The food marketing industry has some interesting trends and claims cleverly placed on packages, but are they really what they seem? Those of us who spent years eating “fat-free” cookies without realizing there was twice as much sugar, now know to question the front of food packages. So what are some of the newer phrases that can lead to confusion?
- Whole Foods. Generally, refers to foods that don’t have any added ingredients, basically in its purest form, such as meat and fish and whole grains. There is no regulatory definition of the term “whole–food”.
- Local. Buying food grown close to where you live supports local farmers and is fresher because they have less distance to travel and aren’t handled as extensively. Ask questions when buying produce about where the food came from.
- Natural. Usually refers to no added color, artificial flavor or synthetic substances. Another term without a strict definition that can be misleading and contains processed sweeteners (corn syrup and fructose), lab-produced “natural” flavors (cellulose), colors, additives and preservatives.
- Organic. Meat, poultry and eggs that come from animals not given growth hormone or produce without pesticides or synthetic fertilizer. Organic is regulated but note that a USDA Seal can be used for 100% organic foods and 95% organic foods.
“Organic Oreos are not a health food.” Michael Pollan