Quick: Which food is “greener” – the one labeled “100% Natural” or the one labeled “100% Organic”?
According to a recent survey by the Shelton Group, an advertising firm, most people would say “100% Natural.” This is both funny and troubling, since any product out there can make that claim. “Natural” is not a regulated term. The food companies just use it for its positive connotations. But it tells you absolutely nothing about its quality, method of “manufacture” or nutritional content, for that matter.
“Organic” claims, on the other hand, are regulated by the USDA. For instance, any product labeled as “100% Organic”
Must contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients, not counting added water and salt.
But if the label says the product is “Made with Organic Ingredients,”
Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients, not counting added water and salt.
Must not contain added sulfites; except that, wine may contain added sulfur dioxide in accordance with 7 CFR 205.605.
May contain up to 30% of:
a. nonorganically produced agricultural ingredients; and/or
b. other substances, including yeast, allowed by 7 CFR 205.605.
In short, “Organic” gives you a much better idea of what you’re getting. You can read the whole of the guidelines here (PDF), and you can learn more about the regulation of certified organic food production here.
Another area where there seems to be consumer confusion involves bottled water. According to a recent media release posted on Science Daily, people tend to believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water. While this perception isn’t the main factor driving water sales according to the research cited in the release – convenience and taste matter more – it’s still a fascinating example of the power of marketing and the illogic of consumerism.
Bottled water was described as being more “pure” than tap water, and was also described as containing more “minerals.” As one respondent put it,”I mean I know it’s good, but I’m not sure why it’s good.”
The moral of the story: don’t take the food companies at their word. Learn about the food and beverages you use from those without a dollar to make in selling them to you. Learn about your body’s nutritional needs and make wise decisions.
Posted in Food, nutrition Tagged: bottled water, Food, food claims, green, greenwashing, marketing, natural, nutrition, organic, water
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Quick: Which food is “greener” – the one labeled “100% Natural” or the one labeled “100% Organic”?
According to a recent survey by the Shelton Group, an advertising firm, most people would say “100% Natural.” This is both funny and troubling, since any product out there can make that claim. “Natural” is not a regulated term. The food companies just use it for its positive connotations. But it tells you absolutely nothing about its quality, method of “manufacture” or nutritional content, for that matter.
“Organic” claims, on the other hand, are regulated by the USDA. For instance, any product labeled as “100% Organic”
But if the label says the product is “Made with Organic Ingredients,”
In short, “Organic” gives you a much better idea of what you’re getting. You can read the whole of the guidelines here (PDF), and you can learn more about the regulation of certified organic food production here.
Another area where there seems to be consumer confusion involves bottled water. According to a recent media release posted on Science Daily, people tend to believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water. While this perception isn’t the main factor driving water sales according to the research cited in the release – convenience and taste matter more – it’s still a fascinating example of the power of marketing and the illogic of consumerism.
The moral of the story: don’t take the food companies at their word. Learn about the food and beverages you use from those without a dollar to make in selling them to you. Learn about your body’s nutritional needs and make wise decisions.
Posted in Food, nutrition Tagged: bottled water, Food, food claims, green, greenwashing, marketing, natural, nutrition, organic, water