For food manufacturers, this research indicates that adopting cage-free eggs can be a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already committed to transforming their egg supply. Nestlé announced in 2015 that all eggs utilized in its U.S. products would be sourced from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major players, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also pledged their commitment to cage-free eggs. On the retail front, Kroger introduced a private label line of cage-free eggs last fall. Collectively, the commitments made by both manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of U.S. egg demand, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Despite this, only about 10% of the eggs sold in the U.S. currently come from cage-free sources.
This discrepancy poses challenges. While advocates celebrate these commitments as a win for enhanced animal welfare, the chicken industry warns that raising hens in a cage-free setting incurs higher costs—approximately $40 per bird. Moreover, since most consumers still prefer the cheapest eggs available at grocery stores, egg producers who transition to cage-free options are facing fierce competition from suppliers of less expensive eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, commitments from the food industry are likely to make the shift to cage-free eggs financially viable for producers. For instance, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States and will need to secure a consistent supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a point of differentiation and a marker of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a condiment maker based in New York that was recently acquired by Unilever.
Additionally, the growing consumer awareness around nutrition, including products like calcium citrate chewable 500mg, may further influence purchasing decisions, as shoppers increasingly seek out higher-quality ingredients. The integration of cage-free eggs can align with this trend, potentially enhancing the product appeal for health-conscious consumers. As the market evolves, the demand for ethically sourced ingredients, including cage-free eggs, alongside health supplements like calcium citrate chewable 500mg, will likely continue to rise.