What is 100 natural vs 100 organic

Breaking It Down: The Real Difference Between Organic and Natural

Organic and natural: whats the difference between the two labels? It might be more complicated than you think.

You might be surprised to know that theres actually a big difference between the two terms, and one of them is a lot more trustworthy than the other.

Today, well take a look at the terms natural vs. organic, what they really mean, and what you should know as a conscious shopper.

Organic

The term organic is legally regulated in many places, including the United States. In the US, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a list of standards for a product to be USDA organic certified. Products and factories must undergo certification and inspection to ensure compliance.

USDA Organic Standards:

• No toxic and persistent pesticides
• No synthetic growth hormones
• No petroleum-based fertilizers
• No cloning
• No artificial colors or flavorsinspecture
• No artificial preservatives
• No irradiated products/ingredients
• No GMOs (genetically-modified organisms)

Made with organic is a USDA-regulated term mandating that the product contains at least 70% organically produced ingredients. The remaining 30% of ingredients cant be produced with prohibited practices like genetic modification, but might contain otherwise non-organic ingredients.

100% organic products must contain, besides salt and water, 100% organic ingredients only.

Organic products must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients besides salt and water. The remaining 5% covers non-organic agricultural products and a list of non-agricultural products that are not commercially available as organic.

Because the term organic is federally regulated in the United States, its a safe and dependable logo. Generally, you wont find many beauty or personal care products labelled 100% organic, as many need ingredients that cant be certified organic.

Natural

The term natural is generally not regulated in most countries. In the United States, its not completely unregulated for food products, but just barely.

A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed. Minimal processing means that the product was processed in a manner that does not fundamentally alter the product. The label must include a statement explaining the meaning of the term natural (such as no artificial ingredients; minimally processed).

USDA

In the US and Canada, the term natural on beauty and personal care products means absolutely nothing.

This means that as consumers, we must do our own due diligence in purchasing not only food, but our beauty and personal care products as well.If you see the term natural on a product, it doesnt mean much. For example, there is no guarantee that any plant-derived ingredients in a product havent been heavily subjected to pesticides.

However, while the USDA wont step in to punish brands misleadingly using the term organic, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) might. In 2016, the agency brought charges against four brands for using the term natural in a misleading manner.

According to the FTC, each of the following companies made the all-natural claim in online ads:

• Trans-India Products, Inc., doing business as ShiKai, based in Santa Rosa, California, markets All Natural Hand and Body Lotion and All Natural Moisturizing Gel both directly and through third-party websites including walgreens.com and vitacoast.com. The lotion contains Dimethicone, Ethyhexyl Glycerin, and Phenoxyethanol. The gel contains Phenoxyethanol.
• Erickson Marketing Group, doing business as Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, based in Aravada, Colorado, uses its website to promote all natural products such as the Natural Face Stick, which contains Dimethicone, Polyethylene, and other synthetic ingredients.
• ABS Consumer Products, LLC, doing business as EDEN BodyWorks, based in Memphis, Tennessee, markets haircare products on its own websites and at Walmart.com. It makes all natural claims for products including Coconut Shea All Natural Styling Elixer and Jojoba Monoi All Natural Shampoo. In reality, the products contain a range of synthetic ingredients such as Polyquaternium-37, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Polyquaternium-7.
• Beyond Coastal, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, uses its website to sell its Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, describing it as 100% natural. However, it also contains Dimethicone.
• California Naturel, Inc., located in Sausalito, California, sells supposedly all natural sunscreen on its website, though the product contains Dimethicone. The Commission has issued a complaint alleging that California Naturel has made deceptive all natural claims in violation of Sections 5 and 12 of the FTC Act.

So in the United States, falsely claiming a product to be natural might be punished as false advertising. However, such cases seem to be exceedingly rare, so its not clear how much of a danger this might actually be to a deceptive company.

For you, this means to be skeptical if you see the term natural on a product label or packaging. This termbeing unregulatedmight be used to trick you.

The US Natural Cosmetics Act (HR5017)

In late 2019, a bill was introduced to congress called the Natural Cosmetics Act. Its aim is to amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to stipulate the following: cosmetics packaging or labeling cannot bear the term natural unless:

• It contains at least 70% natural substances that arent water or salt
• No fragrance that isnt a natural substance, or naturally-derived
• It contains no ingredient that isnt natural and has no feasible natural alternative
• Is not made using: alkoxylation, deterpentation, halogenation, ionizing radiation, sulphonation as the main reaction, treated with ethylene oxide or mercury

Currently, the bill was introduced nearly two years ago and hasnt been acted upon. If passed, it would be a good step toward regulating the cosmetics industry in the US, which is historically very lightly regulated.

Organic vs. Natural: In Summary

Be wary of the terms natural or all natural on beauty, personal care, food, or any other consumable product.

