Nutrition Diet Facts: Does Eggland's best use hormones or antibiotics?

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Federal regulations in the U.S. have prohibited the use of hormones in poultry production for decades, but the use of antibiotics is not universally banned, leading many to question: does Eggland's best use hormones or antibiotics? The company explicitly states that the hens producing its eggs are never treated with either.

Quick Summary

Eggland's Best states its hens are never given hormones or antibiotics, a result of strict regulations and a proprietary, vegetarian hen feed. This diet is credited with superior egg nutrition, including higher vitamin levels, omega-3s, and less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs.

Key Points

Hormone-Free: Eggland's Best adheres to the federal ban on added hormones in poultry, confirming their absence in their production.
No Antibiotics: The company has a strict policy against using antibiotics in hen feed, enforced through monitoring and testing.
Proprietary Hen Diet: Hens are fed a unique all-vegetarian diet designed to enhance egg nutrition, including specific grains and supplements.
Superior Nutrition: This diet results in eggs with increased levels of vitamins D, E, and B12, Omega-3s, and less saturated fat.
Comprehensive Quality Control: Standards exceed USDA guidelines, covering freshness, processing, and regular testing for quality and nutrition.

The Truth About Hormones in Eggs

The use of hormones in all U.S. poultry production has been illegal since the 1950s. This federal regulation applies to all egg producers, including Eggland's Best. Therefore, any egg carton labeled "no hormones added" simply indicates compliance with existing law, not a unique practice. While hormones are not a concern in any U.S. eggs, policies regarding antibiotics can differ among producers.

Eggland's Best's Strict Antibiotic Policy

While federal regulations have limited the use of antibiotics in poultry, they are not completely banned in all production systems. However, Eggland's Best has a strict internal policy that prohibits the use of antibiotics in their hen feed. This is supported by continuous monitoring of production parameters by specialists and random testing of egg samples to confirm compliance with this standard. By focusing on managing hen health, Eggland's Best aims to prevent illness rather than relying on antibiotics for treatment.

The Role of a Superior, All-Vegetarian Diet

A key factor distinguishing Eggland's Best eggs is the proprietary, all-vegetarian diet fed to their hens. This specialized feed contributes to the enhanced nutritional profile of the eggs and excludes animal fats and by-products. This carefully balanced nutrition for the hens results in eggs with higher levels of specific nutrients.

Nutritional Comparison: Eggland's Best vs. Ordinary Eggs

The specialized diet leads to notable nutritional differences compared to standard eggs. Based on company data, Eggland's Best eggs offer significant advantages.


Nutrient	Eggland's Best Egg	Ordinary Egg	Difference	Benefit for Diet
Vitamin D	6 times more	Standard	Higher	Supports bone health and immune function.
Vitamin E	10 times more	Standard	Higher	Powerful antioxidant for cellular health.
Omega-3s	More than double	Standard	Higher	Supports heart and brain health.
Saturated Fat	25% less	Standard	Lower	Beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Cholesterol	175mg	186mg	Comparable	Not a primary concern for most healthy individuals.

Eggs as a Cornerstone of a Healthy Diet

Eggs are a nutrient-dense food. Current scientific understanding generally indicates that dietary cholesterol from eggs has less impact on blood cholesterol for most healthy people than saturated fats. When prepared healthfully, eggs offer numerous benefits:

High-Quality Protein: They provide all essential amino acids, important for muscle health.
Rich in Micronutrients: Eggs are a good source of choline, important for brain function, as well as vitamins B12, B5, B2, A, E, D, selenium, iodine, and zinc.
Weight Management: The protein content can help increase feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management.

Considerations for Egg Consumption

The preparation method affects the nutritional value of eggs. Boiling or poaching adds minimal calories, while frying increases fat content. Pairing eggs with nutrient-rich foods like vegetables and whole grains creates a balanced meal. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult a doctor about their egg intake. For most healthy adults, consuming one to two eggs daily can be part of a balanced diet, recognizing that the healthiness of an egg dish depends on the overall meal context and preparation. More information on the health benefits of eggs can be found from sources like Healthline.

Conclusion

Eggland's Best does not use hormones or antibiotics in their egg production. They comply with the federal ban on hormones and maintain an internal ban on antibiotics, verified through quality control measures. The improved nutritional profile of their eggs, including higher vitamin and Omega-3 levels and lower saturated fat, is attributed to their specialized vegetarian hen feed. For consumers seeking nutrient-enhanced eggs as part of a healthy diet, Eggland's Best offers a choice with clearly defined production standards.

For more information on the health benefits of eggs in a balanced diet, you can refer to authoritative sources like {Link: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/proven-health-benefits-of-eggs}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the nutritional content and the hen's diet. Eggland's Best hens are fed a proprietary, all-vegetarian diet that results in eggs with higher vitamin levels (D, E, B12), more omega-3s, and less saturated fat than ordinary eggs.

No. The use of hormones in all U.S. poultry production, including laying hens, has been prohibited by federal law for decades.

No. Eggland's Best maintains a strict internal regulation forbidding the use of antibiotics in the diets or administration to their laying hens. They rely on excellent hen management to prevent illness.

The feed is an all-vegetarian mixture of healthy grains and canola oil, along with a premium supplement of rice bran, alfalfa meal, sea kelp, and Vitamin E.

The specialized, nutrient-enhanced feed, coupled with rigorous quality assurance programs and freshness standards, contributes to a potentially higher cost compared to eggs from hens fed a generic diet.

No. The shell color is determined by the breed of the hen and does not correlate to the nutritional quality of the egg. Eggland's Best eggs of all shell colors offer the same superior nutritional profile.

The company mandates strict standards that exceed USDA guidelines, including placing eggs in refrigeration within 24 hours of being laid, conducting frequent inspections, and performing over 35,000 annual tests for freshness, nutrition, and quality.