It is the first definition of natural applied to food products that confuses me. What does the word "natural" or "naturally" mean exactly on the package of a food product?
According to the FDA, they do not have a definition of the term natural. However, they have not objected to the use of the word natural if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavor, or synthetic substances.
I went to the pantry and pulled out the first handful of items that I found labeled with the word natural.
The use of the word natural made the most sense on the pineapple chunks. I get the difference between "in its own natural juice" as opposed to the others on the shelf labeled heavy or lite syrup.
I thought the Juicy Juice would also be a good use of the label natural. I try to buy juice boxes that are actually juice. However, I am confused by the statement that it is 100% juice and then in much smaller lettering below, it says "from concentrate with other natural flavors & added ingredients." If it is 100% juice, then how can there be anything added?
The rest of the stuff is definitely processed snacks in one form or another and would not fit the dictionary definition of not being caused by humankind or existing in nature. The goldfish, the Dora fruit snacks, the Fiber One bars and the Graduates Yogurt melts all use the word natural or naturally in the label.
The truth of what is in these snacks is in the tiny print of the ingredient list. I have to admit that I do not spend a lot of time reading the list. My excuses are that the print is so small it is hard for me to read and I am busy with two kids while shopping therefore I am making quick decisions based on what I can easily read on the label.
Except for the pineapple, I don't think the natural label actually resulted in a healthier purchase. I guess if I want natural, I should go check out the local farmer's market. What do you look for on a label when shopping?
Trying to catch up withe everyone!
ReplyDeleteI avoid things like high fructose corn syrup, red (and other colors) dye, and high added sugar content. I also try to avoid anything in a box or can if I can at all avoid it. I buy a lot of produce and fresh (or frozen) meats. I have been trying to minimize cow dairy, and focus more on lean protien and fruits/veggies. For me, I'm also minimizing my grains and carbs, opting for more natural sources. The kids do get some packaged snacks, but overall I push grapes, bananas, apples, kiwi, pears, and whatever I can get at the produce market. For lunches, some packaged stuff is usually easier, but at home, I try to go as natural as I can.
Do I succeed? Some, not all, of the time. But I try. It makes me aware of what we're all eating, and that is half the battle sometimes.