Last updated: 7/24/2026
Key Takeaways
- Under Certified Humane® Pasture Raised standards, each hen has access to at least 108 square feet of outdoor pasture per bird.
- Certified Humane guarantees animals were raised with proper space, shelter, and compassion, verified through annual inspections.
- USDA Certified Organic means that a product has been grown and processed according to strict federal guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including no GMOs and no synthetic pesticides.
- Free-range means continuous access to the outdoors for at least 51% of their lives. When Certified Humane, free-range also guarantees that hens have access to at least 2 square feet of outdoor space per hen.
- Cage-free is an indoor housing standard where hens aren't kept in individual cages but are not required to have any access to the outdoors.
What Does Pasture-Raised Mean?
Pasture-raised eggs come from hens that are given access to outdoor pasture. The standard sounds similar to free-range, and both give hens meaningful outdoor access, but the difference comes down to how much space each hen is guaranteed.
To help you sort through common egg carton claims, we’re taking a closer look at pasture-raised standards, humane animal care, and what to look for on the cartons at the store.
Pasture-Raised (and Other Eggs) at a Glance
Pasture-raised eggs come from hens with at least 108 sq ft of outdoor pasture each and continuous outdoor access during daylight hours. When accompanied by the Certified Humane® label, those standards are independently audited.[1]
Organic pasture-raised eggs also meet USDA Organic standards: certified organic feed, no GMOs, no antibiotics, and no synthetic pesticides. Organic pasture-raised eggs follow the same standards as pasture-raised eggs and also meet the USDA Organic criteria.[2]
Free-range eggs come from hens with at least 2 sq ft of outdoor space each under Certified Humane® standards.[1]
Cage-free eggs come from hens that are not kept in individual cages when indoors, though cage-free does not guarantee any access to outdoor space.[1]
How Much Space Do Pasture-Raised Hens Receive?
Per Certified Humane® standards, our pasture-raised hens get 108 square feet of outdoor space per hen.
It’s important to look for the Certified Humane® seal on any carton labeled pasture-raised. Under Certified Humane® Pasture Raised standards, each hen has access to at least 108 square feet of outdoor pasture per bird. Without third-party certification, "pasture-raised" has no legal definition in the US.
Are Pasture-Raised Eggs Healthier for You?
Pasture-raised hens spend their days foraging on grass, bugs, and seeds. Researchers have studied the effects of this varied diet on egg composition and nutrition. A Penn State University study found that hens with access to outdoor pastures produced eggs with significantly more omega-3 fatty acids than eggs from caged hens.[3] Separate research has linked outdoor access to higher levels of vitamin D when compared with eggs raised entirely indoors from cage-free or factory-farmed hens.[4]
The bottom line: research suggests outdoor access influences what ends up in the egg. The Certified Humane® Pasture Raised label is the clearest way to verify that access on the carton.
Are Pasture-Raised Eggs Humane?
Both free-range and pasture-raised eggs can meet strong humane standards when verified by a third-party certification like Certified Humane®, which requires meaningful outdoor access during daylight hours.
We believe our hens are healthier, farmers are happier, and our eggs taste better when flocks have access to the outdoors and can exhibit natural behaviors like perching, dust bathing, and roaming in fresh air and sunshine.
Comparing Egg Labels
Free-Range vs. Pasture-Raised Eggs: What's the Difference?
The main difference is the amount of outdoor space.
asture-raised hens get at least 108 square feet each, while free-range hens get at least 2 square feet. Both standards require meaningful daily outdoor access during daylight hours.
In practice, hens move between indoor and outdoor space throughout the day, and many prefer the shade, water, and social areas of the barn, so flocks rarely cluster outside all at once. The hens who do venture out often have a wide stretch of pasture to themselves.
See the full comparison, including cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, and organic, in the table below.
Cage-Free vs. Pasture-Raised Eggs: What's the Difference?
Cage-free is an indoor housing standard where hens aren't kept in individual cages but are not required to have any access to the outdoors. Free-range and pasture-raised refer specifically to outdoor space and access requirements.
Pete & Gerry’s does not offer cage-free eggs because we believe outdoor access is fundamental to humane care.
