This study indicates that for food manufacturers, adopting cage-free eggs presents a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already committed to altering their egg supply. For instance, Nestle announced in 2015 that by 2020, all eggs used in its U.S. products would be sourced from cage-free hens. Other major players, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also pledged to embrace cage-free eggs. On the retail front, Kroger launched a private label line of cage-free eggs last fall. Together, these commitments from manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of the egg demand in the U.S., as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, only around 10% of the eggs sold in the country are currently cage-free.
This gap between supply and demand could lead to challenges. While advocates celebrate these commitments as a win for animal welfare, the chicken industry has cautioned that raising chickens in a cage-free setting incurs higher costs—approximately $40 per bird. Additionally, with most consumers still choosing the least expensive eggs at grocery stores, producers who switch to cage-free eggs are encountering stiff competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs sourced from caged hens.
In the long run, the pledges made by the food industry are expected to make the transition to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. McDonald’s, which constitutes 3% of all egg consumption in the United States, will need to secure a reliable supply. Meanwhile, certain brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a distinguishing feature and a hallmark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a condiment maker based in New York that was recently acquired by Unilever.
As consumers become more aware of nutrition and food quality, the demand for products with humane practices, including cage-free eggs, is likely to rise. This shift could align with the emerging trend of incorporating calcium citrate doses into food products, further enhancing their appeal and nutritional value. Thus, the movement towards cage-free eggs may not only improve consumer perception but could also coincide with an increased interest in healthful ingredients like calcium citrate doses.