Are Chomps all natural?

According to a survey by Acosta Group, 50% of consumers value the term "natural" on food labels. But are Chomps all natural? The answer requires a detailed look at Chomps' ingredients and the broader ambiguity surrounding the term "natural" on food packaging.

Quick Summary

Chomps uses high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients like 100% grass-fed beef and antibiotic-free turkey, validated by third-party certifications like Whole30 and Keto. The brand avoids artificial additives, though the term 'natural' itself has no strict federal definition.

Key Points

• High-Quality Sourcing: Chomps sources 100% grass-fed beef and venison, as well as antibiotic-free turkey, prioritizing animal welfare and sustainability.

• Clean Ingredients: The meat sticks are made without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, added sugars, or fillers, relying on natural seasonings and preservation methods.

• Third-Party Certified: Numerous independent certifications, including Whole30 Approved, Certified Paleo, Keto, and Non-GMO Project Verified, validate the product's claims.

• Beyond 'Natural': While meeting the loose regulatory definition of "natural," Chomps offers greater transparency and assurance through its robust third-party certifications.

• Minimal Processing: Chomps meat sticks are minimally processed to preserve their natural flavor and nutritional benefits, unlike many conventional alternatives.

• No Added Nitrates/Nitrites: The use of cultured celery powder provides natural nitrites for preservation instead of synthetic ones found in other meat snacks.

Defining "All Natural" in the Food Industry

The term "natural" on food labels is less regulated than "organic," which has strict USDA rules. The FDA considers "natural" acceptable if the food is free of added artificial or synthetic ingredients, including all color additives. However, this policy doesn't cover GMOs or farming methods. For meat products like Chomps, the USDA requires no artificial ingredients or added color and minimal processing that doesn't alter the product's character. This definition still doesn't regulate animal raising or feeding practices, highlighting the need to look beyond the label at specific ingredients and certifications.

A Deep Dive into Chomps' Ingredients and Certifications

Chomps aims to be a cleaner alternative to traditional meat sticks through transparent and clean ingredients. A typical Chomps Original Beef stick includes 100% grass-fed beef, water, sea salt, encapsulated lactic acid (a natural preservative from non-GMO plant sugars), cultured celery powder (a natural nitrite source), cherry powder (an antioxidant), various spices, and beef collagen casing.

Chomps supports its claims with several third-party certifications:

• Non-GMO Project Verified: No genetically modified ingredients.
• Certified Gluten-Free: Safe for gluten sensitivities.
• Certified Paleo: Compliant with Paleo diet principles.
• Keto Certified: Low in carbohydrates.
• Whole30 Approved: Adheres to Whole30 program rules.
• Certified Humane: Verifies animal welfare standards.
• B Corp Certified: Assesses social and environmental performance.

Chomps vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Comparing Chomps to a conventional meat stick illustrates its focus on cleaner ingredients and sourcing:

Feature	Chomps Original Beef Stick	Conventional Competitor (e.g., Slim Jim)
Protein Source	100% grass-fed and finished beef	Mechanically separated chicken, beef, pork
Key Certifications	Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Non-GMO, Certified Humane	None or fewer, with less strict standards
Sugar	0g Added Sugar	Often contains corn syrup or added sugar
Preservatives	Cultured celery powder, encapsulated lactic acid	Sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, BHA, BHT
Flavorings	Natural spices (garlic, pepper, coriander)	Artificial flavors, hydrolyzed soy protein, dextrose
Processing	Minimally processed to preserve natural flavor	Ultra-processed

Sourcing and Ethical Practices

Chomps sources 100% grass-fed and finished beef from international and domestic locations, including Tasmania, and venison from New Zealand. Their antibiotic-free turkey is domestic. Ethical sourcing and high animal welfare standards are key to the brand. Chomps also engages in sustainability, making orders carbon neutral with EcoCart and reducing waste through product donation.

The Final Verdict on "All Natural"

Chomps meets the regulatory definition of "natural" by avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and being minimally processed. However, their commitment to high-quality sourcing and ingredients, supported by extensive third-party certifications, offers greater transparency and consumer confidence than the ambiguous "natural" label alone. While the term "natural" can be unclear, Chomps provides information and certifications for consumers to make informed choices.

For more information on the brand's certifications and commitment to quality, you can visit the official Chomps website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Chomps and a regular meat stick?

Chomps are made with 100% grass-fed and finished protein and use simple, natural ingredients without artificial preservatives, added sugars, or binders, making them a cleaner alternative to many conventional meat snacks.

Why do Chomps list 'encapsulated lactic acid' in their ingredients?

Encapsulated lactic acid is derived from non-GMO plant sugars and is used as a naturally occurring, clean-label preservative. It helps maintain the product's shelf life and prevents spoilage without using synthetic preservatives.

Are Chomps meat sticks organic?

No, Chomps meat sticks are not certified organic. However, they are Non-GMO Project Verified, and their sourcing practices adhere to high animal welfare standards, which are validated by third-party certifications like Certified Humane.

Do Chomps contain nitrates?

Chomps meat sticks do not contain artificial nitrates or nitrites. They use cultured celery powder, a natural source of nitrites, for preservation, which is a common practice in clean-label meat products.

Are Chomps suitable for all diets?

Chomps are compliant with several popular diets, including Whole30, Paleo, and Keto. They are also certified gluten-free, soy-free, and allergy-friendly, accommodating a wide range of dietary needs.

How do Chomps' certifications benefit consumers?

Third-party certifications like Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Paleo, and Certified Humane provide independent verification of Chomps' claims. This helps build brand credibility and gives consumers confidence that the product meets specific standards for ingredients and sourcing.

Is "natural" the same as "healthy"?

No. The term "natural" is not a guarantee of healthfulness, as it is not strictly defined or regulated. However, a product like Chomps, which combines a "natural" label with robust third-party certifications and transparent ingredients, offers a much clearer picture of its quality and health benefits.