Organic baking ingredients not only offer healthier end results but also support local farmers through smaller-scale operations that prioritize sustainable practices.
Certified organic products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, while any ingredients listed as “made with organic” must also appear on their ingredient panel and have been included on either the National List of approved forms for organic production, or approved to use with organic production.
Organically Grown
Organic ingredients require careful consideration. Not only do their health benefits make an impressionful statement about global sustainability but their cultivation also has a direct effect on our planet.
Organic production aims to mitigate negative environmental impacts and restore soil fertility through crop rotation, natural fertilizers and no synthetic chemicals. Animals raised for organic production must have living conditions which accommodate their natural behaviors while being provided organic feed and forage without receiving antibiotics or hormones as part of this system.
“Organic” labels on food or ingredients indicate they were produced according to stringent regulations set by government and industry organic trade organizations, which include rigorous inspections of farms, livestock facilities and processing plants as well as careful record keeping. Products with 70% or more organic ingredients may use the USDA Organic seal; those containing less must list which ones are organic on their ingredient panel or use language such as “made with organic ingredients” or “organic ingredients.” Organic choices are an ideal way of buying healthy meals on a budget.
No Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Not all organic products that claim to be such are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To be certified organic, crops must be produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides being applied during production; an animal raised on organic feed cannot receive GMO feed and any manufacturer of an organic product cannot utilize any GM ingredients in it.
Genetically modified crops are modified using technology developed from other species’ DNA for desired traits such as drought tolerance or pest resistance, creating genetically engineered organisms within our food supply that raise concerns over health risks and environmental impacts.
Products labeled as being “made with organic ingredients” contain at least 70% organic ingredients and may qualify for USDA Organic certification if they meet certain requirements. While GMO-free products may be possible under some circumstances, participants in organic standards don’t explicitly have to avoid GMOs; rather, they must follow organic system plans and test for major, high-risk ingredients for contamination before proceeding further with production.
No Pesticides or Herbicides
Conventional farmers utilize synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that leave residue behind when harvesting crops. By choosing organic ingredients instead, you can rest easy knowing there are no potentially hazardous chemicals present in your food and products.
Organic growers utilize natural methods to fight pests and diseases on their organic crops. For instance, they might spray plants with beneficial insects or use compost as soil amendment. Also, USDA organic rules prohibit chemical fertilizers so the produce receives more nutritional support from Mother Earth herself.
The USDA describes organic farming as “a system that utilizes only naturally-occurring pesticides, fertilizers, and other substances” found in nature for production and processing. Organic producers must submit an ingredient list for review by the USDA before beginning organic production and processing activities – only substances listed on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances may be used – such as hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol which act as disinfectants may also be approved as organic production practices. Organic standards also mandate humane treatment of animals which aligns well with values expressed by many consumers who opt for organic.
No Chemicals
Organic foods often boast superior flavors due to the natural growing conditions and absence of chemicals used during cultivation. From the sweet juiciness of an organic tomato to robust earthiness of an organic grain, choosing products made with 100% organic ingredients supports farmers who prioritize sustainable growing practices that encourage environmental conservation.
Organic packaged food cannot contain synthetic substances that have detrimental effects on human health or the environment, and all proposed synthetic ingredients must be reviewed by independent and government experts for approval before being introduced into food products. Any approved synthetics must undergo ongoing reviews to ensure they remain safe for consumers.
Products marked “made with organic” must contain at least 70% certified-organic ingredients and be listed on the information panel. However, these products cannot display or claim that they are organic but may include information regarding their certifier. Furthermore, according to USDA regulations multi-ingredient products can boast that they contain more than 95% certified organic ingredients without containing any prohibited elements and still claim that status as being “organic.”
