What Does “Organic” Mean,

and Why Should We

Choose it?

Let’s start with understanding the labels we see on products. Here are some common labels and what they really mean:

100% Organic:

– 100% organic ingredients
– All ingredients were grown or raised to the USDA’s standards
– Plants cannot be grown with synthetic pesticides
– Must be certified

Organic:

– At least 95% organic ingredients
– Up to 5% may be from a small list of USDA approved non-organic additives
– Required to be certified by an agency, that of which is stated on the label

Made With Organic Ingredients:

– Required to contain at least 70% organic ingredients
– The remainder of the ingredients can be non-organic
– May state a maximum of 3 organic food groups on the label
– Also must be certified

Less than 70% Organic Ingredients:

– All products that contain less than 70% organic ingredients
– Free of restrictions on non-organic ingredients
– “Organic” can only be listed in the ingredients section
– Does not require certification

Be Cautious of Other Labeling

The labels on products can get to be confusing, and at times, a bit misleading. This is why it is crucial for consumers to choose 100% certified organic products. There are a few words on labels to steer clear of when it comes to looking for organics. Learn about these differences to make sure you’re not just guessing during your shopping trips.