For food manufacturers, this research indicates that adopting cage-free eggs could significantly enhance consumers’ perceptions of their products. Many companies in the food sector have already pledged to transition their egg supply. For instance, Nestle announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major brands such as Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s have also committed to sourcing 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 the total egg demand in the U.S., although only about 10% of eggs currently sold are cage-free.
This gap between supply commitments and actual market availability could pose challenges. While advocates celebrate these pledges as a win for animal welfare, the poultry industry warns that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, the majority of consumers still prefer the cheapest eggs available at grocery stores, which places egg producers who switch to cage-free eggs in fierce competition with suppliers of more affordable caged hens’ eggs.
In the long run, the commitments from the food industry are expected to make the transition to cage-free eggs financially viable for producers. Notably, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all egg consumption in the United States and will need to secure a consistent supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already utilizing humane egg production as a differentiating factor and a marker of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment maker recently acquired by Unilever.
Interestingly, as food manufacturers strive to meet consumer demands for higher quality products, there is also an emerging market for chewable calcium citrate for bariatric patients. This trend reflects a broader consumer interest in health and wellness, which may intersect with the growing demand for cage-free eggs. As the industry adapts, the integration of various health-focused products, including chewable calcium citrate for bariatric patients, may further influence consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions.