{"id":5547,"date":"2021-05-30T15:23:23","date_gmt":"2021-05-30T15:23:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/?p=5547"},"modified":"2021-06-10T20:03:46","modified_gmt":"2021-06-10T20:03:46","slug":"difference-between-natural-and-organic-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/difference-between-natural-and-organic-food\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Difference Between Natural and Organic Food?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In discussions of natural food versus organic food, it\u2019s not uncommon for people to confuse or conflate the two. Some make the mistake of thinking that organic food is the same thing as natural food \u2014 but this isn\u2019t the case. <\/p>\n

However, the differences can be subtle, which is why it\u2019s essential to delve into them before you embark on a natural or organic diet. <\/p>\n

The main difference lies in the labeling of each food<\/strong>, but it can go deeper than that. <\/p>\n

If eating healthy matters to you, then understanding the definitions of natural food and organic food is more than necessary \u2014 it\u2019s crucial. Hopefully, we can pull back the veil and explain the differences. That way, you can shop with confidence the next time you hit up the grocery store or a farmers market.<\/p>\n

The main thing to remember is that natural food is not interchangeable with organic food<\/a>. There may be some overlap between the two, but that\u2019s not always the case. <\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn more about why natural and organic foods are not the same.<\/p>\n

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Understanding What \u201cNatural\u201d Means<\/h2>\n

It may surprise you to know that \u201cnatural\u201d labels on food don\u2019t necessarily mean anything. The natural food movement is entirely unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration<\/a> (FDA). <\/p>\n

There is an inherent level of trust implied in every \u201cnatural\u201d label you see. While that label should mean that there are no pesticides involved in growing it or additives thrown in during production… <\/p>\n

There are no laws or regulations to stop manufacturers from outright lying.<\/p>\n

That said, the FDA does try to maintain a system of protocol among natural foods and other natural products. According to the FDA, a natural label should state that there are no artificial additives or synthetic ingredients added to the food. <\/p>\n

In other words, natural foods shouldn\u2019t contain anything that consumers wouldn\u2019t expect to find in them. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not always the case. Meaning there\u2019s nothing to stop a manufacturer or producer from slapping an \u201call-natural\u201d label on a box of almond crackers or dried fruit slices.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a> (USDA) doesn\u2019t regulate natural products, either. Standards are loose for this type of labeling. <\/p>\n

For example, to classify as natural, meat or poultry can\u2019t contain added colors or dyes, nor can it have any artificial ingredients. Yet, meat and poultry can include things like antibiotics and hormones and still be considered natural. <\/p>\n

Natural foods can still contain synthetic chemicals and sweeteners. <\/p>\n

Even though they are not supposed to have any: <\/p>\n

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  1. Preservatives<\/li>\n
  2. Artificial flavors<\/li>\n
  3. Ingredients to prolong shelf-life (such as hydrogenated oils and emulgents)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    To put it in perspective, high fructose corn syrup technically falls into the realm of \u201cnatural.” Yet that\u2019s not something that anyone who eats an organic diet would want to have in their food. <\/p>\n

    Ultimately, your best course of action is to closely read the ingredients list of any natural or all-natural labels that you come across.<\/p>\n

    Speaking of prolonging shelf life, check out our article on How Long Does Tuna Salad Last.<\/a> It includes tips for boosting tuna salad\u2019s shelf life!<\/em><\/p>\n

    <\/em><\/p>\n

    Defining Organic Food<\/h2>\n

    \"Tomatoes<\/span><\/p>\n

    Organic food is a whole other kettle of fish \u2014 organic fish<\/a>, obviously. <\/p>\n

    To begin with, organic food is heavily regulated. Food cannot have the USDA organic label unless it\u2019s certifiably organic. <\/p>\n

    But what does that mean?<\/p>\n

    Organic food cannot: <\/p>\n