How to identify organic produce?

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Global sales of organic foods are projected to exceed $150 billion by 2025, a testament to rising consumer interest in healthier options. Knowing how to identify organic produce is key to navigating the market and making informed purchasing decisions for your family's well-being.

Quick Summary

Recognize organic produce by checking for official labels, deciphering Price Look-Up (PLU) codes, and observing natural appearance cues. Understand the differences from conventionally grown produce to make confident choices.

Key Points

Check Labels: Look for official certification seals like "USDA Organic" on packaged goods to verify authenticity.
Scan PLU Codes: Unpackaged organic fruits and vegetables will have a five-digit Price Look-Up (PLU) code starting with the number '9'.
Observe Appearance: Organic produce often has a more natural, imperfect look with variations in size, shape, and color due to the absence of chemical intervention.
Notice Aroma and Flavor: Many people find organic items have a more pronounced scent and richer flavor compared to conventionally grown food.
Account for Shelf Life: Expect organic produce to have a shorter shelf life because it is not treated with synthetic waxes or preservatives.
Know Your Source: Build trust with local vendors at farmer's markets, where you can inquire directly about their growing methods.

The Easiest Method: Reading Official Labels

For packaged goods and often for loose produce, the most reliable way to identify organic status is by checking for a certification label. These seals are regulated by government bodies and signify that the product was grown and processed according to strict organic standards. For example, in the United States, you can look for the green and white "USDA Organic" seal. Products with this label are certified to contain at least 95% organic ingredients. The label also requires that the name of the certifying agent is listed. Consumers should be aware of different label claims:

100% Organic: The product is made with 100% organic ingredients.
Organic: The product contains at least 95% organic ingredients.
Made with Organic Ingredients: This product has at least 70% organic content. This labeling claim cannot use the official seal.

Deciphering Price Look-Up (PLU) Codes

For unpackaged fruits and vegetables, the small sticker with the Price Look-Up (PLU) code is a valuable indicator. PLU codes were designed to help supermarkets with pricing and inventory, but they also signal the growing method.

Organic PLU Codes: A 5-Digit Code Starting with 9

The number '9' is the universally recognized prefix for organic produce. For example, a conventionally grown banana might have the code 4011, whereas an organic banana would be labeled with 94011. While the PLU system is voluntary, its widespread use makes it a reliable tool for quick identification in the store.

Conventional PLU Codes: A 4-Digit Code

Conventional produce is typically marked with a four-digit PLU code. A conventional apple might be labeled with 4017.

Misconception About GMO PLU Codes

A common myth suggests a five-digit PLU starting with '8' signifies a genetically modified (GMO) product. While this was once a proposed use, the code series was never widely adopted for this purpose and was eventually opened for general use. The most reliable way to know if a product is not genetically engineered is to look for the "Certified Organic" label, as organic standards prohibit GMOs.

Observing Physical Characteristics

While labels and PLU codes are the most definitive methods, a few physical cues can provide supporting evidence, especially for produce at a farmer's market where labeling may be less formal.

The "Imperfect" Appearance: Organic food often looks less uniform and cosmetically perfect than its conventional counterparts. Expect odd shapes, slight discolorations, or even small insect blemishes. The absence of heavy-handed pesticides and chemical waxing means organic produce retains a more natural, "rustic" appearance.
Aromatic and Flavorful Qualities: Many people report that organic produce, especially herbs and fruits, has a stronger, more potent aroma and more intense flavor. This can be attributed to rich, naturally-fertilized soil and the plant's need to develop its own defenses, which increases the concentration of certain compounds.
Shorter Shelf Life: Without the use of artificial preservatives and waxes, organic produce may spoil faster. This is a natural consequence of its fresher, less-processed state and reinforces the need to purchase smaller quantities and consume them more quickly.

Organic vs. Conventional Produce: A Comparison Table


Feature	Organic Produce	Conventional Produce
Labeling	Official certification seals required for packaged goods.	No official seal required; labeling may be less transparent.
PLU Code	5-digit code starting with a '9'.	4-digit code.
Appearance	Often irregular shapes, less glossy finish, and minor imperfections.	Uniformly sized and shaped, often shiny due to wax coatings.
Shelf Life	Generally shorter due to the lack of synthetic preservatives.	Typically longer lasting due to the use of preservatives and processing.
Cost	Often more expensive due to more labor-intensive farming methods.	Generally less expensive due to economies of scale and chemical inputs.
Pesticides	Limited use of specific, natural pesticides and no synthetic ones.	Can be treated with a wide range of synthetic pesticides and herbicides.

The Role of Trust and Verification

While labels and codes are reliable, knowing your source is the ultimate form of verification. Shopping at local farmers' markets provides a unique opportunity to speak directly with the grower, ask about their farming practices, and gain transparency into how your food was produced. For many consumers, this direct relationship builds trust that goes beyond any official certification.

For more information on the global PLU system, you can consult the official website of the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).

Conclusion: The Informed Consumer

Identifying organic produce requires a combination of vigilance and knowledge. The most foolproof method is checking for certified organic seals on packaged items and recognizing the 5-digit, '9' prefixed PLU code on loose produce. While relying on visual cues like appearance and aroma can be helpful, especially at local markets, they are secondary indicators. By using these tools, consumers can confidently navigate the grocery store and make choices that align with their health goals and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Ultimately, being an informed and attentive shopper is the best way to ensure you are truly getting the organic produce you seek.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most reliable way is to look for official certification labels, such as the USDA Organic seal. For loose produce, check the Price Look-Up (PLU) code on the sticker; a five-digit code starting with '9' indicates organic status.

The numbers on produce stickers are Price Look-Up (PLU) codes. A 4-digit code indicates conventionally grown produce, while a 5-digit code starting with '9' signifies organic produce.

No, this is a misconception. While it was once proposed, the use of '8' to denote GMO products was never widely adopted. The code series has since been opened for other uses.

Yes, organic produce typically costs more. The higher price is often due to more labor-intensive farming methods, lower crop yields, and the costs associated with organic certification.

At a farmer's market, trust is built through a direct relationship with the farmer. While formal certification may not always be visible, you can ask about their farming practices and how they manage pests and soil health.

Organic produce may have a less uniform appearance, including varying shapes and sizes, because it is grown without the use of chemical interventions and cosmetic coatings. These natural imperfections are actually a good sign of its authenticity.

While organic foods have lower levels of synthetic pesticide residues, the overall nutritional difference between organic and conventional foods is often debated and can be inconsistent. The primary difference lies in the production methods and avoidance of synthetic chemicals and GMOs.