If outdoor access is important to you, free-range and pasture-raised labels can help guide your choice, especially when supported by a trusted third-party certification. See how cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, and organic eggs compare in the table below.
Pasture-Raised vs. Free-Range vs. Cage-Free vs. Organic
Each label means something different, and not every claim guarantees the same things. Here's how the four most common egg labels compare in terms of outdoor space, access, feed, and what the certification actually verifies.
| Label or term | Outdoor space per hen | Outdoor access | Feed requirements | What the label guarantees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cage-Free | No guaranteed outdoor space | No outdoor access guaranteed | Varies | Hens are not kept in individual cages indoors |
| Certified Humane® Free-Range | 2 sq ft | Outdoor access for at least 6 hours a day, weather permitting | Not necessarily organic unless also USDA Organic | At least 2 sq ft of outdoor space per hen and HFAC standards |
| Certified Humane® Pasture-Raised | 108 sq ft | Year-round outdoor access with shelter for protection from severe weather and predators | Not necessarily organic unless also USDA Organic | At least 108 sq ft of outdoor space per hen and HFAC standards |
| USDA Organic | Outdoor access required | Access to outdoor space with at least 75% soil* | 100% certified organic feed, no synthetic pesticides, no antibiotics | Organic feed and USDA Organic production standards |
*By January 2, 2029 per the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rules.[5]
Shop Pete & Gerry's Certified Humane® Pasture Raised Eggs, or choose Pete & Gerry's Organic Pasture Raised Eggs if you want both verified pasture access and USDA Organic feed standards. Find them at a store near you.
Is Pasture-Raised the Same as Organic?
No. Pasture-raised describes how much outdoor space hens have and how they're housed. USDA Organic refers to a distinct set of standards including feed quality, living conditions, and restrictions on antibiotics and synthetic pesticides.
What Are Organic Pasture-Raised Eggs?
Organic pasture-raised eggs carry both labels. Pete & Gerry's Organic Pasture Raised Eggs, for example, meet both the USDA Organic feed standard and the Certified Humane® Pasture Raised space standard.
If what the hens eat is important to you, look for the USDA Organic seal. It guarantees no synthetic pesticides, no GMOs, and no antibiotics.
What's the Difference Between Pasteurized and Pasture-Raised?
Pasteurized eggs have been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria as a food safety process. Pasture-raised eggs refer to how the hens are raised, specifically their outdoor access and space requirements. The two terms describe different things, and an egg can be one, both, or neither.
Pete & Gerry’s Organic Free Range, Pasture Raised, and Organic Pasture Raised eggs are not pasteurized, while our Organic Liquid Egg Whites are pasteurized for food safety.
Where Did the Pasture-Raised Standard Come From?
The 108-square-foot standard traces back to the Soil Association, a British sustainable farming organization founded in 1946. Their early work on rotational grazing established that flocks needed roughly that much space per bird to keep pastures healthy as hens were rotated from field to field.[6]
Today, that same figure is the basis for the Certified Humane® Pasture Raised standard. This outdoor space allows hens to forage naturally without depleting the land, giving pastures time to recover, supporting forage diversity, and contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.
How to Verify Claims on the Carton: A Checklist
Egg carton labels can be confusing, but a few key signals will tell you whether a claim is verified or just marketing:
1. Look for meaningful terms
Labels like “Pasture-Raised” and “Free-Range” provide more clarity than vague claims like “Farm Fresh” or “Natural.”
2. Check for third-party certification
Certifications by trusted third-party organizations, like Certified Humane®, help confirm that claims are backed by standards and audits.
3. Find the USDA Organic seal
If feed standards matter to you, the USDA Certified Organic seal confirms the eggs meet all federal organic requirements.
4. Look at the company behind the carton
A brand's website should clearly explain its standards, certifications, and farming practices. Look for B Corp certification, which Pete & Gerry's carries, as a signal of social and environmental accountability.
About Pete & Gerry's Eggs
At Pete & Gerry’s, the health and well-being of our hens and farmers always comes first. Our pasture-raised eggs are produced according to Certified Humane® Pasture-Raised standards, giving hens room to roam, forage, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
When you choose Pete & Gerry’s, you’re getting eggs from humanely raised hens and supporting the network of family farms across the country that raise them.
