Decoding Food Labels

In today's world of overflowing grocery aisles, deciphering food labels can feel like cracking a secret code. Terms like "organic," "non-GMO," "grass-fed," and "all-natural" bombard us, promising health benefits and ethical sourcing. But what exactly do these labels mean? And are they truly what they seem? This blog post dives into the world of food label lingo, unpacking the truth behind these popular terms and empowering you to make informed choices about the food you put on your plate.

Also make sure to check out this week's shopping list of TP's most shared products!

This label guarantees the animal (usually cows) only ate grass, other plants, and young cereal crops throughout its entire life. The animal wasn't fed corn, wheat, or other grains commonly used in feedlots. This label ensures a more natural diet for the animal, which can potentially affect the taste and nutritional content of the meat.

Learn more about the environmental impacts of our food here!

The food label "Enriched" means that certain vitamins and minerals have been synthetically added back into the food after processing. This is done because the processing itself may have depleted the natural levels of these nutrients.

The FDA has considered the term "natural" to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in that food.

Food that contains genetic material that has been modified through certain laboratory techniques and for which the modification could not be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature.

This label simply indicates the food doesn't contain genetically modified organisms. It doesn't necessarily speak to the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or other farming practices. GMOs are organisms whose genes have been altered through genetic engineering, rather than traditional crossbreeding.

USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives.

As for organic meat, regulations require that animals are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones.

When it comes to processed, multi-ingredient foods, the USDA organic standards specify additional considerations. Regulations prohibit organically processed foods from containing artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and require that their ingredients are organic, with some minor exceptions.

When deciphering food labels, it is important to keep in mind the difference between marketing claims on the front of food packaging vs. certified labels. Labels that are certified typically come from the USDA or a third party organization that has a verification process in order to claim something. But, there are a lot of claims out there that do not need to be verified, meaning they could be false.

Certified labels tend to have their own website to be transparent about their verification standards. So, if you are ever unsure about whether a label is true or not, hit a quick google search to see if it has a corresponding website!

It can be overwhelming trying to understand food labels and figure out what aligns with your health and values. But with a little effort and Trash Panda in your corner, you can navigate the grocery store with confidence, knowing exactly what's going on your plate (and why!). So, keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep fueling your body with the good stuff!