Hannaford’s Egg Cartons and Signage

Over the past year, Hannaford and its parent company, Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, have faced questions about their continued sale of eggs from caged hens, after previously telling customers they would transition away from that practice.

During this period, Hannaford placed signs in its egg aisles titled “Egg Types eggsplained,” which stated: “Hens are raised in lots of ways. Learn more about your many nutritious egg choices!” The signage then listed the different production systems: conventional (cages), cage-free, free-range, pasture, and organic.

In a November 2025 survey of 812 Hannaford customers, respondents were shown this signage along with photos of Hannaford-brand “conventional” egg cartons to assess whether they could accurately identify them as such.

The results showed significant confusion. The vast majority of customers (approximately 75%) failed to accurately identify the cartons as being conventional eggs after seeing Hannaford’s signage.

Overall, the findings show that most surveyed Hannaford customers misunderstand what eggs they are purchasing based on Hannaford’s branding and signage.

Poll conducted for the New England Consumer Alliance.