Does Organic Yogurt Have Hormones? Separating Fact From Fiction

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

All dairy products, both conventional and organic, naturally contain small amounts of hormones. However, USDA organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic growth hormones like rBGH in milk production for organic yogurt.

Quick Summary

Organic yogurt is made from milk sourced from cows not treated with synthetic growth hormones, per USDA standards, unlike some conventional dairy. All milk naturally contains hormones.

Key Points

No Synthetic Hormones: USDA organic standards strictly prohibit artificial growth hormones like rBGH in milk production for organic yogurt.
All Milk Contains Natural Hormones: Every dairy product, organic and conventional, contains naturally occurring hormones, which are mostly broken down during digestion.
Higher IGF-1 in Conventional Dairy: Cows treated with rBGH may have higher levels of the natural hormone IGF-1 in their milk compared to organic milk.
No Conclusive Human Impact: Health authorities consider milk from rBGH-treated cows safe, as the hormone is inactive in humans, though there is ongoing debate about IGF-1.
Beyond Hormones: Organic dairy standards also include requirements for pasture access, organic feed, and strict limits on antibiotic use, distinguishing them further from conventional practices.
Dietary Differences: Due to grazing mandates, organic milk may contain higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, though the clinical significance of this difference is debated.

The question of whether organic yogurt has hormones is common. While all milk naturally contains hormones, the primary difference between organic and conventional yogurt lies in the use of synthetic hormones. USDA organic standards prohibit artificial growth hormones like rBGH in milk production for organic yogurt. This is a key concern for many consumers.

The USDA Organic Standard on Hormones

To be certified organic by the USDA, dairy products must follow specific rules, most notably the prohibition of synthetic growth hormones such as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST). Beyond hormones, organic standards also require that cows are not treated with antibiotics (or are removed from the organic program if they are), are fed a 100% organic diet without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, and have access to pasture for at least 120 days per year.

Conventional vs. Organic Yogurt: A Comparison

Here is a comparison of the differences in production standards between conventional and organic yogurt, with a focus on hormone use and overall animal welfare practices:


Feature	Conventional Dairy Production	Organic Dairy Production
Synthetic Hormones (rBGH/rBST)	Permitted by the FDA.	Strictly prohibited.
Naturally Occurring Hormones	Contains natural hormones, potentially higher IGF-1 with rBGH use.	Contains natural hormones.
Antibiotics	Used for treatment and prevention.	Used for treatment, but cow removed from organic herd.
Feed	May include non-organic feed, GMOs, synthetic pesticides.	100% organic, non-GMO, no synthetic pesticides.
Grazing Access	Not required.	Required for at least 120 days a year.

Natural Hormones and Human Health

It is important to understand that hormones are naturally present in all milk, both organic and conventional, as they are part of a cow's biological system. However, the hormones found in milk are largely inactive in humans. Pasteurization helps to break down protein-based hormones, and the human digestive system further degrades any remaining bovine hormones. Human bodies do not have receptors for these specific animal hormones. In fact, many plant foods contain phytoestrogens at levels significantly higher than estrogen in dairy, without posing a health risk.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1)

Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) is a naturally occurring hormone present in milk. The use of synthetic rBGH in conventional dairy cows can lead to increased levels of IGF-1 in their milk. While some research has explored potential links between elevated IGF-1 levels in the body and certain health concerns, the evidence is not conclusive regarding whether dietary IGF-1 from milk impacts human blood levels. The FDA considers milk from rBGH-treated cows safe. Organic yogurt avoids the potential for elevated IGF-1 associated with rBGH treatment.

Other Factors: Diet and Nutrition

The differences between organic and conventional dairy extend to the cow's diet. Organic standards requiring pasture access mean organic cows often consume more grass. This can result in milk with a more beneficial fatty acid profile, including higher levels of omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), though the extent and health impact of these differences are still under investigation and can vary with season and breed.

Conclusion

In summary, organic yogurt does contain natural hormones inherent in all milk. The key difference is the absence of added synthetic growth hormones like rBGH, which is prohibited under USDA organic standards. Choosing organic yogurt guarantees the avoidance of synthetic hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics in its production. While the nutritional differences are debated, organic practices may also lead to a more favorable fatty acid profile. Both conventional and organic yogurt are considered safe and nutritious, but organic offers a preference for production methods free from certain artificial inputs. For details on organic livestock requirements, consult the USDA Organic Livestock Requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) and rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin) are synthetic hormones used in some conventional dairy operations to increase milk production. Their use is prohibited by the USDA for any product labeled as organic, so they are not in organic yogurt.

Yes, all yogurt naturally contains hormones because it is made from milk, and all living things, including cows, produce hormones. These natural hormones are present in very small amounts.

According to the FDA and other health organizations, milk from cows treated with rBGH is safe for human consumption. The hormone is a protein that is broken down by digestion and is not active in humans.

Some studies suggest organic milk and yogurt may have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants due to the cows' grazing diet. However, there is no strong evidence that organic products are significantly more nutritious than conventional ones from a health benefit perspective, and findings can vary.

Cows treated with synthetic rBGH produce milk with higher levels of the natural hormone IGF-1. While there is ongoing debate about the potential health implications of this, the FDA considers milk from rBGH-treated cows to be safe.

USDA organic standards prohibit the use of antibiotics in animals used for organic dairy production. If a cow is treated with antibiotics, its milk cannot be used for organic products.

Plant-based foods contain phytoestrogens, which are different from animal hormones. While some are estrogen-like, they are much weaker and generally harmless at normal consumption levels. The human body does not use bovine hormones.