Food labels can be incredibly misleading, and none more so than those that proudly claim to be “natural.” With no set standard for what food producers can label as “natural,” you may find yourself paying a premium for toxic pesticides, artificial growth hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under the false belief that they are healthy and safe. In fact, the term “natural” essentially means the product was made using ingredients found on Earth, which can encompass some 10,000 unhealthy additives.
According to research from Consumer Reports, 62 percent of Americans opted to buy so-called “natural” foods last year, under the misguided belief that they were free of GMOs, artificial ingredients and colors, chemicals, and pesticides. However, this is far from the truth. Mislabeling of foods is increasingly prevalent, and American consumers are falling for these marketing tricks daily.
So how can you avoid this “natural” marketing trap? Here are some tips to help you make more informed choices when shopping for truly natural food.
Shop Locally
One of the best options for natural food is to shop locally. Look for farmers’ markets or small and mid-size farms in your area that sell directly to consumers. This not only benefits your health but also supports the local economy and builds a more sustainable food system. If you’re unsure where to start, try utilizing online resources such as Local Harvest, which is dedicated to connecting shoppers with local clean food producers.
Be Wary of “Natural” Labels
When shopping in chain grocery stores, be cautious of anything labelled “natural.” Instead, treat those products in the same way you’d treat other obviously processed and unhealthy foods. If a product genuinely is healthy and natural, it shouldn’t require flashy packaging and labels to convince you.
Look for “USDA Organic” or “Certified Organic” Seals
When buying packaged foods, keep an eye out for a “USDA Organic” or “Certified Organic” seal. By law, these labels must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients free of pesticides, GMOs, chemical fertilizers, and industrial solvents. A label that says “100 percent Organic” indicates that every ingredient in the product is legally required to be organic.
However, there has been some speculation in recent years that the USDA is not doing enough to enforce organic labeling requirements. With this in mind, continue to be vigilant when examining ingredient lists and try to learn as much as possible about the origins of the foods you purchase.
Educate Yourself and Spread Awareness
Take the time to learn more about the foods you are eating and the practices behind their production. Read articles, attend seminars, and participate in online forums to help expand your knowledge. And, of course, spread the word to your friends and family, empowering others to make more informed choices when it comes to their food sources. The more awareness you bring to misleading marketing practices, the harder it will become for companies to capitalize on the confusion.
In a world where the food industry is increasingly capitalizing on consumers’ health-conscious desires, it’s crucial to become an informed shopper. By following these suggestions, you can cut through the lies and false advertising masking unhealthy and dangerous ingredients and instead focus on truly natural and beneficial eating habits.