Natural is mostly unregulated in the USA and all other parts of the world, so just because a label says natural, it doesnt actually mean that it is.

Organic is another story. Being a regulated term, its against the law to label a product as such without strict approval in the USA, Canada, Europe and most parts of the world.

Always look for USDA-certified organic logos if shopping in the USA. Otherwise, purchase knowing that the product might not actually be as organic as it says, and the government might be on their case shortly.

Natural vs. Organic: Does The Label Matter?

Short answer: Yes!

When walking through the grocery store, consumers are bombarded by dozens of labels claiming 100% natural, all-natural, organic, and non-GMO, to name a few. Without a clear-cut definition of natural when it comes to food, it is easy to assume that natural and organic food are more-or-less the same. This is simply not the case.

What does natural really mean?

The official Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy for the natural label states that the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not regulate the use of the natural label for crops. Because of this, consumers are left to make their own hasty conclusions as to what goes into their natural food products.

In December of 2018, FrameWorks Institute published a research report titled The Landscape of Public Thinking about Farming, exploring the differences between expert and public understandings of agriculture. In the course of this research, FrameWorks Institute interviewed members of the public to determine different assumptions and patterns of reasoning surrounding farming. Many participants in this study described natural food as being untouched by human beings, pure and healthy, free of human-made chemical substances, and non-GMO.

In contrast to the publics understanding, food claiming to be natural can be heavily influenced by human activities. According to the American Society for Nutrition, any foods containing natural flavors, sweeteners, or other plant-derived substances can be labeled natural regardless if it is laden with pesticides or not. By law, organic foods cannot be grown with pesticides, but there are no laws in place for natural.

Also, food with genetically engineered ingredients and highly processed high fructose corn syrup can be labeled as natural. With that being said, in the same report, the public thought genetically modified crops are seen not only as unhealthy to humans and the natural environment, but also as morally questionable. With a natural label, there is no guarantee that the produce is non-GMO, and yet, the same people who dislike GMOs buy all-natural food.

As for meat, the USDA regulates the natural label; natural meat, poultry, and eggs contain no artificial ingredients or added color and is only minimally processed, according to the USDA. However, the USDA does not require that meat labelled natural be hormone and antibiotic-free.

Organic: the real deal

In contrast to foods claiming to be natural, the USDA and FDA heavily regulate the foods that get the USDA Certified Organic label. Because of this, there are a lot of hoops that need to be jumped through in order to get that organic label. Land must be free of all prohibited substances for at least 3 years before crops can be certified organic, and then farmers still need to undergo regular inspections and audits. Buying organic guarantees that the food you are eating contains no toxic pesticides or chemicals, no synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics, no GMOs, no artificial additives or preservatives, and is grown/raised using organic farming methods. Organic is always natural and non-GMO, but the opposite cannot be said.

It is understandable to be misinformed or confused by this information; it is not actively advertised. We as consumers assume we can trust the people selling our food to us. Withholding information is just as harmful as lying. However, putting the organic label on a product isnt just slapping a word on the packaging with no accountability; it is a promise that what you are eating has been produced without synthetic chemicals or genetic modification.

The public knows, too, that organic is good for them. The report states that people think of organic and locally grown produce as pureras healthier and, implicitly, morally preferable because it does not pervert nature. Organics make people feel assured that they are not introducing harmful chemicals into their bodies or environment.

The truth is that the organic label lets the consumer know that the food theyre ingesting is certified and inspected to ensure regulations prohibiting pesticides, GMOs, and antibiotics were followed. Unless a stricter definition and a set of regulations for natural is put in place, consumers trying to make informed decisions should be wary of the natural food label and choose organic foods.

Read the full report below.

For more updates on our research and programming, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Is Organic Juice Healthy? Plus the 10 Best Organic Juices

Both organic and conventional fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in a number of nutrients required for health and survival, including essential vitamins and minerals. Whats more, theyre loaded with beneficial plant compounds known as phytochemicals (1).

The added benefit of choosing organic fruits and vegetables is that they are grown without using potentially harmful synthetic herbicides,pesticides, or fertilizers (2).

Organic or not, fruits and vegetables plays an important role in the prevention of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and more (3).

You may wonder, does organic juice have the same health benefits?

Heres a breakdown of the health effects of organic juice, how to choose the best options for you, plus our picks for the best brands you can buy.

There are 1,000s of food products that wont be right for you

Let GreenChoice find the ones that are

Tell us your dietary needs & values and well show you foods that match!

Benefits of drinking organic juice

While whole fruits and vegetables undoubtedly have their benefits, juice can also help promote health. In fact, juice is packed with many of the same nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.

