Why Your “All Natural” and “Organic” Products Aren't What You Think

As soon as you walk into a grocery store you are bombarded with choices. As a responsible consumer, it is important that you know how to make informed decisions the next time you go grocery shopping.

Organic

In regards to meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, “organic” is used to describe animals that have been raised without antibiotics, growth hormones, pesticides, fertilizers from synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, ionizing radiation and GMO feed.

100% Organic

If you really want to go organic, a mere “organic” label will not do. United States federal legislation defines organic foods to have at least 70% organic ingredients. 100% organic means that all the ingredients in the product are organic. This is the label you want to look for.

USDA Organic

This label is one step above the “organic” label. USDA organic label means that at least 95% of the ingredients in a product are organic.

Natural vs. All Natural

“Natural” is a broad term used to describe products that are minimally processed, and free of synthetic dyes, coloring, flavorings and preservatives. Products labelled “natural” can still contain fructose corn syrup and GMOs.

Aside from foods containing meat, poultry, or egg products, the term is largely unregulated by the USDA. Even meat, poultry and egg products can still have antibiotics and growth hormones, and can be fed on GMO feed. In summary, ignore “natural” or “all natural” labels. It’s a marketing scheme that doesn’t benefit your health at all.

Grass-fed and Grass-finished vs. 100% Organic Grass-fed

An animal that is grass-fed and grass-finished has enjoyed a diet entirely of grass, legumes and green vegetation. Unfortunately, this label does not address the use of antibiotics, hormones or pesticides. Always look for 100% organic grass-fed meat to avoid harmful chemicals.

Grass-fed and Grain Finished

Animal products with this label indicate that the animal was fed grass for most of its life, but given grains like soy and corn towards the end, usually to fatten it up. If the meat is not 100% certified organic, the feed is most likely GMO feed and should be avoided.

Cage-Free

Cage-free simply means that the animals were not in cages. They are still in an enclosed facility, which could be very small and crowded, and there is no indication that these animals ever saw the light of day or enjoyed roaming free in a pasture.

Free Range

Free range means the animals were raised in a sheltered facility, had unlimited access to food and water, and had access to the outdoors during their lifetime.

The label doesn’t however, verify that the animal actually went outside, but merely that there was a door to the outside for the animals to go through. The door could be too small for the animals to even notice, but the label won’t tell you that.

Pasture-Raised

This is the label you want to look for. With this label, animals roam around free outdoors, have unlimited access to food and fresh water, and have shelter during less pleasant weather.

In summary, look for 100% grass-fed organic meats and 100% pasture-raised organic eggs and chickens, and always ask your farmer/butcher regarding GMOs, growth hormones and antibiotics.