Shop Pete & Gerry’s Certified Humane® Pasture Raised Eggs.
FAQs
Q: Are pasture-raised eggs the same as organic eggs?
A: No. The terms “pasture-raised” and “organic” describe different things. “Pasture-raised” refers to how hens are raised, and notably their level of outdoor access. “Organic” refers to what hens are fed, how their feed and pastures are produced, and how they are maintained and cared for.
To be sure eggs are certified organic, look for the USDA Organic label. For consumers looking for both classifications, Pete & Gerry's Organic Pasture Raised eggs meet USDA Organic standards and Certified Humane® Pasture Raised standards, giving hens 108 square feet of outdoor space per bird and 100% certified organic feed.
Q: Are pasture-raised eggs worth it?
A: For consumers who value animal welfare and high-quality eggs, the answer is often yes, Pete & Gerry’s Pasture Raised Eggs are worth it.
Going a step beyond are Pete & Gerry’s Organic Pasture Raised Eggs. They’re USDA Certified Organic and Certified Humane® Pasture Raised, meaning hens have outdoor access and enjoy 100% organic feed grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs.
Q: What is the difference between pasture-raised and free-range eggs?
A: While both terms mean hens have outdoor access, the biggest difference is the amount of outdoor space. For ensured standards behind these terms, first look for certification by trusted third-party verification via Certified Humane®, as you’ll find on Pete & Gerry’s eggs. Under Certified Humane® standards, free-range hens receive at least 2 square feet of outdoor space per hen, while pasture-raised hens receive at least 108 square feet.
Q: What is the difference between cage-free and pasture-raised eggs?
A: Cage-free means hens aren't kept in individual cages, but it doesn't guarantee they have any access to the outdoors. Pasture-raised hens, on the other hand, have access to outdoor pasture where they can forage, dust bathe, and express natural behaviors, and are never kept in cages. Pete & Gerry's Pasture Raised and Organic Pasture Raised Eggs come from hens who are raised with Certified Humane® Pasture Raised standards, including 108 square feet of outdoor space per hen.
Q: Are pasture-raised eggs healthier than regular eggs?
A: Research has found that some pasture-raised eggs may contain different levels of nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, compared with some conventionally produced eggs. Pasture access is one part of the overall farming system that can influence an egg's nutritional composition.
Q: How much space do pasture-raised hens get?
A: Under Certified Humane® Pasture Raised standards, each hen has access to at least 108 square feet of outdoor pasture per bird. Without trusted third-party verifications like Certified Humane®, standards are not clear. That’s why consumers who value humane animal care practices should look for the Certified Humane® logo to ensure standards, which you’ll find on all Pete & Gerry’s eggs.
Q: Does pasture-raised mean the hens are outside all day?
A: Hens must have access to outdoor pasture for a minimum of 6 hours per day under Certified Humane® Pasture Raised standards. Hens can move freely between indoor and outdoor areas at their discretion for at least this period of time, as weather and safety permit. Without those Certified Humane® standards as followed by all Pete & Gerry’s family farms, standards may vary.
Find the answers to even more frequently asked questions.
References
- Amidor, T. (2016, July 25). Article explains difference between pasture-raised and free-range eggs. Humane Farm Animal Care. Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://certifiedhumane.org/article-explains-difference-pasture-raised-free-range-eggs/
- Organic 101: What the USDA Organic Label Means. (2012, March 22). USDA. Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means
- Research shows eggs from pastured chickens may be more nutritious. (2010, 07 20). Penn State Agricultural Department. Retrieved 06 25, 2026, from https://www.psu.edu/news/agricultural-sciences/story/research-shows-eggs-pastured-chickens-may-be-more-nutritious
- Kühn, J., Kluge, H., Hirche, F., & Stangl, G. I. (2014). Free-range farming: a natural alternative to produce vitamin D-enriched eggs. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 30(4), 481-484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2013.10.002
- Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OPLS). (2023, 11 2). Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Final Rule. OCIA International. https://ocia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Organic-Livestock-and-Poultry-Standards-Final-Rule.pdf
- McKay, D., & Howard, A. (n.d.). Our history. Soil Association. Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://www.soilassociation.org/who-we-are/our-history/#section-1
