We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Difference Between Organic and Free Range Food Labels?

By Kris Roudebush
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,906
Share

When shopping for food, just about anyone can be overwhelmed by the variety of options available. Whether your chicken says free range or organic, the reality can be something altogether different. So here's how it all breaks down.

At the top of the list are organic foods. Organic food really does mean organic. They follow strict standards and are inspected to make sure they meet those standards. Food that is labeled organic is free of most pesticides, artificial ingredients, bioengineering, growth hormones, and antibiotics. Foods labeled organic do not have more than 5% non-organic ingredients in them. Foods labeled 100% organic are made up completely of organic ingredients. Foods containing less than 70% organic ingredients can list the organic ingredients but cannot claim to be organic.

The most confusing label just might be free range foods. This label is not an equivalent to organic. There is no oversight on this label and it can mean that the animal in question was allowed into an open area just once in its life. This label is supposed to mean that the meat is leaner and more nutrient rich because the animals were able to get exercise. However, this is not often practiced in the meat industry. If you're looking for truly free range meats find a local farmer or agricultural association. You may be able to view the farm and see for yourself the living conditions of the stock animals that end up on your table.

Grain fed or grass fed is another label that is deceiving. Do not confuse this label with organic, again, there is no oversight on this label. Truly, grain fed and grass-fed stock is, in fact, better for you. They are richer in omega-3 fatty acids and leaner meats. The label, however, can mean that once in the animal's life they were grain or grass fed. It does not mean that the lifetime diet of the animal was grain or grass.

Labels that say no hormones are only appropriate for beef. There is a ban on using hormones with pork and chicken. But again, there is no oversight and anyone can make this claim. The same holds true for products sold as 'raised without antibiotics'.

All natural foods simply mean that no artificial colors, preservatives, or ingredients were used. It does not mean organic. There are a variety of other labels that manufacturers will use that mean little or nothing at all. Wholesome, low fat, trans-fat free, and cholesterol free are more examples of deceptive labeling practices. Wholesome means nothing at all. Low fat is a relative piece of information and may be higher in fat than what you might be expecting. Tran-fat free products can have up to half a gram per serving of trans-fats. Cholesterol free products are plentiful but some studies show that the processed foods that carry these labels can have a negative impact on your cholesterol without having any cholesterol in them.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By visionary — On Mar 04, 2011

@artlover--Do some investigating in your local area, you might be surprised to find a local farm, depending on how far you are willing to drive.

If not, there are several organic farms that have websites and will sell in bulk. You need to research to make sure they are a certified organic farm.

If someone you speak to doesn't want to answer this question or show you proof of the certification, go to the next one on your list. The farmers that are truly organic love to show it off, they are proud of it.

By artlover — On Mar 03, 2011

Wow! Thanks for the eye-opening information! I thought I was buying good meat when buying grass-fed or free range. I had no idea it could mean once in the lifetime of the animal!

So, organic is obviously the best choice. If you do not live somewhere where there is a local farm or organic store, how can I buy organic meats? And is it less expensive to buy in bulk or does that matter?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-difference-between-organic-and-free-range-food-labels.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.