Nutrition Diet: What does the FDA define as natural?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite its common appearance on packaging, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no formal, legal definition for the term 'natural'. Instead, the meaning is guided by a longstanding policy that provides a less restrictive guideline than many consumers might assume, leaving many to wonder what does the FDA define as natural when making informed nutrition diet decisions.

Quick Summary

The FDA's policy suggests 'natural' food does not contain added artificial or synthetic substances, including color additives. The policy does not regulate production methods like pesticide use or processing techniques, which is a key distinction from USDA organic standards.

Key Points

No Formal Definition: The FDA does not have a formal, legal definition for the term 'natural' on food labels.
Ingredient-Based Policy: The FDA's existing policy suggests 'natural' food should not contain any added artificial or synthetic substances or color additives.
Production Methods Excluded: The FDA's 'natural' policy does not cover food production methods, including the use of pesticides, GMOs, or processing techniques like pasteurization.
USDA vs. FDA: The USDA, not the FDA, regulates 'natural' for meat, poultry, and egg products, defining it as minimally processed with no artificial ingredients.
'Natural' vs. 'Organic': Unlike the unregulated 'natural' term, 'organic' is a strictly defined and certified label with comprehensive standards for production, processing, and ingredients.
Consumer Action: To understand a product's true nature, consumers should always read the full ingredient and Nutrition Facts label, as 'natural' does not imply health benefits.
Public Input Sought: The FDA has requested public input on establishing a formal definition for 'natural' but has yet to make a final decision, indicating continued ambiguity.

The FDA's Evolving Stance on the 'Natural' Label

For decades, the term “natural” on food packaging has captivated consumers seeking healthier options. However, the use of this term is not backed by a formal legal definition from the FDA. The agency's approach has been to regulate its use based on a long-held policy, which has been subject to public debate and requests for formal rulemaking. This ambiguity means that a “natural” label is not a guarantee of a product’s production method or nutritional value. This contrasts sharply with the rigorous standards of USDA organic certification, creating confusion for shoppers trying to make the best decisions for their nutrition diet.

The Longstanding Policy on Artificial and Synthetic Ingredients

According to its policy, the FDA has historically considered 'natural' to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic has been included in, or added to, a food that wouldn't normally be expected to be there. This includes a strict prohibition on all color additives, regardless of their source, in any food labeled 'natural'. This is the central tenet that most manufacturers adhere to when using the term. For instance, natural flavors are defined as those derived from a spice, fruit, vegetable, or other natural source, while artificial flavors are produced in a lab. However, the policy’s narrow focus on ingredients alone leaves a wide spectrum of processes unregulated.

What the FDA's Policy Does Not Address

Critically, the FDA's policy has several significant gaps that consumers must be aware of:

Production Methods: The policy does not regulate how a food was grown. This means a 'natural' product could have been produced with pesticides or grown from genetically engineered crops.
Processing Methods: Thermal technologies, pasteurization, and irradiation are all processing methods that are not addressed by the policy. A 'natural' product could be highly processed without violating the FDA's guideline.
Nutritional Benefit: The FDA does not consider whether the 'natural' claim implies a nutritional or other health benefit. A product labeled 'natural' is not guaranteed to be healthier than a conventionally labeled alternative.

Natural vs. Organic: A Crucial Distinction for Your Diet

For consumers, one of the most important distinctions to understand when making dietary choices is the difference between 'natural' and 'organic' labeling. While 'natural' is largely unregulated by the FDA for most foods, 'organic' is a strictly defined and certified label managed by the USDA. Adhering to the National Organic Program standards requires compliance with a robust set of rules regarding production methods.

A Comparison of 'Natural' and 'Organic' Claims


Feature	'Natural' Label (FDA Policy)	'Organic' Label (USDA Certified)
Regulation	Loosely based on long-standing FDA policy; no formal definition.	Heavily regulated and requires official certification from the USDA.
Artificial Ingredients	Cannot contain any artificial or synthetic substances or color additives.	Does not permit most synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or additives.
Production Methods	No regulations on pesticides, GMOs, or farming practices.	Strict rules governing soil quality, pest control, and use of GMOs.
Processing	Does not address processing methods like pasteurization or irradiation.	Addresses processing methods and typically requires 'minimal processing' for organic food handling.
Nutritional Claim	Does not guarantee any nutritional or health benefit.	Not inherently healthier, but production standards often appeal to consumers seeking perceived health benefits.
Meat/Poultry	Regulated by the USDA; requires no artificial ingredients and minimal processing.	Must meet comprehensive USDA organic livestock standards for feed and living conditions.

Decoding 'Natural' for Informed Dietary Choices

Given the limitations of the 'natural' label, consumers must take a proactive approach to understanding their food choices. Here are some strategies for a discerning nutrition diet:

Read the Ingredient List: The most reliable way to know what's in your food is to read the ingredient panel. Look for terms like 'natural flavors' and scrutinize the list for any unfamiliar additives or preservatives, even if the packaging says 'natural'.
Check for USDA Organic Certification: If you want a more robust guarantee about production methods and the absence of synthetic pesticides and GMOs, look for the 'USDA Organic' seal.
Consult the Nutrition Facts Panel: Don't assume a 'natural' product is healthy. Check the Nutrition Facts panel for details on sugar, sodium, and saturated fat content.
Support Transparent Brands: Many brands voluntarily provide more information than required by law. Look for companies that explain their sourcing and processing methods clearly on their website or packaging.

Conclusion: The Final Word on 'Natural' and Your Nutrition Diet

Ultimately, understanding what does the FDA define as natural is the key to navigating the grocery store with confidence. The most important takeaway is that the 'natural' label is a marketing tool that carries no official weight from the FDA in regards to a product's healthfulness, production methods, or overall quality. For a consumer focused on a healthy nutrition diet, the 'natural' label is a starting point, not the final word. By becoming an informed reader of ingredient labels and recognizing the stark differences between 'natural' and 'organic' standards, shoppers can make choices that truly align with their health goals.

For more information on food labeling, a comprehensive resource is available on the FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the FDA's policy on 'natural' labeling does not address production methods like genetic engineering. Therefore, a product labeled 'natural' could still contain genetically modified ingredients.

No, there is no official definition for 'all natural,' and it is often used interchangeably with 'natural.' Both terms operate under the same informal policy and lack rigorous, legally binding standards.

Yes, the FDA's policy on 'natural' does not regulate processing methods. A product can be heavily processed, using techniques like irradiation or pasteurization, and still be labeled 'natural' if it contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients.

The main difference is regulation. 'Organic' is a heavily regulated and certified label managed by the USDA with strict standards for production and processing. 'Natural' is a largely unregulated marketing term, with the FDA's informal policy focusing only on the absence of artificial/synthetic additives, not farming methods.

The USDA's definition for 'natural' on meat and poultry is that it contains no artificial ingredients or added color and is only minimally processed. This is more specific than the FDA's general food policy but does not cover farming practices like antibiotics or hormones.

According to the FDA, 'natural flavoring' must be derived from a natural source like a spice or fruit. While it does not include artificial flavors, the 'natural' label on the entire product does not prohibit other artificial ingredients or additives.

Consumers should prioritize reading the ingredient list and the Nutrition Facts panel for details on what is actually in their food. Relying on the 'natural' label alone is not sufficient to guarantee a product's healthfulness or production methods.