Whats more, choosing organic juice brands over conventional varieties is a great option for those concerned about potential pesticide exposure and unsustainable farming practices.

Organic juice is a convenient source of nutrients

Studies indicate that it is possible to obtain many of the same important nutrients from juice as from whole fruits and vegetables (4).

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines include fruit juice in the fruit food group, stating that 1 cup of 100% fruit juice counts as 1 cup towards your recommended daily fruit intake. Similarly, 1 cup of 100% vegetable juice counts as 1 cup towards your recommended daily vegetable intake (5).

Further, the guidelines recommend consuming 100% fruit juice over sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda to reduce added sugars and empty calories in your diet (5).

If you struggle to consume the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables daily, drinking fruit or vegetable juice in moderation may help you improve the quality of your diet.

Studies show that drinking juice may be a convenient and effective way to increase your intake of many important nutrients found in fresh fruit and vegetables except for fiber, unfortunately (6, 7).

Organic juice has many potential health benefits

In addition to providing many of the nutrients contained in fresh fruit and veggies, juice may also improve sleep quality, mood, brain function, immune health, and heart health.

According to one study in 20 healthy adults, the phenolic compounds a type of phytochemical provided in 230 ml of purple grape juice may improve mood and brain function (8).

Other studies indicate that antioxidant phytochemicals found in pomegranate juice may have protective effects against heart disease, and the melatonin found in tart cherry juice may improve sleep quality (9, 10, 11).

Organic juice may help reduce pesticide exposure

Pesticide exposure has been associated with an increased risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.

As with fresh fruit, fruit juices may contain pesticide residues (12).

One study measured urinary levels of 13 different pesticides in 16 individuals and found that switching to an organic diet reduced pesticide exposure by an average of 59% (13).

As such, consuming organic juice may allow you to reap the health benefits of juice without exposure to potentially harmful synthetic pesticides (12, 13).

Many may also choose organic juice for the environmental benefits. As the use of synthetic pesticides is prohibited in organic farming, choosing organic supports the mitigation of water pollution and carbon emissions (16).

Downsides of organic juice

Though organic juice has many potential benefits, there are certain downsides.

For one, studies show that while whole fruit consumption is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a greater consumption of fruit juice may be associated with a higher risk (17).

Studies have also compared the heart healthy benefits of whole fruit versus juice with and without pulp. In one study, researchers found that pulp-free juice increased levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood by 6.9%, while whole fruit and juice with pulp decreased LDL cholesterol. Ultimately, this shows that while whole fruit and pulpy juice may help improve heart health, pulp-free juice may have negative impacts (18).

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends at least half of your total fruit intake come from whole fruit and vegetables. Thats because fresh fruit and vegetables have one major advantage over juice: fiber.

Fiber helps slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream, is great for your gut health, and also adds bulk to food. Whereas juice is less filling and can be easy to overconsume, the fiber in whole fruit helps keep you full (19).

How to choose an organic juice

Here are some tips to help you reap the full nutritional benefits of organic juice:

• Look for the organic seal. The organic seal indicates that at least 95% of ingredients are certified organic and produced without the use of most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers (20).
• Choose 100% fruit juice. To avoid added sugar, choose unsweetened varieties made with 100% fruit juice.
• Limit your serving size. Since juice is not as filling as whole fruit, stick to a 1-cup serving to avoid consuming excessive calories and sugar. Keep in mind, many single-serve bottles contain much more than 1 cup.

GreenChoices picks

How we chose the best products for you.

All of the products on this list are certified organic and none contain added sugar. Plus, we highlighted some products that were particularly great based on nutritional value, environmental impact, level of processing, ingredients, and more.

Here are the best organic juices you can buy.

Most Nutritious:

Florida Beet Ginger Turmeric With Organic Lemon Fresh Pressed Juice

This organic juice is made with beetroot juice, lemon juice, ginger, and turmeric.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• Made with fresh pressed juice
• No added sugar
• Rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamin C
• Contains fiber
• Gluten-free

Each 1-cup serving provides:

Calories: 100

Carbohydrate: 23g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 20g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 3g

Vitamin C: 10% of the DV

Folate: 30% of the DV

Iron: 10% of the DV

Magnesium: 10% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for Florida Beet Ginger Turmeric With Organic Lemon Fresh Pressed Juice.

Santa Cruz Natural Organic Apple Juice

This organic apple juice is made from whole apples.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• No added sugar
• Rich in vitamin C
• Contains potassium

Cons:

• Not a good source of fiber

Each 1-cup serving provides:

Calories: 110

Carbohydrate: 28g

Fiber: Not listed

Sugar: 23g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 0g

Vitamin C: 100% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for Santa Cruz Natural Organic Apple Juice.

