How to Get USDA Certified Organic Cookies

USDA-certified organic cookies are now widely available.

With organic foods growing in popularity, it is becoming increasingly hard to distinguish food labels at the store. It's difficult to tell the difference between terms like "all-natural," "organic" or "made with organic ingredients." While marketers have tried to massage certain discrepancies, one label is trustworthy: that of the United States Department of Agriculture's organic certification. The USDA's green, circular organic stamp means the product's place of manufacture has been inspected, and that it is made with certified organic ingredients. Because this is becoming increasingly commonplace, it's not difficult to find USDA certified organic cookies.

Things You'll Need

• USDA-certified organic ingredients to make your cookies of choice (optional)

Instructions

Find or Bake Your Organic Cookies

1. Find a store that carries organic products. Most major supermarket chains now have a section devoted to natural and organic products. Call your local chain to see if it offers such a section. In major cities, as well, you may have a devoted natural foods store or chain grocery retailer like Whole Foods. If you don't have either resource near you, try your local Wal-Mart, which now carries organic products as well.

2. Read the label on the box. Certain products may legally include the word organic on the label, but products that say they are "made with organic ingredients," does not denote full USDA organic certification. Only that certification means the product is guaranteed to be 100 percent organic. Look for the program's logo, which is circular, usually green, and reads "USDA Organic."

3. Order online. If you can't find organic cookies in your area, or if the labels don't prove them to be USDA certified, you can always order online. Amazon.com offers a large selection; just do a search for organic cookies. Other online retailers who ship organic cookies throughout the U.S. include ShopOrganic.com and TheNaturalStore.com.

4. Make your own organic cookies, if neither of the above options appeal. Making your own organic cookies will result in fewer ingredients and a fresher taste. Choose all USDA-certified organic ingredients, and you'll have a homemade treat that is still fully organic, and will likely cost less per serving, too.

References

• USDA's National Organic Program
• Wal-Mart on Sustainability
• Organic Cookies on Amazon.com
• Agricultural Marketing Service - the Organic Seal