Hens that consume foods rich in natural pigments called carotenoids, such as grass, alfalfa, and certain flowers, can produce eggs with noticeably darker orange yolks. Feed ingredients and additives can also influence the color. This means a bright orange yolk can tell you something about the hen’s diet, but it cannot tell you everything about the egg itself. A pale-yellow yolk is not automatically inferior, either.

Eggs can provide valuable nutrients including protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and choline. The amount of these nutrients can vary for several reasons, but simply judging an egg by its yolk color can be misleading. Two eggs with very different-looking yolks can both be nutritious parts of a balanced diet.

So the next time you’re comparing egg cartons at the store, don’t let yolk color make the entire decision for you. Consider factors such as freshness, proper storage, food safety, the hen’s diet, and how the eggs were produced. That beautiful orange yolk may look more appealing, but appearance alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Sometimes the most eye-catching egg is simply the one with the most noticeable color—not necessarily the one that is best for you.