---
title: "S0, S1 or S2: What the numbers on eggs really mean and which ones you should buy"
description: "The numbers on eggs — S0, S1, and S2 — indicate weight category rather than quality: the smaller the number, the larger the egg. We explain which eggs to choose for baking and breakfast, and how labelling in Ukraine will change by 2028."
date: 2026-10-28T21:45:18.288Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/what-numbers-on-eggs-mean-s0-s1-s2
tags: [eggs, egg-labeling, food, grocery, ukraine, cooking]
author: "Inna Kinsheva"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# S0, S1 or S2: What the numbers on eggs really mean and which ones you should buy

![Woman in a grocery store choosing packaged chicken eggs](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/28/chto-oznachayut-cifry-na-yaycah-s0-s1-s2/chto-oznachayut-cifry-na-yaycah-s0-s1-s2-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Numbers following the letter on eggs indicate the weight category: the smaller the number (S0, S1, S2), the larger the egg.
- The letter 'C' denotes table eggs, while 'D' denotes dietary eggs; dietary eggs are those sold within seven days of being laid.
- Weight category does not determine freshness, taste, or safety, so it is important to check packaging and shell condition when buying.
- Starting January 1, 2028, new egg labelling requirements aligned with the European system will take effect in Ukraine (Ministry of Agrarian Policy Order No. 360 of March 7, 2023).

At first glance, the difference between eggs with different numbers on the packaging is barely noticeable — they all look identical in the cartons on a supermarket shelf. However, this exact labelling helps shoppers choose the most suitable product for baking, breakfast, or salads, ensuring recipe proportions are spot on. Let's break down what S0, S1, S2, and SB designations mean, why a "large" egg isn't always the "best" one, and how the labelling system in Ukraine will change in the coming years.

### Letter and numbers: Weight category, not quality

The numbers following the letter on the packaging indicate the egg's weight category, meaning how large the product will be. The rule is simple to remember: the smaller the number after the letter "C" (or "S"), the larger the egg. Thus, category S0 is typically heavier than S1, and S1 is heavier than S2. Visually, it is not always obvious which eggs are larger — S2 or S1 — so in dishes where exact yolk and white weights matter, you should rely on the labelling rather than visual estimation. It is important to understand that this figure refers strictly to mass, not quality, freshness, or the breed of the chicken, as some people mistakenly believe.

### Table eggs versus dietary eggs: What is the difference

The first letter in the designation relates to the product's freshness and purpose. The letter "C" indicates that the eggs belong to table eggs, while the traditional marking system uses the letter "D" for dietary eggs. As the State Prodpotrebservice explains, dietary eggs are considered those sold within seven days of being laid, excluding the day they were laid. After this period expires, the product is transferred to the table egg category. Therefore, weight category and freshness are two distinct characteristics that should not be confused: a large egg is not necessarily fresh, and vice versa.

### Which eggs to choose for different dishes

The choice of category largely depends on what you are cooking. For an everyday breakfast, eggs of any category work fine, but for fried or scrambled eggs, opting for S0 or S1 is convenient if you want a larger portion. For baking, it is best to stick to the category specified in the recipe: if the author called for S1 eggs, replacing them with significantly larger ones can disrupt the dough proportions and alter the final result. For salads and stuffed eggs, choosing S1 or S2 is acceptable depending on the desired portion size.

### A large egg doesn't mean the best one

Weight labelling does not determine the freshness, taste, or safety of the product, so you shouldn't rely solely on the number when purchasing. Even if you have already decided on the category, do not ignore the condition of the product. In its recommendations, the State Prodpotrebservice advises paying attention to several things: first, the labelling — whether the product information on the packaging is legible; second, the sales conditions — it is best to buy eggs in places where storage rules are observed and food safety is controlled. Avoid buying eggs with cracked shells or without proper labelling.

### What will change starting in 2028

Ukraine is transitioning to new requirements closely aligned with the European system. The relevant Order of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy No. 360 dated March 7, 2023, has been published on the Verkhovna Rada website and will enter into force on January 1, 2028. Under the new rules, eggs will be designated with Latin letters based on mass, while the digit at the beginning of the code will indicate the housing system for the hens. In other words, the familiar marking system inherited from the old standard will be replaced by one closer to European practice, simplifying product comparison and taking into account not just weight, but also production conditions.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Что означают цифры на яйцах: как отличить С0 от С1 и какие лучше покупать](https://styler.rbc.ua/ukr/useful/shcho-oznachayut-tsifri-ytsyah-k-vidrizniti-1793192380.html) - Primary source: weight categories, the rule 'smaller number means larger egg', separation into table/dietary eggs (7 days), recommendations of the State Consumer Protection Service, Ministry of Agrarian Policy Order No. 360 dated 07.03.2023 effective from 01.01.2028.
- [Что означают буквы и цифры на яйцах: расшифровка маркировки](https://ura-inform.com/akczent/2025/10/06/chto-oznachayut-bukvy-i-czifry-na-yajczah-rasshifrovka-markirovki/) - Confirms the division of eggs into table and dietary categories based on freshness and purpose.
- [Не только размер: что означают маркировки яиц и как они изменятся в Украине](https://www.unian.net/curiosities/kakaya-raznica-mezhdu-yaycom-s1-i-s0-chto-oznachayut-cifry-i-bukvy-na-yaycah-13495644.html) - Confirms designations S0/S1/S2/SB, division by freshness and mass under the old DSTU, as well as Order No. 360 and the transition to European standards starting January 2028.
- [Важно обратить внимание ещё в магазине: что означает код на куриных яйцах](https://glavred.info/life/vazhno-obratit-vnimanie-eshche-v-magazine-chto-oznachaet-kod-na-kurinyh-yaycah-10749899.html) - Confirms the presence of letter and number labelling on eggs and its significance for the buyer.

## FAQ

### What does the number after the letter on eggs mean?

It is the weight category: the smaller the number, the larger the egg. S0 is typically heavier than S1, and S1 is heavier than S2. The number reflects mass, not quality or freshness.

### What is the difference between table eggs and dietary eggs?

The letter 'C' stands for table eggs, and 'D' stands for dietary eggs. Dietary eggs are those sold within seven days of laying (excluding the laying day); afterwards, they are classified as table eggs.

### Which eggs are best for baking?

For baking, it is best to follow the category specified in the recipe. Replacing eggs with significantly larger ones can disrupt the dough's proportions.

### Will egg labelling change in Ukraine?

Yes. Starting January 1, 2028, new requirements aligned with the European system will come into force (Ministry of Agrarian Policy Order No. 360 of March 7, 2023): eggs will be marked with Latin letters according to mass, and the first digit of the code will indicate the farming method.