Types of Eggs, Eggsplained: Chicken, Duck, and More

This week is our final week of our 3-part miniseries on eggs.  I wanted to take a look at the various types of eggs.

Chicken Egg Types (by Farming Method) 

  1. Conventional Eggs
    • From hens raised in cages.
    • Most affordable and widely available.
    • Limited movement for hens.
  2. Cage-Free Eggs
    • Hens roam indoors in barns.
    • More humane than caged systems.
  3. Free-Range Eggs
    • Hens have some outdoor access.
    • Often considered better for animal welfare.
  4. Pasture-Raised Eggs
    • Hens roam freely on pasture.
    • Richer flavor and deeper yolk color.
  5. Organic Eggs
    • From hens fed organic feed.
    • No synthetic pesticides or GMOs.
  6. Certified Organic Eggs
    • Meet USDA organic standards.
    • Hens are cage-free or free-range with organic feed.
  7. Pasteurized Eggs
    • Gently heated to kill bacteria.
    • Safe for raw consumption (e.g., in dressings or mousse).

Egg Types by Animal Source 

  1. Chicken Eggs (see above)
    • Most common; versatile and mild in flavor.
  2. Duck Eggs
    • Larger, richer, and creamier.
    • Great for baking and custards.
  3. Quail Eggs
    • Small and speckled.
    • Delicate flavor, often used in gourmet dishes.
  4. Goose Eggs
    • It is very large with a strong flavor.
    • Seasonal and less common.
  5. Ostrich Eggs
    • Huge—equivalent to 20–24 chicken eggs.
    • Thick shell; novelty or specialty item.
  6. Turkey Eggs
    • Rare due to low production.
    • Rich and creamy.
  7. Emu Eggs
    • Dark green and large.
    • Rich flavor, often used in specialty cooking.
  8. Caviar (Fish Eggs)
    • From sturgeon and other fish.
    • Salty, luxurious delicacy

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