Organic ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers; selecting products made with these organic ingredients helps support local and small-scale farmers who prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Products labeled 100% organic must contain only certified organic ingredients; multi-ingredient items labelled “made with organic” must contain at least 70% certified organic components.
Flavor
Organic ingredients stand out with their distinctive tastes – from juicy organic tomatoes to the robust earthiness of organic grains. Organic farms benefit from superior soil conditions and cultivation methods, yielding higher natural sugar production for richer flavors; moreover, their increased phytochemical protection against pests results in natural aromas and tastes unique to organics.
Organic natural flavors are produced using plant and animal sources grown and processed under strict organic standards, and extracted using heat-free processes in order to preserve their organic integrity and natural purity.
Organic and natural flavors have seen steady increases in consumer interest, yet some consumers remain wary about higher prices and inconsistent product quality. Education and communication strategies can help change consumer perspectives to drive further expansion of this segment.
Health
By purchasing organic ingredients, consumers can reduce exposure to toxic pesticides and herbicides that may pass from plants to animals and then into humans via food chains. Research suggests that eating organic can lower risks of cancer, heart disease and other medical issues.
Organic meat and dairy products can help contribute to healthier dietary profiles. Studies have demonstrated that organic milk has higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids compared with conventional varieties, while organic meats raised without antibiotics or growth hormones may improve overall health as well.
When selecting packaged products with organic ingredients, look for the USDA seal to verify this claim. “100% organic” means all the ingredients have been certified organic while “organic” and “made with organic” indicate at least 95% of their ingredients are certified as such; multi-ingredient items in these categories must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients (excluding salt and water) but may contain up to 30% non-organic items.
Environment
Organic ingredients are produced without synthetic pesticides and herbicides that leave harmful residue on foods that could potentially be consumed by people. Organic farming practices prioritize environmental stewardship by protecting soil health, minimising water pollution, and protecting biodiversity.
Organic regulations ensure the humane treatment of animals when it comes to meat and dairy production, with livestock permitted free access to outdoors while eating a 100% forage diet without being subject to antibiotics or hormone treatments. When labeling products as organic, livestock must not have been subjected to any antibiotic or hormone treatments whatsoever.
Foods labeled as 100% organic contain only certified organic ingredients and may bear the USDA seal. Multi-ingredient products containing at least 85% organic ingredients must clearly display both “organic” and the percentage of organic ingredients on their principal display panel; any remaining non-organic ingredients must comply with the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (NLAPS). Products labelled “made with organic ingredients” must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients and provide information regarding how many of those are organic on their ingredient panel.
Sustainability
Organic farming practices emphasize sustainability and environmental stewardship by restricting synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical preservatives from being used. This cultivation method preserves soil health while minimising water pollution levels. Finally, biodiversity protection is maintained.
By opting for organic ingredients, consumers are supporting local farmers and keeping money within the community. Food that hasn’t traveled long distances retains more nutrition; plus farmers may offer cheaper prices.
Products labeled 100 percent organic must only contain certified organic ingredients and processing aids, while multi-ingredient agricultural products that claim “made with organic” must contain at least 70% of ingredients (excluding water and salt ) produced organically; up to 30 percent nonagricultural substances approved on the National List may also be included.
Organic meat and dairy products offer animals diets more similar to their natural ones, helping reduce antibiotic resistance risk. All this contributes to a healthier planet; ultimately using organic ingredients deepens your relationship with what you eat.
