Navigating food labels can be complex, and organic claims are no exception. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the term "organic" and has established four categories for agricultural products. The phrase "made with organic ingredients" is one of these, with a different meaning and set of rules compared to a product labeled "Organic."
The Four Official USDA Organic Labels
The USDA defines four distinct labeling categories to help consumers understand the varying levels of organic content:
- "100% Organic": This label is for products that contain 100% organically produced ingredients, excluding water and salt. These products can use the USDA organic seal.
- "Organic": Products carrying this label must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients. The remaining 5% of ingredients must be on the USDA's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and be commercially unavailable as an organic option. These products can also use the USDA organic seal.
- "Made with Organic [Specific Ingredients or Food Groups]": This label indicates a product contains at least 70% certified organic ingredients. It may only list up to three specific organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel. The non-organic portion must not be produced using prohibited methods like genetic engineering or sewage sludge. This label prohibits using the official USDA organic seal.
- Less than 70% Organic Ingredients: Products with less than 70% organic content cannot use the word "organic" on the front of the packaging. They can, however, identify which specific ingredients are certified organic within the product's ingredient list.
What "Made With Organic Ingredients" Really Means
For a food product to be labeled "made with organic ingredients," strict criteria must be met beyond a percentage of organic content. The entire processing operation, not just the ingredients, must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. The 70% minimum means up to 30% of ingredients can be conventionally grown or produced. These non-organic components are not without regulation; they cannot be produced using genetic engineering (GMOs), ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge. The specific non-agricultural ingredients must also be from the USDA's National List.
The way the "made with organic" claim is presented is regulated. The text size of the claim on the front of the package must be no more than half the size of the largest text on the panel. This prevents consumers from confusing it with the more stringent "organic" or "100% organic" certifications.
Organic vs. "Made With Organic": A Side-by-Side Comparison
The following table highlights the key differences between the most common organic labels:
| Feature | "Organic" Label (95%+) | "Made with Organic Ingredients" Label (70%+) |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Content | At least 95% of agricultural ingredients must be certified organic. | At least 70% of agricultural ingredients must be certified organic. |
| USDA Organic Seal | The USDA organic seal may be used on the package. | The USDA organic seal is prohibited on the package. |
| Non-Organic Ingredients | Up to 5% non-organic ingredients are allowed, but they must be from the USDA's National List and be unavailable in an organic form. | Up to 30% non-organic ingredients are allowed, but they must be produced without prohibited methods (GMOs, irradiation, sewage sludge). |
| Processing Certification | The product's handling and processing must be certified organic. | The product's handling and processing must also be certified organic. |
| Labeling | The package can state "Organic" and may include the organic percentage. | The package must state "made with organic [up to three ingredients]" and cannot use the word "organic" to describe the final product. |
How to Decode the Rest of the Label
Understanding the "made with organic" label is only part of the process. Informed shoppers should also look for:
- The Certifying Agent: The name of the USDA-accredited certifying agent, such as "Certified Organic by QAI," must be listed on the information panel. This offers trust and accountability.
- The Full Ingredient List: The back of the package contains the full ingredient list. Organic ingredients will be explicitly identified as such, for example, "organic tomatoes" or "organic spices". This shows the source of the organic content.
- Avoid Misleading Terms: The word "natural" is not regulated by the USDA and does not mean the same thing as organic. A product can be labeled "natural" even if it contains GMOs or was grown with conventional pesticides.
Beyond Food: Personal Care Products and Textiles
Organic labeling rules differ for personal care products and textiles. The USDA regulates organic claims for agricultural ingredients in these products, but non-agricultural ingredients and the final product's overall claim can be more complex. For personal care items, certifications like the NSF/ANSI 305 standard exist for products with over 70% organic ingredients. It is critical to look for the specific certification seal on these items, as the term "organic" is often unregulated in the personal care industry.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Seeing a label that says "made with organic ingredients" means a product has a significant, but not total, organic content. While this supports organic practices, it is not the same as purchasing a product with the USDA organic seal. Consumers should read beyond the marketing claims. Checking the ingredient list, looking for the certifying agent, and understanding label tiers ensures purchases align with nutritional and ethical preferences.
For more information, consult the USDA's official labeling guide at the Agricultural Marketing Service website.
