The Difference Between Fresh Eggs and Store Bought

As of 2019, the average American ate 279 eggs per year. That number marked a 50-year high in egg consumption. In other words, we’re a country that loves eggs.

If you’re one of those people who can’t go a week — or even a day — without a few eggs on your menu, then you may want to upgrade your eggs. Perhaps you’ve been considering raising chickens on your own to have fresh eggs on hand every single day.

What’s the difference between fresh eggs and store-bought? And are fresh eggs worth it? Here’s everything you need to know.

Fresh Eggs Have More Nutritional Value

Eggs are nutritious whether you buy them from the store or collect them from a backyard coop. However, studies have shown that the latter variety of eggs tends to have a higher nutritional value than the one you get in a store.

When you raise an egg yourself, it tends to have:

• higher amounts of beta carotene
• higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids
• higher amounts of vitamins A, D, and E
• lower levels of cholesterol
• lower levels of saturated fat

Each one of these is a boon to your health. For example, omega-3 fatty acids ward off chronic illnesses and aid in a slew of daily bodily functions. Chickens raised in a backyard environment eat more bugs, plants, and flowers that boost the levels of omega-3 fatty acids that their eggs contain.

Raising Chickens Means You Know How They’re Treated

On that note, having backyard chickens means you know exactly how they’re treated in producing the eggs you eat. For many, this is the greatest benefit of having fresh eggs: they learn how to raise chickens the right way, and they can eat eggs without worrying about the animal’s welfare.

You’ll have to invest in a shelter for your chickens, as well as supplies, such as chicken feed scoops and protective surrounds so your chickens are safe from predators. But for many, this investment is worth the cost.

Fresh Eggs Will Taste Better

A store-bought egg travels from the farm where it’s produced, which can take days. Then, once it arrives at the supermarket, it can sit for several days or weeks before you put it in your cart and on your plate.

This means that your eggs won’t be as fresh by the time you eat them. If you raise chickens in your backyard and collect fresh eggs daily, you’ll quickly taste the difference. You’ll have a stronger flavor and a deeper-colored yolk, indicating just how fresh, flavorful and nutritious your eggs are.

Are You Ready to Switch to Fresh Eggs? 

There’s a lot to learn if you want to start harvesting fresh eggs in your backyard. However, from the above information, it’s clear that egg lovers tend to prefer the fresh variety to the store-bought ones.

Need more health and lifestyle advice? Be sure to check back with us for more.