life
Farm-fresh eggs: These eggs are usually much fresher, rarely older than 30 days, and their natural bloom, a protective antibacterial layer, is still intact. This layer keeps the eggs nutrient-rich and can extend their shelf life up to 90 days.
Store-bought eggs: Packaging rules only require a “best before” date 30 days after packaging, but eggs can be stored for up to 30 days before they even reach the carton. On top of that, store-bought eggs are washed, which removes their natural bloom, making them lose nutrients faster and more susceptible to bacteria.
The final verdict
While farm-fresh eggs often win on taste, freshness, and ethical appeal, they can be a bit pricey and hard to come by. On the other hand, store-bought eggs win on consistency, price, and availability. Which is better? That depends on your values: taste, nutrition, budget, and animal welfare.
Both eggs have their place and produce similar dishes. Whether you crack open a farm egg or a store egg, you’ll still be getting one of nature’s most versatile foods.
Also See: Do you need to wash eggs before using them? Here’s what you should know
Do you need to wash eggs before using them? Here’s what you should know
