What is the difference between free run and free range eggs?
Free run means hens roam the barn floor, and some barns use multi-tier aviaries. Free range adds outdoor access when weather permits; in Canada that access is only seasonal. Organic eggs use free range housing with certified organic feed under Canadian Organic Standards. Cartons do not share one legal definition for free run or free range. Egg Farmers of Alberta say nutrition matches regular eggs except special-diet types like Omega-3. Free-run cartons here include Naturegg, GoldEgg, Lovo, and Star Egg.
Are Canadian eggs free-range?
Some Canadian eggs are free range, but the share is small. 2024 Egg Farmers of Canada data list hens by housing: conventional 43.25%, enriched colony 36.94%, aviary or free run 13.51%, organic 4.88%, and free range 1.42%. Outdoor access for free range and organic flocks happens when weather allows, and it is seasonal in Canada. Organic cartons from Naturegg, GoldEgg, Lovo, and Star Egg appear on this category page.
Are Canadian eggs graded, and what does that mean?
Yes, shell eggs are graded before retail. Canada has four grades: Canada A, B, C, and Nest Run. Canada A eggs are candled for firm white, a centred yolk, an air cell no deeper than 5 mm, and a clean uncracked shell. Grading includes washing, candling, weighing, and packing. Only inspectors and licensed egg operators may apply grade names. Egg Farmers of Alberta say Canada A is sold in stores, and Grade B goes to baking and processing.
What sizes do Canadian eggs come in?
Six Canada A sizes are sold by minimum weight, not shape. Jumbo is 70 grams or more, Extra Large 63 grams, Large 56 grams, Medium 49 grams, Small 42 grams, and Peewee under 42 grams. Two eggs in the same carton can look different yet share a size class. Eggs.ca notes that most recipes are written for large eggs. Medium or extra large eggs can often substitute in everyday dishes when whipped whites are not required.
Which eggs are made in Canada?
Six brands in the table score as fully Canadian on this site. Burnbrae Farms packs Naturegg from Lyn, Ontario. Gray Ridge grades in Strathroy, Ontario. Star Egg grades in Saskatoon. Sparks Eggs packs in Calgary. Lovo grades in Quebec and Manitoba. GoldEgg cartons are graded in Canada, and each compared product is rated fully Canadian here.