In recent years, new terms have popped up everywhere on foods, cosmetics and other everyday items. “100% Organic,” “Natural,” and “Fair Trade” are stamped across many product labels. But what do they mean?
- Natural: According to the USDA, food can only be labeled “Natural” if it is minimally processed and contains absolutely no artificial ingredients or added colors. This label can be found on many different products, from yogurt and chips to cereal and dog food.
- Organic: This common label comes with strict regulations. “100% Organic” refers to a product that is made using only certified organic ingredients and methods. One step down from that is “Organic,” which signifies that a product is made with at least 95% organic ingredients. “Made with organic ingredients” is a term that means an item contains at least 70% organic ingredients.
- Fair Trade: You’ve probably seen this claim on a bag of coffee. “Fair Trade” refers to the movement that advocates sustainability, specifically in developing countries, by paying a “fair” (usually higher) price for products from local producers. In addition to coffee, this label can be found on tea, herbs, chocolate, sugar, honey, flowers and fresh fruit.