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Choosing the foods that we feed our families can get very complicated. And sometimes it is even more complicated than we realize. There are so many options on the market, especially whenever it comes to natural and organic. We want to choose what’s best, but there are a lot of factors that come into play when making these choices.
It can be very hard currently to differentiate between different food labels, properly understand their meaning, and then make the right food choices for you and your family. “Natural” and “organic” are two words that we hear all the time that can play a key role in how healthy the food is that you are purchasing. A lot of people assume that there is no difference at all in these two labels, or that they only differ slightly. The truth is: there is a huge difference.
What exactly do they mean?
Foods that bare the “natural” sticker at the grocery store are simply items that have not been altered chemically. Organic on the other hand, is defined as any type of food that has been produced without “pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.” (2) Simply speaking then, “natural” indicates no additives or alterations to the food itself, and “organic” refers to the growing and production techniques.
What does the USDA Organic seal mean?
The USDA Organic seal simply means that the food bearing this sticker promises customers the superiority and reliability of that product. There also must have been an organic system in place where that product was produced. On the downside, that product is only 100% organic if it is stated on the seal. There are three different types of stickers that we see on organic products: 100% Organic, Organic (which is only 95%), and Made with Organic Ingredients. (2)
Which is more expensive?
In general, the shelf life of organic food is longer than that of natural food, which plays a key role in getting more for your dollar. Overall, organic is higher in price than natural foods, but for very good reasons. These include higher growing costs, which include environmental cleanups and labor and management demands, and smaller farms. (2) As the demand for organic food rises, then the prices will start to drop.
Which is the better choice?
There is no right answer to this question, since you must figure out what works best for you. (Sound familiar? This type of decision-making is why the job of a Mama exists!) There have not been any studies that have proven that organic is better than natural; it’s just a matter of what you are willing to put into your body. Simply speaking, there are more controls when it comes to producing organic food. Some people believe that organic food tastes better, but taste alone can be strictly personal preference. The key is to be informed and read the labels before you buy, now that you understand that they are there for a good reason. I know it is yet another chore for us, but we do indeed need to take the time required to understand what we are buying.
Do I have to buy everything organic?
No. I divide everything up whenever I am grocery shopping so that I can spend money on “must have” organic items, and spend less money on products that don’t need to be organic. Items such as meats, cheese, milk, and peanut butter, should be organic whenever possible. Fruits and vegetables that have an outer protective layer that you DO NOT eat, don’t need to be organic. Examples of these would be melons, avocados, potatoes, and bananas (just to name a few).
Remember Mamanistas, I am no expert on this subject, just a fellow Mama sharing some things that I have learned during research and college nutrition courses. I hope this information helps anyone who has some confusion about natural vs. organic and helps guide you through the grocery store with ease!
Fashionably Yours,
Allison
Sources:
- “Difference Between Organic and Natural.” Organicfacts.net. Web. 19 Feb. 2011.
- “Organic FAQs.” Organic.org. Web. 19 Feb. 2011.
have you seen the “dirty dozen cheat sheet?” if not google it. it’s a visual of the 12 foods that absorb the most pesticides that you should always buy organic, spinach and stawberries are a few. i printed it out and have it in my kitchen (basically just becuase it’s a cute little infographic :):)
Thanks to Allison and Andrea. The pesticide issue is a biggie. My father developed a neurological disease that was likely connected to his exposure
to intense gardening chemicals that were so popular in the 1950s and 60s.
I’m heartened by the growing interest in organic farming practices.
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.