What Makes a Product Organic?
To be certified as USDA Organic, a product must follow a stringent set of regulations that cover all stages from farm to table. For crops, this means being grown without most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers for three years prior to harvest. Livestock for organic meat and dairy must be raised on pastures without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Moreover, organic processed foods are prohibited from containing genetically engineered ingredients, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives.
For a brand like good2grow, which offers a variety of products, this means each item is evaluated individually for its organic status. The presence of a USDA Organic seal on one product does not automatically apply to all others produced by the same company. Parents must check the labeling of each specific item to confirm its ingredients and certification.
Are Good 2 Grow's Juices Organic?
Good2grow offers different types of juices, and only specific varieties carry the organic certification.
Good2grow Organic Low Sugar Juices:
- These juice beverages, like the Fruit Fusion and Grape flavors, are explicitly labeled as USDA Certified Organic.
- They contain organic ingredients such as organic apple juice concentrate, organic natural flavors, and organic Stevia extract.
- They have no added sugar and contain 75% less sugar than the brand's 100% juice varieties.
Good2grow 100% Juices:
- These are made with 100% fruit juice from concentrate and contain natural fruit sugars, but they are not certified organic.
- While still a better-for-you option compared to high-sugar alternatives, they are not held to the same cultivation and processing standards as certified organic products.
Is Good 2 Grow Milk Organic?
Yes, good2grow's flavored milk products are USDA Certified Organic. According to the product information, the milk is made with organic lowfat milk, organic cane sugar, and organic cocoa, among other ingredients. As with all organic milk products, the dairy comes from cows raised without antibiotics or artificial growth hormones. This distinction is important for parents who prioritize organic dairy for their children.
A Comparison of Good2grow Product Lines
| Feature | Good2grow Organic Low Sugar Juice | Good2grow 100% Juice | Good2grow Flavored Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Status | Yes (USDA Certified) | No | Yes (USDA Certified) |
| Added Sugar | No added sugar | No added sugar, but contains natural fruit sugars | Contains added organic cane sugar |
| Ingredients | Organic apple concentrate, organic flavors, organic stevia | Concentrated apple, pear, and grape juices, natural flavors | Organic lowfat milk, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa |
| Nutritional Benefits | Excellent source of Vitamin C, low sugar content | Excellent source of Vitamin C | Good source of protein, Vitamin A & D |
| Calories | 15 calories per 6oz bottle | 80 calories per 6oz bottle | 130 calories per 8oz bottle |
How to Verify if Your Good2grow Product is Organic
To ensure you are purchasing a certified organic good2grow product, check the label for the official USDA Organic seal. This small green and white circular stamp signifies that the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients. If the product does not have this seal, it is not certified organic, even if it is a 100% juice with no added sugar. The company's own website also clearly delineates which products are part of their organic line.
Conclusion
While the brand good2grow is not entirely organic, it does offer a selection of products that are, including its flavored milk and a special line of low-sugar juices. The best way to know for sure if a specific good2grow beverage is organic is to look for the USDA Certified Organic seal on the packaging. For parents seeking healthier options, the non-organic 100% juice and water blends are still free of added sugar and GMOs, but they do not adhere to the same farming and processing standards as the organic-certified versions. Making an informed choice requires a quick check of the label to distinguish between the different offerings.
Can a Product Have 'Natural Flavors' and Still be Organic?
Yes, a product can contain 'natural flavors' and still be USDA Certified Organic, but those flavorings must also be organic. Organic natural flavors are derived from organic sources without the use of artificial additives. This is distinct from non-organic natural flavors, which have less stringent regulations.
For more detailed information on USDA organic standards, consult the official website: USDA Organic Standards
Is Good 2 Grow Organic? Understanding the Brand's Different Product Lines
- Good2grow is not entirely organic: The brand offers a mix of products, some with USDA organic certification and some without.
- Certified organic products exist: Their flavored milk and a special line of low-sugar juices are USDA Certified Organic.
- Check the label for certification: To confirm if a specific beverage is organic, look for the official USDA Organic seal on the packaging.
- Non-organic options are still non-GMO: The brand's non-organic 100% juices and water blends are still non-GMO and do not contain added sugar.
- Differences in ingredients and sugar: Organic products use organic ingredients and sweeteners like Stevia, while 100% juices rely on natural fruit sugars for sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Which specific good2grow products are certified organic? A: The good2grow Organic Low Sugar Juice line, which includes flavors like Fruit Fusion and Grape, is USDA Certified Organic. The flavored milk products, such as Organic Chocolate Milk, are also certified organic.
Q: Do all good2grow juices have the same sugar content? A: No. Good2grow's Organic Low Sugar juices have no added sugar and contain 75% less sugar than their 100% juice varieties, which contain natural fruit sugars but no added sugar.
Q: What is the difference between good2grow's 100% juice and their organic low-sugar juice? A: The 100% juice contains only concentrated fruit juices and natural flavors, while the organic low-sugar juice is diluted with water and sweetened with organic Stevia, in addition to using organic juice concentrate.
Q: Are good2grow products suitable for toddlers? A: Yes, good2grow beverages are specifically designed for kids. The spill-proof, BPA-free bottles are sized for small hands, and the various formulas are developed for children.
Q: How can I tell if a good2grow product is non-GMO? A: According to the company, all of its juice, milk, and water beverages are non-GMO. Some products explicitly state this on the label, and organic certification inherently includes being free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Q: Does good2grow use artificial colors or preservatives in its drinks? A: No, the company states that its products contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This applies to both the organic and non-organic varieties.
Q: Where is good2grow manufactured? A: Good2grow is an American company founded in Atlanta, Georgia. Their beverages are bottled in the USA.
