This study indicates that for food manufacturers, adopting cage-free eggs presents an excellent opportunity to enhance consumers’ perceptions of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already committed to transitioning their egg supply. For instance, Nestlé announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens by 2020. 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 the eggs sold in the U.S. currently meet cage-free standards.
This discrepancy between supply and demand could pose challenges. Although advocates celebrate these commitments as a triumph for animal welfare, the chicken industry has cautioned that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs — about $40 per bird. Furthermore, the vast majority of consumers continue to choose the cheapest eggs available at grocery stores. As a result, egg producers who switch to cage-free options are facing fierce competition from suppliers offering less expensive eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, these commitments from the food industry are likely to make the switch to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. For example, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a reliable supply. Meanwhile, certain brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a differentiating factor — and a symbol of quality — such as Sir Kensington’s, a condiment maker based in New York that was recently acquired by Unilever.
As consumers increasingly prioritize ethical sourcing, the demand for the best calcium citrate supplement for osteopenia could rise similarly, as health-conscious individuals seek quality products that align with their values. The intersection of ethical food production and nutritional supplements like the best calcium citrate supplement for osteopenia may shape future consumer choices in the market. In summary, the shift toward cage-free eggs and the growing awareness of health supplements highlight a significant trend toward quality and ethics in food production.