Is annies actually organic? A Deep Dive into the Brand's Labeling

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Annie's official FAQ, the company produces both 'Certified Organic' and 'Made with Organic' products. This key distinction means the answer to 'is annies actually organic?' depends entirely on the specific product, requiring consumers to look past the brand's reputation and examine the packaging.

Quick Summary

The organic status of Annie's varies by product, with labels clearly defining whether an item is 'Certified Organic' (95%+ organic ingredients) or 'Made with Organic' (70%+). This reflects different levels of USDA organic standards, all under the ownership of General Mills.

Key Points

Certified vs. "Made With": Annie's products are either "Certified Organic" (95%+ organic ingredients) or "Made with Organic" (70%+ organic ingredients), a distinction determined by USDA standards.
Check the Label: To know the organic status of a specific Annie's product, consumers must look for the official USDA Organic seal or the "Made with Organic" wording on the packaging.
Owned by General Mills: The company was acquired by General Mills in 2014, a move that concerned some consumers but did not change Annie's commitment to using non-GMO ingredients.
Phthalate Controversy: A 2024 Consumer Reports study found plastic chemicals called phthalates in some Annie's organic products, highlighting that even organic processed foods can have hidden contaminants.
Beyond Organic: The "organic" label does not guarantee a product is unprocessed or low in sodium, sugar, or saturated fat, as evidenced by some Annie's products receiving moderate processing scores.
Commitment to Sustainability: Despite its corporate ownership, Annie's continues to prioritize and invest in organic sourcing and farming practices.

Understanding Annie's and Its Organic Promise

Annie's Homegrown has long been a recognizable name in the natural and organic food space, known for its iconic bunny logo and wholesome marketing. Founded in 1989 by Annie Withey, the company built its reputation on offering cleaner, more natural versions of popular convenience foods. However, the landscape shifted in 2014 when food giant General Mills acquired the company. This acquisition, along with specific product labeling, has led many consumers to question the true organic credentials of Annie's products. The answer, as it turns out, is nuanced and depends on the specific item you are holding.

Decoding the Organic Labels: Certified vs. "Made With"

The most important step for any consumer is learning to read the labels. Annie's is transparent about its use of two different organic designations, both sanctioned by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Certified Organic

Criteria: Products bearing the official green and white USDA Organic seal contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
Ingredients: These items are produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, or artificial colors.
Certification: Production is overseen by a third-party agency accredited by the USDA.

"Made With Organic"

Criteria: Products with this label contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
Ingredients: While the primary ingredients (e.g., the pasta in mac and cheese) may be organic, the remaining 30% or less of the ingredients are not required to be.
Labeling: These products cannot use the official USDA Organic seal on the main packaging but can state "Made with Organic" to indicate the organic content.

A Comparison of Annie's Products and Organic Status

To illustrate the difference, consider a comparison of different Annie's mac and cheese varieties.


Feature	Certified Organic Mac & Cheese	Made with Organic Mac & Cheese	Standard Mac & Cheese
USDA Label	Yes, the seal is on the box.	No, only text reads "Made with Organic Pasta".	No.
Organic Ingredients	At least 95%.	At least 70%.	Less than 70% or none.
Example	Organic Shells & White Cheddar.	Shells and Real Aged Cheddar.	Classic Mac & Cheese.
Cheese	From organic-certified milk.	Can be from non-organic farms.	Likely non-organic dairy.
Key Takeaway	A fully organic product adhering to the strictest standards.	A hybrid product with significant organic content, but not fully organic.	A natural alternative without the specific organic certification.

The General Mills Acquisition: Concerns and Reassurance

When General Mills purchased Annie's for $820 million in 2014, many loyal customers worried that the brand's commitment to quality and transparency would be diluted. Some feared General Mills would use Annie's to boost its organic market share without fully embracing the founding principles. However, Annie's CEO at the time, John Foraker, publicly reassured customers that the brand would remain committed to its GMO-free products and organic practices. Annie's has, since the acquisition, expanded its organic sourcing and even partnered with independent farming cooperatives like Organic Valley to increase organic dairy production.

Controversies and Considerations: Beyond the Organic Seal

While Annie's organic products meet USDA standards, they are not immune to scrutiny. A 2024 Consumer Reports investigation found phthalates, a type of plastic chemical linked to health issues, in some food products, including Annie's organic cheese ravioli. Phthalates can enter food during the production process or from packaging materials. While the levels were below European safety thresholds, the finding sparked concern among consumers. In response, Annie's and General Mills announced plans to work with suppliers to eliminate these chemicals. This incident highlights that even organic-certified processed foods can have hidden issues, and that the term "healthy" is complex and multifaceted. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has also flagged some Annie's products as moderately or highly processed, which can affect their overall health rating.

Conclusion

So, is annies actually organic? Yes, many products are, but not all of them, and not to the same degree. The brand offers a range of options, from fully Certified Organic items to those simply "Made with Organic" ingredients. This practice is completely within the rules set by the USDA, but it puts the onus on the consumer to read and understand the label. While the brand has faced challenges and scrutiny regarding its ownership and potential contaminants like phthalates, it continues to invest in organic farming and sustainable sourcing. Ultimately, Annie's remains a source for organic and natural foods, but a deeper look at the product label is always the best way to ensure it meets your specific standards.

For more information on Annie's ingredient and labeling practices, visit the Annie's Homegrown FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all of them. Annie's offers a mix of products that are 'Certified Organic' (containing at least 95% organic ingredients) and products that are 'Made with Organic' (containing at least 70% organic ingredients), as well as some non-organic options.

Look for the green and white USDA Organic seal on the packaging. If the seal is not present, check the ingredients list for the specific 'Made with Organic' designation, which is also regulated.

While the 2014 acquisition by General Mills caused consumer concern, Annie's has maintained its commitment to using non-GMO and organic ingredients. The company has also expanded its organic sourcing initiatives since the purchase.

The key difference is the percentage of organic ingredients. 'Certified Organic' requires at least 95% organic ingredients, while 'Made with Organic' requires at least 70%.

Yes. A 2024 Consumer Reports investigation found plastic chemicals called phthalates in some Annie's organic products, leading the company to commit to working with suppliers to eliminate them. Some products are also considered highly processed despite using organic ingredients.

While Annie's uses organic and non-GMO ingredients, critics argue that the nutritional profiles of some Annie's mac and cheese products can be similar to conventional alternatives in terms of calories, sodium, and fat. Annie's goal has been to offer cleaner versions of convenience foods, not necessarily low-calorie ones.

No. Annie's uses natural sources like annatto and beet juice to color its products and avoids artificial flavors and synthetic preservatives, even in its non-organic items.

Annie's partners with various suppliers and farms, including the independent farm cooperative Organic Valley for dairy. They prioritize key ingredients like organic wheat from the Northern Plains.