Food industry scandals in 2026 are hardly a shock. Between daily recalls, class-action lawsuits, and misleading marketing tactics from big brands, consumers play a never ending battle of distinguishing what’s actually healthy. Now, Vital Farms is the latest brand under fire. Once praised for their commitment to pasture-raised eggs and ethical farming tactics, some are accusing the popular brand of prioritizing profit over transparency.
According to a report by the Nourish Food Club, linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, makes up 22.5 percent of Vital Farms’ organic pasture-raised eggs. This is higher than the amount in a tablespoon of canola oil, for context. And while linoleic acid is essential for bodily function, modern diets already provide excessive amounts and too much can pose long-term health risks.
Vital Farms Controversy, Explained
Pasture raised animals are supposed to spend most of their lives outdoors, allowed to roam freely while foraging on a natural diet of plants and insects. However, the high linoleic acid content comes from what Vital Farms feeds its chickens. Sure, the chickens forage for grass and bugs. But their diet is supplemented with corn and soybean meal, along with paprika or marigold to enhance yolk color, as the website states.
“Most pasture raised operations still rely heavily on supplemental feed that is often corn and soy based,” says Erika Schlick, certified health coach and host of This Healthy Life Podcast. “Vital Farms is actually transparent about this on their website, including that they use paprika and marigold to enhance yolk color, which isn’t inherently bad—but means consumers deserve to know that a deep orange yolk isn’t always proof of superior nutrition and is sometimes just the result of better feed formulation.”
When brands bury details in fine print while letting imagery do the talking, consumers tend to feel slighted when such details are brought to the light.
Vital Farms Greenwashing Claims
These findings have sparked a widespread conversation online, with many accusing Vital Farms of greenwashing: a deceptive marketing tactic that creates the impression of a product being healthier, more ethical, or more environmentally friendly than it really is.
“Eggs are honestly one of the most confusing foods in the grocery store when it comes to labeling because you’re bombarded with terms like cage-free, free range, pasture raised, organic, vegetarian fed, humanely raised, farm fresh, all natural, and omega-3 enriched,” Schlick says. “Most consumers have no idea what any of these actually mean, or whether they’re getting a meaningfully better egg.”
Technically speaking, Vital Farms hasn’t lied. They’ve openly stated on their website that chickens receive corn and soy feed. The issue, as Nourish Food Club notes, is that many people assume that higher prices and labeling like “pasture-raised” automatically mean the product is “better” or healthier, which isn’t always the case.
Related: Over 1,500 Dozen Eggs Recalled Due to Salmonella Concerns
What Are the Healthiest Eggs to Buy?
As Schlick points out, eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, packed with choline for brain health, complete protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin D, A, E, K, and so much more. So, while you should question marketing tactics, she warns against ditching this foundational health food altogether.
‘If sourcing matters to you, look for farms that disclose their full feed composition,” she advises. “Consider visiting local farms, or shopping at farmers’ markets, where you can ask questions directly about how the hens are raised. Soy and corn-free eggs are going to be your best option, but that’s not accessible to everyone. Pasture raised with supplemental feed is still the next best choice.”
