Have you noticed labels on food are different now than in the past? What do all of these different labels mean? If you feel this way you are not alone. Over the past few years companies have learned how to play on the emotions of consumers. If you see meat labeled “Natural” and one without, which one would you be more likely to buy? Probably the one with the “Natural” label on it, but why? The label played on your emotions. If you stop to think about it, nothing has been altered in the meat and it has been minimally processed. Thus all meat from animals is ‘Natural’, and doesn’t have to be verified through a third-party. Labels such as that make consumers feel more self-conscious about how their food is raised.

Why are the companies doing this? They have learned spending a few extra cents on ink can get them several more dollars in revenues. Consumers will fall for it thinking that they are truly getting something healthier; when in reality it is the exact same thing as the one without the ‘natural’ label. Some of the claims companies make are actually unverified- meaning it does not have to be verified by a third party to ensure it is a true and accurate statement. 

All unverified claims below do not have to be verified by a third party. Verified claims have been verified by a third-party to ensure the products are as marketed. Variable claims require third-party verification, and has certain guidance it has to follow. Below is a link to a pdf that goes into more depth  on what all the label claims really mean.

• No Added hormones
• Raised without antibiotics
• All Natural
• Grass-fed
• Grass-finished
• Grain-finished
• Pasture-raised

• USDA Organic
• Animal Welfare Approved (AWA)

• Non-GMO