How to Understand Organic Food Labels

Here are some quick tips on how to read organic food labels. Remember, "100% all natural" does not mean it is organic.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reading
• Know the differences

1. 100% organic--means containing only organically produced ingredients.

2. Cage-free--animals are not kept in cages, and the USDA required no specific time outdoor, or what the animals are fed.

3. Farm fish--means fish raised in pen, and there are no organic standards for seafood from the USDA.

4. Free range--the animals spend half of their lives outside, and is required by the USDA.

5. Grass-fed--means the main food source is grass, and is not regulated by the USDA.

6. Made with organic ingredients--means having at least 70 percent of organic ingredients.

7. Natural--means no artificial ingredients, or added colors.

8. Organic--has at least 95% organic ingredient.

Resources

• Switching to Organic Foods

[michaelmulvania]

on 8/27/2009 Very good to know, thanks.

[walker7]

on 7/11/2009 Great info. Thank you!

[diygrrrl]

on 5/18/2009 Thanks you for clarifying some of the terms used to describe organic foods. This is helpful to know.

[HardworkinJudy]

on 8/11/2008 Awesome - thanks for the tips.