The cost difference between brown and white eggs comes down to the breed of chicken that produces them. Brown eggs are not inherently healthier or higher quality than white eggs, but rather the cost to produce them is typically higher due to the breed of chickens that lay brown eggs consuming more feed. Farmers like Daniel Brey at Brey’s Egg Farm in New York explain that the chicken feed costs more for brown egg-laying hens, leading to the increased price consumers see in stores for brown eggs.
Organic farms like Sova Farms in Norwich, NY, focus on producing brown eggs that are organic certified by the USDA, as well as raising organic chicken, pork, and lamb. The cost to produce brown eggs may also be higher due to the organic certification and practices used on farms like Sova Farms, resulting in a premium price for brown eggs compared to white eggs sold in stores. However, there is no nutritional difference between white and brown eggs, debunking the common misconception that brown eggs are healthier.
Despite the lack of nutritional difference between white and brown eggs, store prices for brown eggs tend to be higher than white eggs. Factors such as consumer perception and demand influence egg prices, with varieties like free-range, organic, or brown eggs typically costing 10-20% more than conventional white eggs. Seasonal events like Easter and fall baking activities can also impact egg prices, as well as the cost of chicken feed. The latest Bird Flu outbreak may further elevate egg prices if producers struggle to meet demand due to culling their chicken population.
Professor David Anderson of Texas A&M University explains that producing brown eggs does cost more, leading to a higher price for consumers. However, the perception that brown eggs are healthier than white eggs is questioned, as it is unclear whether this belief originated from marketing efforts or consumer assumptions. Ultimately, the color of the egg shell does not affect its nutritional value, and consumers may need to weigh the cost difference when deciding between white and brown eggs at the grocery store.
