Are you confused about what each organic label means? I know I was when I first started shopping for organic ingredients. I wasn’t sure which ones were real and which ones were just a marketing tactic. I decided to do a little research to see if I could easily tell which ones to trust. I found that it is actually pretty easy to tell which organic food labels to trust. By learning these labels I cut down my shopping time, and I am now able to try a huge variety of real organic products.

There are a few terms you are probably used to seeing; certified organic, free-range, and natural being the most common. If you don’t know exactly what those all are, or are not 100% sure of the differences, don’t worry, they are easy to learn!

Common Terms and Definitions:

• 100% Organic: must only contain ingredients classified as organic
• Organic: must have a minimum of 95% organic ingredients (excluding water & salt)
• Made with Organic Materials: must be made with a minimum of 70% organic materials
• Certified Organic: foods must be grown according to strict standards and verified by independent states or private organizations. There are periodic soil and water tests, along with field and processing facilities inspections.
• Transitional: produced during the 3 year transition period between conversion of conventional and organic food production (I have not ever seen this one in any of the stores I shop at)
• Free Range: US government standards are still lacking in this area. It only states that “outdoor access must be made available for an undermined period each day”
• Natural: NOT ALWAYS CREDIBLE. USDA Definition: the term “natural” is only used for meat and poultry products, and it means the product does not contain any artificial flavorings, colors, synthetic ingredients, or chemical preservatives. This term is extremely overused.

USDA Organic Seal

I know almost all of you have seen this. This is probably the most commonly recognized symbol for real organic products. But do you know what it takes to get that seal of approval? A lot. You can check out the USDA website for more information on what exactly those seeking accreditation and  those applying for organic certification have to do. Something I found interesting was foods that have the USDA Organic stamp is only earned by following the US Department of Agriculture’s guidelines. I also found it interesting that displaying the seal is voluntary and some companies choose not to display it.

When reading the packaging labels remember,

1. 100% organic products almost always have the USDA Organic seal.
2. Products using at least 95% organic ingredients will say “organic” but may not have the seal.
3. Products using at least 70% organic ingredients can not carry the seal but can say “organic” on their packaging.
4. Always remember not to confuse organic with all natural, free range, or hormone free.

I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the USDA.