Heinz switches to cage-free eggs in mayonnaise recipe
Heinz has made a significant change to its Seriously Good Mayonnaise, quietly replacing free-range eggs with cage-free eggs. The move has left many fans frustrated, as the company cited avian flu outbreaks as the reason for the switch.
On its website, Heinz explained: "Due to increased outbreaks of avian flu across Europe, free-range hens are increasingly placed inside barns in order to curb further spread. As a result, we are unable to source free-range eggs at the scale we require." The change was made in March 2026, according to a Kraft Heinz spokesperson.
Animal welfare group criticizes decision
Compassion in World Farming, an animal welfare organization, criticized Heinz for abandoning free-range systems. A spokesperson told The Grocer: "Temporary housing measures protect free-range flocks during periods of heightened avian influenza risk, and existing regulations allow eggs to retain their free-range status on egg labelling when hens are housed indoors for limited periods of time. Rather than abandoning free-range systems, Heinz should focus on supporting free-range producers and maintaining higher-welfare standards during periods of mandatory confinement."
Heinz defends the change
A Kraft Heinz spokesperson defended the transition, stating: "The industry has faced persistent challenges from avian flu over the past several years. To protect our supply and ensure we can deliver the products consumers love, we made the decision in March to begin transitioning to cage-free eggs that meet barn egg standards set by the EU Council Directive on the welfare of laying hens."
Despite the change, Heinz continues to promote its mayonnaise as "rich, creamy and irresistibly smooth," with no artificial colours, flavours, or thickeners. The product description on its website reads: "We don't take ourselves too seriously - but when it comes to our mayo, it's a whole different story."
