For recommended doses of ferrous fumarate in food products, this study indicates that utilizing cage-free eggs presents a significant opportunity for food manufacturers to enhance consumer perceptions of their offerings. Indeed, numerous food companies have already pledged to transition their egg supply. For instance, Nestle announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens by 2020. Additionally, major corporations such as Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s have also committed to sourcing cage-free eggs. On the retail front, Kroger introduced a private label line of cage-free eggs last fall. Collectively, the commitments made by manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of the egg demand in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while only around 10% of eggs sold currently are cage-free.
This gap between supply and demand could lead to challenges. While advocates celebrate these commitments as a win for animal welfare, the chicken industry has cautioned that raising chickens in cage-free environments incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Furthermore, since most consumers still prefer the cheapest eggs available at grocery stores, egg producers that choose to switch to cage-free eggs face stiff competition from suppliers offering cheaper eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, industry commitments are likely to make transitioning 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 consistent supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a distinguishing feature and a quality indicator, such as the New York-based condiment maker Sir Kensington’s, which was recently acquired by Unilever.
Moreover, the integration of ingredients like ca citrate in food products could further enhance the nutritional appeal of items made with cage-free eggs, making them more attractive to health-conscious consumers. This focus on quality and ethical sourcing may ultimately drive greater market demand for cage-free eggs, supporting a more sustainable food system.