What Food Is Labeled Natural? Understanding the Unregulated Term

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 60% of consumers prefer products labeled 'natural,' based on the mistaken belief that the term signifies a purer product. However, the definition of what food is labeled natural is largely unregulated by the FDA and can be highly misleading to consumers. This guide unpacks the ambiguity and explains the reality behind this pervasive marketing claim.

Quick Summary

The term 'natural' on food labels is not formally defined or regulated by the FDA, leading to significant consumer confusion. While the USDA regulates 'natural' for meat and poultry, the label generally means no artificial ingredients or colors and minimal processing. It does not relate to nutritional content, production methods, or pesticide use.

Key Points

Unregulated by FDA: For most foods, the term "natural" has no formal definition and is not legally enforced by the Food and Drug Administration.
Minimally Processed (USDA): For meat, poultry, and eggs, the USDA's definition of "natural" requires no artificial ingredients or added colors and only minimal processing.
No Health Guarantee: A "natural" label does not indicate that a food is healthier, safer, or more nutritious than other products.
Not the Same as Organic: Unlike the heavily regulated "organic" label, "natural" does not restrict the use of pesticides, GMOs, or antibiotics.
Requires Consumer Vigilance: Shoppers should read the full ingredient list and Nutrition Facts panel, rather than relying solely on the vague "natural" claim.
Explains the Claim: The USDA requires a qualifying statement to accompany the "natural" claim on meat and poultry, such as "no artificial ingredients".

The FDA's Informal Stance on 'Natural'

For most packaged foods, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks a formal, legal definition for "natural". The agency's long-standing informal policy permits the term if the food contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients, including color additives. This policy doesn't regulate production methods like pesticide use, processing techniques, or any implied health benefits. Consequently, products high in sugar, fat, or sodium can be labeled "natural" if they avoid synthetic additives.

The USDA's Specific Rules for Meat, Poultry, and Eggs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does have a specific definition for "natural" in meat, poultry, and eggs under its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). These products must contain no artificial ingredients (flavors, colors, preservatives) and be only minimally processed. Minimal processing involves traditional methods that don't fundamentally alter the raw product. A required statement must accompany the label, like "no artificial ingredients; minimally processed". This USDA rule does not restrict the use of antibiotics or growth hormones in the animals.

Natural vs. Organic: A Crucial Distinction

Consumer confusion between "natural" and "organic" is widespread, but their meanings and regulations differ significantly. "Organic" is strictly regulated by the USDA, whereas "natural" is not.

Comparison of Natural and Organic Food Labels


Aspect	'Natural' Label	'Organic' Label
Regulation	Loosely defined by FDA (most foods) and partially by USDA (meat, poultry).	Strictly regulated by the USDA's National Organic Program.
Synthetic Ingredients	Prohibits synthetic or artificial ingredients, flavors, and colors.	Prohibits synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones.
Pesticide Usage	Does not restrict the use of conventional, synthetic pesticides.	Prohibits most synthetic pesticides; permits certain natural ones.
GMOs	Use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is generally not regulated.	Prohibits the use of GMOs in production.
Processing	Requires minimal processing.	Allows for specific processing methods approved by the USDA.
Nutritional Value	No implied nutritional or health benefits.	No guaranteed nutritional superiority over conventional foods.

Common Examples of 'Natural' Labeled Foods

Due to the term's broad and voluntary nature, various products can use the "natural" label, including meat, poultry, beverages, snack foods, and dairy products. For example, a chicken breast can be labeled "natural" if minimally processed with no artificial ingredients, even if the chicken received antibiotics. Juices or sodas can be labeled "natural flavors" even if highly processed.

The Takeaway for Consumers

The poorly defined and regulated nature of "natural" necessitates consumer skepticism. The label often serves as a marketing tool, appealing to the perception of health or purity. A "natural" product may not be superior to a conventional one. To make informed choices, consumers should:

Read the Ingredients List: Focus on simple ingredients, as many processed foods can still claim to be "natural".
Check the Nutrition Facts Panel: Assess nutritional content like fat, sodium, and sugar instead of assuming healthfulness from the "natural" claim.
Consider Organic Certification: For standards regarding pesticides, GMOs, or hormones, the USDA Organic seal is a regulated alternative.
Question Sub-claims: Look for explanatory text near the "natural" claim detailing the manufacturer's specific meaning.

Conclusion

Understanding food labels is crucial for informed decisions. The term "natural," for most products, is a vague marketing claim rather than a guarantee of health, nutritional value, or specific production methods. The regulated "USDA Organic" label offers clearer standards for ingredients, production, and processing. By examining ingredient lists and nutrition facts, consumers can move beyond ambiguous labels and choose products aligned with their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 'natural' does not mean a food is organic. The term 'organic' is strictly regulated by the USDA and prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs. The 'natural' label is largely unregulated and has far fewer restrictions.

Yes, for most food products, a 'natural' label does not prohibit the use of pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in its production. This is a common misconception among consumers.

Minimally processed, for USDA-regulated meat and poultry, refers to traditional processes like smoking, freezing, or roasting that do not fundamentally alter the raw product. For FDA-regulated products, the term is less defined.

No, a 'natural' label on meat, poultry, or eggs does not mean the animal was raised without antibiotics or hormones. It only indicates no artificial ingredients were added during processing.

Instead of relying on the 'natural' label, read the ingredients list for simple, whole foods. For specific production standards, look for certified labels like 'USDA Organic' or 'Non-GMO Project Verified'.

The FDA has stated it's difficult to legally define 'natural' due to various processing methods and consumer interpretations. Despite public comment periods, a formal definition has not been established.

A highly processed food can indeed be labeled 'natural' if it contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients. For example, a bag of salty potato chips can be called 'natural' if made with natural seasonings and no artificial additives.