Not All Products Are Organic, But Some Are
While many people associate Simple Mills with clean, health-conscious eating, the brand does not hold an overarching organic certification for its entire product line. This distinction is important for consumers with specific dietary preferences or purchasing criteria. The company's commitment lies in using simple, whole-food ingredients and avoiding artificial additives, which is a core tenet of their brand, but it is a separate standard from the rigorous USDA Organic certification.
The most notable exception to this general rule is their line of Organic Seed Flour Crackers. These specific products were developed to meet the USDA Organic standard and bear the official seal on their packaging. For these items, Simple Mills sources ingredients that comply with organic farming practices, which prohibit the use of most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Simple Mills' Other Key Certifications
Instead of universal organic status, Simple Mills emphasizes a suite of other important food certifications and practices. These provide consumers with transparency and assurance about what is, and is not, in their food. Key certifications include:
- Non-GMO Project Verified: All Simple Mills products are Non-GMO Project Verified, meaning they contain no genetically modified organisms. The company views this as a crucial part of its commitment to clean, purposeful ingredients.
- Certified Gluten-Free: Every single product Simple Mills produces is certified gluten-free, a significant benefit for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This goes beyond industry standards, with the company conducting extensive third-party testing.
- Grain-Free and Paleo-Friendly: Many of their products, especially those made with almond and seed flours, are free of grains and are suitable for those following a paleo diet.
- Transparency in Sourcing: Simple Mills handpicks all its own ingredients and works directly with suppliers to ensure a transparent supply chain and the use of real food ingredients. They avoid artificial flavors, colors, fillers, and emulsifiers.
Organic vs. Clean Eating: A Comparison
To understand Simple Mills' approach, it helps to distinguish between certified organic and the broader concept of 'clean eating,' which the brand champions. Organic certification is a government-regulated process, whereas 'clean eating' is a more general philosophy of consuming whole, unprocessed foods. Simple Mills aligns with both, but chooses which products to certify based on a variety of factors, including ingredient sourcing and cost.
| Feature | Certified Organic (USDA) | Simple Mills' 'Clean Eating' Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Government-regulated and certified. | Self-defined philosophy, verified by third-party testing for specific attributes. |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Prohibition of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs. | Sourcing real, simple, whole-food ingredients. |
| Processing | Strict standards for processing, additives, and preservatives. | Avoids artificial flavors, fillers, gums, and emulsifiers. |
| Verification | USDA Organic Seal on packaging. | Multiple labels (e.g., Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free). |
Simple Mills' Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture
Beyond their ingredient certifications, Simple Mills is actively involved in advancing regenerative agriculture. This is an approach to farming that focuses on rebuilding healthy soil and ecosystem resilience. While not exclusively organic, regenerative agriculture practices often align with organic principles by promoting biodiversity and limiting chemical inputs.
Simple Mills invests in programs and partnerships with farmers who implement practices like cover cropping and extended crop rotations. This commitment shows that their focus on ingredient quality extends to the health of the planet and the sourcing of their food. They are transparent about their sourcing, even working to restore forests through their organic palm shortening suppliers. This multi-faceted approach to sustainability and clean ingredients is a key part of the brand's identity and mission, extending beyond the simple 'organic' label. For more information on their practices, see the Simple Mills website.
Conclusion
In summary, are Simple Mills products organic? The answer is that some are, but not all. The brand offers specific USDA Certified Organic products, such as their Seed Flour Crackers, while the rest of their portfolio is distinguished by other attributes. Their overall mission focuses on 'clean eating,' using simple, whole-food ingredients, and holding several other important certifications like Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free. By promoting transparency and regenerative agriculture, Simple Mills offers a range of healthy snack options, but consumers must check the packaging to confirm the organic status of any specific product.
