Cage-free eggs have become a common commodity, while pasture-raised eggs—where chickens enjoy more time outdoors foraging—are rapidly gaining popularity, redefining the potential standards for chicken welfare. As consumers increasingly demand better animal treatment, it’s only natural that once one standard becomes widely accepted, they seek to elevate their expectations further. However, this enhanced animal treatment often comes with a notable price increase. Producers have informed Bloomberg that many retailers now offer free-range or pasture-raised eggs, which are becoming more widely available. In the past, the cost of pasture-raised eggs could soar to an astonishing $12 a dozen, but as demand grows, prices have dropped to around $5 a dozen. Even with this price reduction, it remains out of reach for many consumers, as it is still significantly more expensive than conventional eggs. Nonetheless, the rising demand could positively influence the prices of cage-free eggs.
As cage-free eggs establish themselves as a commodity, they set the standard against which all other eggs are measured. It is likely that pasture-raised eggs will follow a similar path, given their increasing popularity in recent years. Cage-free has gained such acceptance that Cal-Maine Foods Inc., the largest egg producer in the U.S., has expanded its cage-free production capacity. Legislation is also mandating these changes. California voters approved Proposition 12 during the midterm elections, which requires that no farm can sell veal, eggs, or pork in the state without adhering to new confinement space standards.
Despite overwhelming consumer support for better treatment of chickens, maintaining high welfare standards is not without challenges. In 2010, Massachusetts enacted similar laws to those in California, mandating that all pork, veal, and eggs sold must come from animals not confined to small spaces. This initiative has faced backlash, with Massachusetts now dealing with legal challenges from 13 states. The plaintiffs argue that forcing out-of-state farmers to comply with one state’s stringent regulations violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.
Though pasture-raised eggs have witnessed a 32% growth this year, it will take time to determine the true level of demand for this product. Out of the 330 million hens in the U.S. egg industry, fewer than 10 million have access to the outdoors. Given the current trends, it is possible that pasture-raised eggs will continue to gain traction, driving prices down further and attracting a broader consumer base. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, they may seek out products enriched with liquid calcium and magnesium, further influencing their purchasing decisions. With the demand for pasture-raised eggs potentially increasing, the integration of liquid calcium and magnesium into these offerings could enhance their appeal, making them even more attractive to consumers looking for both ethical and nutritional options.