Teach Kids to Read Organic Food Labels

Choosing organic foods for your family can feel confusing since not all organic labels mean the same thing. There’s some nuance, especially when it comes to packaged foods, so it’s important to for you and your child to understand the differences. It’s one of the nine label-reading guidelines we cover in the updated second edition of our book Eating for A’s.

Of course, you’ll want to keep an eye out for packaged foods with the USDA Organic Seal. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows this seal only on products made with 100% organic ingredients. However, the USDA also permits three other types of organic label claims for foods that contain some, but not all, organic ingredients.

The four levels of “organic”

Here’s the breakdown of the USDA’s organic claims permitted for use on foods:

1. 100% Organic. Just as the claim suggests, these foods are completely organic and qualify to use the USDA Organic Seal.
2. Organic. The contents of foods with this claim must be at least 95% organic by weight, excluding water and salt. These foods also qualify to use the USDA Organic Seal.
3. Made With Organic. At least 70% of the contents of foods with this claim must be organic. You’ll likely find the “Made with Organic” claim splashed across the front of the package, but the USDA Organic Seal is not permitted on these foods.
4. Less than 70% of content is organic. Foods that meet this criterion may only list ingredients that are organic in the Ingredient panel. These foods are not permitted to mention organic on the main panel and may not display the USDA Organic Seal.

Organic animal foods

Meats, eggs and dairy products may be labeled organic when producers follow a few key rules. First, they must allow the animals outside, but outdoor space can vary a lot. For instance, “outside” could mean a pasture, a yard, or a covered outdoor area, and the rules do not always guarantee the same amount or quality of space for every animal. Asking the company for details or browsing its website can provide helpful answers.

Second, they cannot give animals growth hormones or antibiotics. Finally, producers must use animal feed that’s organic and free of any parts of other slaughtered animals.

Here’s to teaching kids how to read food labels so they can spot the good stuff!

Lorna & Kathleen (The EatingFor Team)

P.S. Like this tip? For more, check out Eating for A’s: A month-by-month nutrition and lifestyle guide to help raise smarter kids. Kindergarten to 6th grade. (Second Edition)

FAQs about Organic Food Labels 

1. What does the organic food label mean?

An organic food label means the food meets USDA organic rules, which divide foods into different categories: 100% organic, organic, made with organic, and less than 70% organic ingredients.

2. What is the USDA Organic Seal?

The USDA Organic Seal is the seal used on foods made with 100% organic ingredients. That matters because it helps parents spot the highest organic standard.

3. What does “made with organic” mean?

“Made with organic” means at least 70% of the food is organic, but it cannot use the USDA Organic Seal.

4. Why do some foods not show the seal?

Some foods do not show the seal because they do not meet the rules for the USDA Organic Seal, even if they contain some organic ingredients.

5. What does “outside” mean for organic animals?

“Outside” means the animals have some access to the outdoors, but that can look different from one farm to another. Visit the company website for more details than the package provides.

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