Ingredients

USDA certified organic is a holistic certification covering a wide range of food production. It sets rules for practices on how animals are raised, crops are grown, pests are managed and more. Production of food that is considered organic excludes the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

1. Artificial Colors: Synthetic dyes.

2. Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners (e.g. Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium).

3. Synthetic Pesticides: Organic farming emphasizes natural pest control methods.

4. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Organic requirements prohibit the use of GMO seeds and materials.

5. Irradiation: Organic food cannot be irradiated.

6. Sewage Sludge: Sewage sludge is not permitted in organic farming.

7. Growth Hormones: Organic livestock cannot be given growth hormones.

8. Antibiotics: Organic livestock cannot be given antibiotics.

9. Ash from Manure Burning: A non-synthetic substance that is prohibited in production of organic crops.

10. Synthetic Pesticides: Glyphosate (active ingredient in Round-Up), and Arsenic--once used as a pesticide, it is prohibited in organic farming.

11. Synthetic Additives: BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)--synthetic antioxidants to prevent rancidity in fats and oils), and TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)--synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life and prevent rancidity.

12. Sodium Nitrate: Prohibited in the use of organic crop production.

13. Polysorbate 80: synthetic emulsifier.

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms, and it refers to plants, animals, or microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered. Using genetic engineering techniques, an organism's DNA is altered in a way that doesn't occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Products with a "Certified Non-GMO" label, like those verified by the Non-GMO Project, adhere to a specific set of standards for GMO avoidance.

This certification requires a rigorous third-party verification process: testing, traceability, and segregation of ingredients.

Products labeled with "Certified Non-GMO" offer a higher level of assurance that the product is free from GMOs, because it has undergone a stringent verification process.

Products labeled "Non-GMO" mean that they do not contain ingredients made from genetically modified organisms.

A "Non-GMO" label might be based on a manufacturer's self-assessment, or it could involve some level of third-party verification.

A claim of "Non-GMO" doesn't guarantee the absence of all GMOs, as there might be some allowable trace amounts (e.g., less than 0.9% in the EU and up to 5% in the US).​​

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations of substances that often contain many ingredients that wouldn't be found in a kitchen cupboard or grocery. These foods are manufactured using a industrial processes, and include additives like preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors. They are designed to have a long shelf life, be convenient and extremely tasty. They often contain added sugar, salt, and fats.

Common Examples: sweetened cereals, soft drinks, packaged snacks, processed meats and ready-to-eat meals.

Health implications: high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats and may replace nutritious whole foods. They are linked to negative health results, like weight gain and increased risk of certain diseases.

Ultra-processed foods are manufactured from substances extracted from foods, or synthesized from food constituents, and then undergo multiple industrial processes.

They are made using a long list of unpronounceable ingredients, many of which are not found in whole foods or simple processed foods.