Everywhere you look you see claims of "gluten free", "non-GMO", "natural", "organic" and so on. What do all these terms mean and are these products truly healthier for your family?
Below I provide some general definitions that will help you navigate the many food product options for your family.
- Gluten Free - does not contain any of the gluten protein. Gluten is a protein found naturally in flour and is formed when flour and water combine to make matrix.
- Organic - regulated by USDA with a strict set of guidelines
- Made with Organic - contains at least 70% organic ingredients, does not bear USDA organic seal
- USDA Organic - made with 95% organic ingredient, bears USDA organic seal. Examples are snacks and processed food products manufactured from organic ingredients
- 100% Organic - 100% organic ingredients, example would be a whole fruit or vegetable.
- Natural - Not an FDA regulated tern. Has no official definition and companies can use at their own discretion
- Non-GMO Project Verified - No Genetically Modified Organisms. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been modified. An example of a common GMO is tomatoes. Tomatoes were modified over 20 years ago to inhibit a protein that causes tomatoes to get soggy and spoil. This claim is not regulated by the USDA but my a non-profit organization Non-GMO Project.
- Low Fat - 3g or less of total fat
- Fat Free - less than 0.5g total fat
- Good Source - contains 10-19% of the recommended daily allowance.
- Excellent Source - contains 20% of the recommended daily allowance.
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