When it comes to purchasing organic foods in Poplar Bluff, MO, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the abundant consumer information available. Many people know that organic foods offer a healthier way of feeding their families, but they’re not sure how to differentiate between the many items that market themselves as natural or unprocessed.
Luckily, shopping for organic food doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, purchasing organic produce, meat and grains can be achieved through the following three, easy steps.
Know what “organic” means
While the popularity of organic foods makes them more readily available, it can also lead to confusing marketing from brands that label partially natural foods as fully organic. When food or ingredients are truly organic it means that farmers grew the products without the use of harsh pesticides and other chemicals that could be detrimental to the environment and to your health.
Additionally, organic foods do not include genetically modified organisms (GMO). This means that all certified organic foods are naturally-occurring and not the result of GMO seed types, which are typically created in a laboratory. Finally, organic foods do not include hormones added to stimulate growth in an animal or plant. Organic meat must also be fed GMO- and pesticide-free feed and be given time outdoors.
Look for the right labels
The easiest way to know that you are purchasing an organic product is to look for a green, circular label that will read “certified organic.” This label is given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to only those farmers and manufacturers who meet the high standards of the U.S. organic accreditation process.
It is important for shoppers to know that there is a difference between products with the certified organic seal and those that simply claim to be organic. Sometimes, companies will use an organic brand name because its products include some organic ingredients. While these products may still have healthful properties, it is not the same as being a certified organic food. Farmers and businesses that are completely organic have put forth time and resources to be fully certified by a government agency, and their products will have the proper label.
Know where to shop
The popularity of organic foods has boomed in recent years. Due to increasing awareness and growing demand, many local grocery stores and markets have started selling organic items alongside inorganic products. While convenient, this may add to your confusion as a consumer.
For this reason, many people opt to shop for their organic foods in Poplar Bluff, MO at specialty natural food stores. Not only do these stores have an abundance of natural and organic food options, they also employ workers who are well-informed and passionate about providing customers with the healthy food they need. Shopping at your local natural food store means you can trust that each product you purchase is of high quality.
If you would like to visit a market that specializes in natural and organic foods, homeopathic products and key nutritional supplements, visit The Bee Hive Natural Foods today.