What are Different Between Organic and Natural Foods? – Part 1

Organic foods (credit to Grist)

We sometimes confused with the words of “Natural foods” and “Organic Foods.” Generally speaking, natural foods are foods without processing and no additives.

Some says that natural foods have minimally processed and not contain specific additives, including sweeteners, food colors, flavorings and antibiotics.

The foods that are grown and processed based on standard certified by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is called “Organic Foods.”

Practically, organic foods were produced by using limited or avoiding the use of man-made fertilizers and pesticides.

In addition, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is not include in organic foods farming system.

Briefly, the different between organic and natural foods could distinguish in terms of:

- food labels

- production

- food demand and availability

- certification agencies.

Natural foods (credit Food Security and Food Justice)

In term of food labels, organic label refers to legal implication, while labels for natural foods could be used or printed by any food producers.

For food production that organic foods mean the foods are produced by organic manners, whereas, Natural foods are using minimum synthesized.

Demand for organic foods seem higher than natural foods. Both foods are available in many groceries across America.

United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) provided certificates for organic foods, while natural foods are certified by The International Association of Natural Product Producers (IANPP).

Moreover, we might hear many people said the phrase of "Go Organic," it is because they believe organic food have advantages than other foods produced or proceed by other methods (in this case is natural foods).

Is it True? Do you believe it?

# To be continued to part - 2