Eco-labeling: The New Supermarket Hassle

Source: Ambro

Okay, so right when it seemed that all we needed to do to eat clean and healthy is shop organic and keep it all natural, guess what happened? Labels on organic (or is it?) stuff started to get as complicated as the ones on junk food.

Farm-raised vs Cage-free?

Antibiotic Free vs Certified Humane?

Organic vs All-Natural?

High-Fructose Corn Syrup vs Corn Sugar?

Seriously, why does grocery shopping have to be so darn complicated?!? Broken record alert: this is a great opportunity for me to once again advocate skipping the packages and going straight for the fruits and veggies. But, now those are even sporting fancy eco-labels. 


Yep, eco-labeling is the newest supermarket hassle. It seems every package now sports a fancy and impressive-sounding "certified something" label singing the praises of its health virtues. "Greenwashing," has become big business, as most of us will blindly toss something into the buggy if it claims to be good for the environment, all-natural, or organic. Even if it's not.


Here's the lowdown: 

There are three categories of organic labels:

1. 100% Organic: made with 100% organic ingredients.

2. Organic: made with at least 95% organic ingredients.

3. Made with Organic Ingredients: at least 70% organic ingredients are used, and the remaining 30% must be free of GMOs (genetically modified organisms)

For a product to be certified as organic, it must meet the following criteria: 

• meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. 
• food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. 
• a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.

"All-natural" means that the product does not contain any artificial ingredients, colors, chemical preservatives, and is minimally processed. But, the definition of "minimal" is up to the discretion of the producer, who should explain what they mean on the label. Read the label and decide if it gibes with your personal standards.

For more info, check out these resources for learning what really is organic, what those terms really mean, and how to decode the marketing mumbo jumbo.

What does "Certified Humane" Mean?

What does "Free Range" Mean?
Greener Choices: Products for a Better Planet
When and Why to Buy Organic
Natural versus Organic: A Confused Buyer's Guide to Eco-Friendly Foods


Get out there and get healthy, even if you have to carry a dictionary to the grocery!