Difference Between Natural and Organic

With the heyday of healthy lifestyles, many people have started to lead more active lives and eat healthier food, often labeled “natural” or “organic.” Two terms that are completely different regardless of the health factor and the regulations that each country may have.

If you have doubts about what is the difference between organic and natural or are simply looking for a little more information to complement what you already know, then continue reading, because below we explain everything you need to know about to this interesting topic.

NATURAL  Difference Between Natural and Organic

Meals or foods grouped under the “natural” label are everywhere today. Almost all packages already have some label or seal with this word written on it.

“Natural” often implies that foods are minimally processed or contain no ingredients such as hormones, antibiotics, sweeteners, and artificial colors or flavors. However, it is good to clarify that these days it is a term loosely used as a marketing strategy to attract a type of consumer.

In many countries the standard that allows food to be classified as “natural” is not legally regulated by the government, therefore, products that are assigned this label are often produced without actually meeting the requirements to be considered as such.

Since almost all food is derived from some natural source (plants, animals, fungi…), many merchants use this label on their products; However, since almost everything one eats is processed to some degree (be it mechanically, chemically, by temperature…) it is difficult to define what kinds of foods can be described as “natural”.

ORGANIC

On the other hand, organic food is that which is produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic procedures such as certain pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Nor is irradiation, industrial solvents or chemical additives used in its production.

The term organic became popular in 1940, during the Green Revolution and unlike what happens with food classified as “natural”; organic food is regulated by the government or the responsible institutions.

Finally, in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and China, it is even necessary for organic food producers to obtain a special certification that allows them to sell their products on the market. According to the regulations of most countries, a food has to be at least 95% organic to be labeled that way.