Organic products are produced without synthetic chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers created by humans, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic production allows fresh produce, meats and dairy to be grown organically; some processed items like crackers and drinks also utilize this production method.
ALDI provides an array of organic products under their private label, including frozen specialties, bread, meat and pantry essentials. However, according to research from Stanford University no evidence was found demonstrating any nutritional benefit associated with organic food over non-organic options.
Health Benefits
Growing evidence demonstrates that organic foods have positive health benefits. This likely stems from reduced pesticide residues and an increase in secondary plant metabolites present in organic produce.
Organic meat and dairy products contain more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to lower cholesterol levels, decreased risks of heart attacks, stroke, depression and Alzheimer’s disease and reduced antibiotic resistant bacteria levels compared with their nonorganic counterparts, while being free of hormones or preservatives.
A recent systematic review of 35 clinical trials and observational studies concluded that there is some evidence linking organic food consumption with reduced risks of eczema, wheeze or atopic sensitisation; however these associations remain small; more research needs to be conducted. Organic food may be healthier for the environment while consumers report better taste; however the extra cost involved with buying organic can make accessing its benefits difficult for some families.
Environmental Benefits
Organic farming respects biodiversity, limits greenhouse gas emissions and does not use pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or GMOs. Instead it focuses on rotating crops while using natural substances instead of chemicals to combat insects and weeds – creating healthier soil with more microorganisms that provide natural plant protections.
By opting for organic produce, you are less likely to consume antibiotics and hormones in meats and dairy products, and will benefit from additional nutritional content – organic produce typically contains higher levels of vitamins C, carotenoids, folate acid as well as minerals such as calcium iron potassium zinc.
Look out for products with organic labels in food, cosmetics and household goods; supermarkets and farmers’ markets can offer opportunities to talk directly to producers about how their goods are made. National standards are established and enforced through third-party certification bodies; consumers may report noncompliance via Canada’s Organic Regime as well as get information on crop standards, animal handling standards and processing specifications from the USDA chart.
Animal Welfare
Unannounced and announced inspections conducted by accredited organic certifiers ensure that farms, handlers and food processing businesses that produce organic products meet USDA standards – those that do are allowed to display the USDA organic seal on product packaging and advertising material.
Organic farming promotes animal welfare by taking into account their behavioral, developmental and physiological needs. Furthermore, this form of agriculture prohibits any form of animal mutilation such as beak clipping and castration while mandating that their feed contains no synthetic hormones.
At USDA organic farms, unlike free-range labels which do not specify requirements regarding number of animals per acre or living conditions, all animals are kept in sufficient numbers so as to allow for their full physical development while also preventing overcrowding – something especially crucial for mental wellbeing of animal’s. Furthermore, organic farmers use an integrative system approach for disease prevention rather than using allopathic medication for disease control and management.
Cost
As organic farming gains more momentum, consumers may become concerned with its higher prices. While its health benefits make these foods worthwhile investments, their higher price can make them unavailable to many people.
Study results reveal that on average, grocery stores charge 22% more for organic than nonorganic items; when meat is excluded from this calculation, however, the premium decreases to 13%. Online delivery services like FreshDirect and Amazon Fresh also charge approximately 13% more for their organic selections.
Willingness to pay for sustainable attributes varies based on product category, region and level of consumer awareness. A survey revealed that respondents indicated they were willing to pay an extra price premium between 10% and 20% for organic fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, milk cereals tea coffee. But this premium could prevent organic foods from increasing market share.
