That rich, orange egg yolk you may pay extra for isn’t necessarily healthier or higher quality. Yolk color is influenced mainly by what the hen eats, with foods rich in carotenoids—such as grass, alfalfa, and marigold petals—often producing a deeper orange shade. Certain feed additives can have a similar effect.

A pale-yellow yolk is not automatically inferior, just as a bright-orange yolk is not automatically better. Eggs of different yolk colors can provide important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and choline. The color itself is not a reliable measure of an egg’s overall nutritional value.

When choosing eggs, other factors may be more meaningful than yolk color. The hen’s overall diet, farming conditions, hygiene, storage, and the egg’s freshness can all play important roles. Yolk color can offer some insight into the hen’s diet, but it does not tell the complete story.

So, the next time you compare egg cartons, don’t let the color of the yolk make the decision for you. A vibrant orange yolk may look appealing, but the most impressive-looking egg isn’t necessarily the most nutritious. When it comes to choosing eggs, it’s worth looking beyond appearance.