Organic ingredients are produced under stringent government standards and often seen as healthy, eco-friendly alternatives to their non-organic counterparts. But it’s essential that consumers understand the differences between organic and non-organic food before making their purchasing decision.
Organic products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients (excluding salt and water) to be considered organic. Furthermore, agricultural products must be grown and processed following specific guidelines such as soil quality measures, livestock care requirements, pest and weed management protocols etc. in order to qualify as organic.
Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Organic ingredients are an effective way of avoiding GMO food products; in fact, genetically modified seeds are forbidden under organic regulations.
Organic fruits, vegetables and meats contain less pesticide residue because the natural pesticides used on organic farms are less toxic than their synthetic equivalents.
Non-organic crops may contain herbicides and insecticides that leave harmful residue on their food, potentially having adverse health consequences, especially among people with sensitive skin or expecting mothers.
Organic labels require products to be free from artificial preservatives, flavors and colors; furthermore, livestock must not receive antibiotics that could contribute to resistant bacteria in humans and health problems in general. Furthermore, animal derived ingredients must have been treated humanely; in products labeled as “made with organic ingredients,” at least 70% must be certified organic ingredients.
Better for the Environment
Organic farming methods used to grow and process foods that have been certified organic meet stringent guidelines that focus on soil quality, animal husbandry practices, pest and weed control measures and use of additives. Organic fruits and vegetables typically have lower pesticide residue levels compared with their nonorganic counterparts.
Products labeled organic can still contain small amounts of non-agricultural ingredients (like enzymes in yogurt or pectin in fruit jam) while still meeting USDA criteria; however, the package must contain the seal as well as identify its certifier.
Organic meat comes from animals raised without antibiotics or growth hormones, meeting USDA organic standards that set out humane treatment of animals. Organic produce and dairy may come from small family farms that value humane animal welfare – values shared with many consumers who prioritize ethical food sourcing. By opting for organic ingredients, you are supporting these farmers while supporting sustainable business models!
Fresher
Organically produced food stays as fresh as possible during transport, as long-distance shipping typically requires produce to be harvested before it ripens and treated to preserve its shelf-stability. This may reduce vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant loss from your food.
Eat organic ingredients, and you’re guaranteed food that is fresher and has better flavors. Organic farming practices allow crops to reach maturity in both their vine and field settings for fuller, richer flavors that bring more depth of taste and aromas.
Organic food processing standards help preserve the integrity of your foods by restricting artificial preservatives and colors, like citric acid or baking soda, from entering them. Look for products bearing the USDA Organic label to find products made with at least 95% organic ingredients; multi-ingredient processed foods labeled as “organic” or “made with organic ingredients” may contain up to 5% nonorganically produced agricultural products if listed on an authorized certifying agent’s list of allowed nonsynthetic ingredients.
More Nutrient-Rich
Organic farms generally do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides (with some exceptions), nor administer antibiotics or growth hormones to their livestock, leading to fruits and vegetables with higher nutritional values than their nonorganic counterparts.
Organic products have seen tremendous success on store shelves thanks to consumers looking for ways to limit their exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and support producers who prioritize humane animal welfare. This trend is especially evident among food items commonly sprayed with chemicals, like strawberries, cherries, celery, avocadoes and sweet potatoes.
Products labeled organic must contain at least 95% organic ingredients excluding salt and water. Multi-ingredient processed foods containing less than 70% organic ingredients may still bear the USDA seal if their ingredient panel and principal display panel both list all organic components; such foods may include approved non-agricultural components like enzymes used in yogurt production, pectin for jam making or baking soda in bread production.
