Learn the Language

Regardless of your reason(s) for deciding to adopt a plant-based lifestyle, it is helpful to understand the following terms to help guide your choices at the grocery store.

Cage-Free Eggs – In order to get the approval of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), cage-free eggs “must be produced by hens housed in a way that allows for not only unlimited access to food and water, but, unlike eggs from caged hens, also provides them the freedom to roam during the laying cycle.”

Free-Range Eggs – Similar to the above definition of cage-free eggs, free-range hens must have unlimited access to food and water. However, while cage-free hens have the freedom to roam their designated area during the laying cycle, free-range hens have continuous access to the outdoors during their laying cycle.

Grass-fed – While this term means that the cattle ate only grass during their lifetime, as of January 2016, the USDA’s AMS withdrew their claim standard. Though they no longer define the term (the definition had been criticized for not dealing with issues beyond what grass-fed animals could be fed, such as the use of hormones and antibiotics, confinement of animals, and environmental stewardship), the USDA still regulates the labeling process for grass-fed beef products. For more information, visit Understanding AMS’ Withdrawal.

Organic – The USDA claims that organic foods have been produced and processed using approved methods which “integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.” Certified organic eggs are from uncaged hens that are allowed free range of their houses and access to outdoor spaces.

Natural Eggs – According to the USDA’s website, a natural product is “a product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed.” The term does not indicate how the chicken was raised.