The word 'natural' on food labels can be misleading. Find out what this term really means (and doesn't mean) so you can be a more informed shopper.
1 Answer
The term 'natural' on a food label generally implies that the food does not contain artificial ingredients or added color and is minimally processed. However, the FDA has not established a formal definition for 'natural,' leading to potential ambiguity.
Detailed Explanation:
The term 'natural' on food labels is often used to suggest that a food is wholesome and unprocessed. While the FDA has offered some guidance, it hasn't created a strict legal definition. The FDA's policy generally considers 'natural' to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in that food.
However, this definition leaves room for interpretation. For example, a product labeled 'natural' might still contain added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or undergo certain processing methods. It's important to read the entire ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to understand what you're actually consuming.
The USDA, which regulates meat, poultry, and egg products, has a slightly more specific definition for 'natural.' For these products, 'natural' means that the product does not contain any artificial flavor or flavoring ingredient, chemical preservative, or any other artificial or synthetic ingredient; and the product and its ingredients are only minimally processed. Minimal processing may include traditional processes used to make food edible or to preserve it.
Pro Tip:
Don't rely solely on the 'natural' label. Always check the ingredient list for specific ingredients you may be trying to avoid, such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or excessive amounts of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.