Best without additives:

R.W . Knudsen Family Organic Grapefruit Juice

This organic juice is made with 100% grapefruit juice.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• No added sugar
• No preservatives
• Excellent source of vitamin C
• Great source of potassium

Cons:

• Grapefruit juice may interact with certain drugs. Check with your physician before consuming grapefruit juice if you are taking medications.

Each 1-cup of serving provides:

Calories: 120

Carbohydrate: 27g

Fiber: Not listed

Sugar: 23g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 1g

Vitamin C: 50% of the DV

Potassium: 10% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for R.W. Knudsen Family Organic Grapefruit Juice.

Lowest in sugar:

R.W . Knudsen Family Low Sodium Very Veggie Juice

This organic juice is made with a blend of carrots, celery, lemon, parsley, and beet juices.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• No added sugar
• Low in sodium
• Good source of potassium
• Low in calories and sugar compared to the other products

Each 1-cup serving provides:

Calories: 50

Carbohydrate: 10g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 7g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 2g

Sodium: 2% of DV

Potassium: 10% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for R.W . Knudsen Family Low Sodium Very Veggie Juice.

Other organic juices:

Lakewood Organic Pure Fruit 100% Juice Blend

This fresh pressed fruit juice blend is made with organic orange juice and organic mango puree.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• No added sugar
• No preservatives
• Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B1, and folate
• Contains fiber
• Package is 100% recyclable

Cons:

• High in sugar compared to other fruit juices

Each ~1.5-cup serving provides:

Calories: 190

Carbohydrate: 46g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 40g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 1g

Vitamin C: 150% of the DV

Vitamin B1: 20% of the DV

Potassium: 15% of the DV

Folate: 20% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for Lakewood Organic Pure Fruit 100% Juice Blend.

Smart Juice 100% Pomegranate Juice

This organic juice is made with tart pomegranate juice and natural flavors.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• No added sugar
• Good source of potassium
• Contains fiber and protein
• Rich in antioxidants

Cons:

• High in sugar compared to other fruit juices

Each 1-cup serving provides:

Calories: 150

Carbohydrate: 37g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 33g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 1g

Potassium: 10% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for Smart Juice 100% Juice Organic.

Honest Kids Goodness Grapeness

This organic juice is made with white grape juice concentrate, natural flavors, and vitamin C.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• No added sugar
• Excellent source of vitamin C
• Low in calories and sugar compared to others on the list

Cons:

• Contains natural flavors
• Not 100% fruit juice (however, due to containing filtered water as an ingredient)

Each ~3/4-cup serving provides:

Calories: 40

Carbohydrate: 10g

Fiber: Not listed

Sugar: 9g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 0g

Vitamin C: 70% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for Honest Kids Goodness Grapeness.

L&A Organic 100% Watermelon Strawberry Juice

This organic juice blend is made with watermelon juice and strawberry puree.

Allergen info: Doesnt contain any of the 8 common allergens.

Pros:

• No added sugar
• No preservatives
• Excellent source of potassium and vitamin C
• Contains fiber and protein

Each 1-cup serving provides:

Calories: 90

Carbohydrate: 19g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 18g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 1g

Vitamin C: 60% of the DV

Potassium: 20% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for Honest Kids Goodness Grapeness.

Poppilu Original Lemonade Drink

This organic lemonade is made with apple juice, lemon juice concentrate, aronia juice concentrate, and monkfruit extract.

Allergen info: Allergen info here

Pros:

• Excellent source of vitamin C
• Low in calories

Cons:

• Contains sweetener (monkfruit)
• Contains only 39% juice

Each ~1/2-cup serving provides:

Calories: 30

Carbohydrate: 8g

Fiber: Not listed

Sugar: 7g

Added sugar: 0g

Protein: 0g

Vitamin C: 100% of the DV

See nutrition, ingredient, and sustainability info for Poppilu Original Lemonade Drink.

Key takeaways for buying organic juice

While not as nutritious as whole fruit and vegetables, juice does contain essential vitamins and minerals, making it a convenient way to boost your nutrient intake.Whats more, choosing organic juice brands may help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pesticide residues.

When shopping, look for 100% fruit juices with an organic seal. To avoid over consuming calories and sugar, be mindful of your portion sizes. One measured cup of either fruit or vegetable juice equates to one serving towards your recommended 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.

There are 1,000s of food products that wont be right for you

Let GreenChoice find the ones that are

Tell us your dietary needs & values and well show you foods that match!

***

GreenChoice, pbcis a climate-positive marketplace for conscious consumers with dietary needs. Shop over 10,000 natural & organic food items, with 90+ dietary filters and GreenScore ratingscolor-coded health & climate ratings, that turn hours of research into seconds. We deliver to your door in 3-5 days and offset 2x the carbon footprint of your entire orderproducts, packaging, and shipping.