Sainsbury's switches to white eggs to cut carbon emissions: what it means for shoppers

Sainsbury's is phasing out brown eggs from its own-brand ranges and switching to white eggs, citing a 12% reduction in carbon emissions. White-feathered hens require less feed and have a longer laying life, which lowers the carbon footprint per egg. The retailer says there is no difference in taste or nutrition between white and brown eggs. White eggs are already common in Europe and the US, and were the norm in the UK until the late 1970s. Consumer preference shifted to brown eggs due to a mistaken belief they were more natural. Sainsbury's move could signal a broader shift in UK retail as supermarkets look for practical ways to reduce emissions in their supply chains.