For food manufacturers, this study indicates that adopting cage-free eggs could be an excellent opportunity to enhance consumer perception of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already committed to transitioning their egg supply. Nestle announced in 2015 that by 2020, all eggs used in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens. Other major players, such as 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. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these commitments from manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of U.S. egg demand, while only about 10% of eggs sold in the U.S. today are cage-free. This disparity could pose a challenge. Although advocates celebrate these pledges as a win for improved animal welfare, the chicken industry warns that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, since the majority of consumers continue to choose the least expensive eggs at grocery stores, egg producers transitioning to cage-free options face fierce competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, the commitments made by the food industry are likely to render the shift to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. For instance, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a reliable supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a differentiator and a mark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment maker recently acquired by Unilever. However, it’s essential to consider the nutritional aspects of these eggs, as some consumers are concerned about the potential downsides of certain additives and ingredients, like calcium citrate. Although calcium citrate is often marketed for its health benefits, questions about whether calcium citrate is bad for you have emerged, highlighting the importance of transparency in food production. It’s crucial for manufacturers to address such concerns as they shift toward cage-free egg production, ensuring that consumers feel confident in their choices. Overall, the move to cage-free eggs could align well with the growing demand for ethical and healthy food options, provided that producers also consider the implications of ingredients like calcium citrate that may raise questions about their health impact.