Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points.

Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in systems that benefit us all. Eggs sourced from a single operation receive the most points. Eggs of unclear origins and/or with poor oversight receives the fewest points.

Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards.

Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions.

The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits.

Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors.

High scoring brands provide enough space to allow each hen to fully utilize their outdoor area, and to perform instinctive behaviors without harming the environment.

High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round.

Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress.

Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life.

Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming.

Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish.

Brands that have low rates of deaths and utilize their spent hens for human consumption or similar score the highest.

Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points.

Brands that score well here go above and beyond to ensure the highest animal welfare, taking into consideration their hens’ safety and cleanliness, natural behavior, and stress levels.

Cornucopia believes you have a right to transparency. Top brands share information with Cornucopia via a survey and cooperate with our own independent investigations.

Brands do not receive points, but are invited to submit the name of their Accredited Organic Certifier (suppliers may have different certifiers).

Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form.