Do you buy organic, or do you think it’s just marketing hype? It’s a big deal, and not the same as calling something “healthy” or “natural.” Organic food labeling laws are specific. Know the difference before you walk into the grocery store, so you know what you’re getting.

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Hi, again, Dear Readers:

So I’m back with another “joint” blog post about an issue you may or may not think much about: organics. What is it, and why does it cost more?

Sometimes I buy organic things for one reason or another, especially if they’re on sale. Even though Aldi and Walmart have a fair selection of organic foods, they’re not something people buy often here. In Houston and other big cities, you’ll find more organic devotees. Over time, we’ve found some favorites, and a few happen to be organic. James, of course, is not impressed when I get anything organic, even if it’s something he will be consuming.

I’ve talked about organics before, but now I can’t find that blog. But never mind, let’s delve into this issue a little with some help from my new BFF.

Going Organic

Walk down nearly any grocery aisle and you’ll see it: that smug little green label whispering, I’m better than you.

Source: ChatGPT

“Organic” food has become the status symbol of the shopping cart. But what’s really behind that label—and what happens when brands stretch the truth? Spoiler: sometimes it ends with a lawsuit and a lot of PR damage control.

 What “Organic” Really Means, Legally

Let’s start with the facts. “Organic” isn’t just a marketing term someone slapped on a granola bar after meditating. It’s defined and regulated by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).

Source: ChatGPT

To legally carry that USDA Organic seal, a product must:

• Be grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
• Avoid GMOs (genetically modified organisms) entirely
• Use organic feed and humane practices for livestock
• Be verified by a certified organic inspector

And the rules go deep—even the soil, seed sources, and processing methods are part of the certification process. This can include all manner of agricultural products, including plants and seeds. My plant-based hair color is also certified organic, but that’s not the main reason I buy it. The USDA has a series on its website called “Organic 101,” where the agency offers a wealth of information if you want to know more.

Organic farming is also not as sustainable or practical as conventional farming. Buying from local farmers is one of the best ways to get more organic foods, along with growing your own.

For products labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients,” the bar is lower (at least 70% organic content), but the claim still has legal teeth. So yes, there’s real meaning and real oversight behind that little green label.

Why People Pay More for Organic

I used to know someone in Houston who was more into organic than I was. She invited me (along with the guy I was seeing at the time) to a Sunday dinner with her parents, nice folks I’d met before. We were talking about something related to food related when her father said, “I don’t understand why you girls will pay an extra dollar for a can of cr*p because it says ‘organic’ on the label!” I didn’t know what to say, frankly, but our hostess, his daughter, just smiled at him. (We were in our late 40’s at the time.) Otherwise, it was a nice visit.

The late Suzanne Somers became a devotee of organic food after her original cancer diagnosis. After her passing in 2023, her husband, Alan Hamel, said that her adoption of organic food and a non-toxic lifestyle gave her many more years of life than she would have had otherwise.

Source: ChatGPT

Not everyone has that kind of situation. However, there are some legitimate reasons to spend extra on organic:

• Reduced exposure to pesticides: This is especially important for children and pregnant women.
• Environmental impact: Organic farming tends to improve soil health and biodiversity.
• Animal welfare: Organic livestock receive more humane treatment, and routine antibiotics are not allowed.
• Taste and freshness: Some people insist that organic produce tastes better, especially local or seasonal crops. That’s an individual preference, but people who have enjoyed something truly home-grown and not laden with synthetic pesticides know what that is.

In other words, you’re not just buying food, but also a philosophy. That philosophy comes at a premium, and that’s when things can get legally complicated.

The Gray Areas: “Natural,” “Healthy,” and “Clean”

Here’s where the halo slips. Terms like “natural,” “clean,” and “healthy” are basically the Wild West of food labeling.

• “Natural” has no consistent FDA definition. It doesn’t mean organic, non-GMO, or chemical-free—only that the product didn’t magically appear in a lab.
• “Healthy” is being redefined, but has historically been based on outdated fat/sugar ratios. Today, it could mean sugar-free, gluten-free, allergy-free, or free of a specific allergen like eggs, nuts, or corn.
• “Clean” isn’t regulated at all. It’s marketing poetry, not science. Like “healthy,” it could mean the absence of a specific substance or ingredient.

And when those words get plastered across packaging, consumers often assume legal weight where none exists. (I’ve been stung a few times by stuff that had no business in my shopping cart.) That confusion has led to a line of class-action lawsuits that read like your pantry’s lineup.

Famous Food Label Lawsuits

A few big names learned the hard way that “creative labeling” can backfire:

• Kashi (Kellogg’s): Sued for calling cereals “All Natural” despite containing synthetic and genetically modified ingredients. Settled for $4 million.
• Wesson Oil: Claimed “100% Natural” while allegedly using genetically modified corn. The case dragged on for years before a settlement. (It ended in 2023.)
• Kind Bars: Faced scrutiny for the word “healthy” due to fat content (mostly from nuts, but still a no-go under the old rules). In 2022, the company prevailed in a lawsuit over “natural” ingredients, and an appellate court agreed with the company. I have bought some of them primarily because they were gluten-free, but they do have some sugar.

None of these companies went to trial, but the settlements and bad press were a wake-up call. There’s a fine line between clever marketing and consumer deception. I’m all for free trade and capitalism, but not at the expense of truth in advertising. That’s why it’s important to understand what’s in the food you buy that you might believe to be healthier. Start by reading the labels (no matter what your significant other says).

How to Read Between the Labels

A few practical takeaways for your next grocery run:

• “Organic” = USDA certified and inspected
• “Made with organic ingredients” = still has standards, just looser
• “Natural” = legally meaningless
• “Clean” = just vibes, intending to indicate ingredients without toxins, wheat, gluten, or other undesirable additives.

Read the list of ingredients because they’ll tell you more than the buzzwords ever will. Like calling something “gluten-free,” which also has federal requirements, you should know what you’re getting with no surprises.

One Final Bite

Buying organic can be worth it, for your health, your family, and peace of mind. But don’t let a label do your thinking for you. “Organic” has legal standards, while “natural” has a marketing department.

Next time a product screams “All Natural!” in fancy script, remember, so are tobacco and arsenic.

Looking for a more fun topic for my next blog post. Until then:

Happy Dining!