Understanding Ancient Nutrition's Organic Certifications
Ancient Nutrition is a brand that emphasizes quality and sourcing, including organic certifications. While many products, particularly greens and herbals, are USDA Certified Organic, it's not a company-wide certification, so checking individual labels is essential.
Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) and USDA Organic
Ancient Nutrition utilizes the Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) standard for ingredients from its founder-owned farms, which is a higher level than USDA Organic. ROC requires USDA Organic certification as a baseline and includes standards for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. This certification applies to specific products using these farm-sourced ingredients, such as certain probiotics and herbals. Other organic products from the brand meet the USDA standard of at least 95% organic ingredients.
Product Sourcing and Quality Beyond Organic
Ancient Nutrition maintains high sourcing standards even for non-organic products. Their collagen and bone broth protein powders, for example, come from non-GMO, pasture-raised, grass-fed, and cage-free sources. They prioritize real food ingredients and avoid fillers, testing for contaminants like heavy metals, with Certificates of Analysis often available. Traditional methods like fermentation are also used to improve nutrient absorption.
Potential Issues and Consumer Awareness
Despite a focus on quality, Ancient Nutrition has faced scrutiny, emphasizing the need for consumer awareness. Issues have included:
- Protein Content Lawsuits: Class action lawsuits have challenged the protein content labeling of some bone broth protein products, arguing that using collagen can misrepresent the complete protein value.
- “Brain Boost” Efficacy Claims: A lawsuit alleged false advertising regarding the cognitive benefits of the “Brain Boost” product, claiming insufficient scientific proof for the ingredients' effects.
- Contaminant Notices: Legal notices under California's Proposition 65 have addressed detectable levels of lead and cadmium in some products, resulting in judgments requiring warnings.
Consumer vigilance is important, even with organic certifications, and transparency from companies is key.
Certified Organic vs. Non-Organic Products
| Feature | Certified Organic Products | Non-Organic Products (e.g., Collagen) |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) | Sourced with high-quality, non-GMO standards |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Grown on certified organic or ROC farms without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers | Sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed, or cage-free animals |
| Purity Standards | Adheres to strict organic farming regulations | Rigorously tested for heavy metals and other contaminants |
| Examples | Organic SuperGreens, ROC Probiotics | Multi-Collagen Protein, Bone Broth Protein |
A Deeper Look at Transparency and Sourcing
Transparency in sourcing and testing is important to consumers. Ancient Nutrition provides Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for some products, like collagen, showing third-party test results for purity. Their R.A.N.C.H. Project, contributing 1% of revenue, supports regenerative agriculture and broader sharing of these practices. More details can be found in their Ancient Nutrition impact report.
Final Verdict: Proceed with Informed Awareness
Whether Ancient Nutrition products are organic depends on the specific item. They offer a mix of certified organic (including ROC) and high-quality non-organic supplements. Non-organic products follow strict sourcing guidelines and quality control. Always check product labels for USDA Organic or ROC seals. For non-organic items, review sourcing claims and COAs. While controversies exist, the brand's focus on high standards and environmental practices is notable, but personal research is recommended.
Conclusion
Ancient Nutrition offers both certified organic and high-quality non-organic products. Their commitment to sourcing and testing is evident, but it's crucial to check individual product labels for specific certifications. Understanding the varying standards helps customers make informed choices. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting new supplements is always advised.
