Which Foods Contain Growth Hormones?

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

Globally, the use of synthetic growth hormones in livestock is a controversial topic, with bans in many countries but not others. Understanding which foods contain growth hormones, either naturally or through agricultural practices, is crucial for making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

Foods may contain synthetic growth hormones, primarily in conventional dairy and meat, or natural compounds that act similarly. Article examines the sources and types of hormones in the food supply.

Key Points

Synthetic Hormones: Conventional dairy and beef in some countries (like the US) may contain synthetic hormones (rBGH/rBST in dairy, steroids in beef) to increase production.
Organic Certification: USDA Organic products are legally required to be free of synthetic growth hormones.
Naturally Occurring: All animal products contain natural hormones; all plant products contain natural phytochemicals, including phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens: Soybeans, flaxseeds, and dried fruits are particularly rich in phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body.
Health Concerns: Concerns about synthetic hormones often center on increased levels of IGF-1 in milk and potential links to health issues, although scientific evidence remains inconclusive for human health risks.

The question of which foods contain growth hormones is complex, involving both naturally occurring compounds and synthetic substances introduced during food production. The primary concern for many consumers revolves around artificial hormones used in livestock to enhance growth or production, most notably in the dairy and beef industries. However, many plant-based foods also contain natural compounds, called phytoestrogens, that can mimic hormones in the body.

Synthetic Growth Hormones in Animal Products

The most well-known synthetic growth hormone used in the food supply is recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST). This is a genetically engineered hormone injected into dairy cows to boost milk production.

Dairy Products (rBGH)

Conventional milk and dairy products from cows treated with rBGH can contain the hormone and increased levels of IGF-1. The FDA deems these products safe, but the elevated IGF-1 is debated by some. Organic dairy products are prohibited from using synthetic growth hormones like rBGH/rBST. Many non-organic brands label their products as "rBGH-free" due to consumer demand.

Meat Products (Steroid Hormones)

Synthetic steroid hormones may be used in beef production to promote faster growth and leaner meat. Conventional beef in some countries may have hormone residues. Organic meat production does not allow synthetic hormones.

Naturally Occurring Hormones

All living organisms produce hormones, so all animal-based foods have trace natural hormones. Milk naturally contains bovine growth hormone (bGH) and IGF-1.

Phytoestrogens in Plant-Based Foods

Plant foods contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds similar to human estrogen that can have hormonal effects. Foods high in phytoestrogens include:

Soybeans and products (tofu, tempeh)
Flaxseeds
Dried fruits (dates, prunes)
Grains and legumes (chickpeas, lentils)

Comparison Table: Hormones in Common Foods


Food Category	Examples	Type of Hormones/Compounds	Presence (Synthetic/Natural)
Conventional Dairy	Milk, Cheese, Yogurt	bGH (natural), rBGH (synthetic), IGF-1 (natural, elevated)	Synthetic and Natural
Organic Dairy	Milk, Cheese, Yogurt	bGH (natural), IGF-1 (natural)	Natural Only
Conventional Beef	Steaks, Ground beef	Natural and synthetic steroid hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone)	Synthetic and Natural
Organic Meat	Organic beef, chicken	Natural hormones only	Natural Only
Soy Products	Tofu, Edamame, Soy Milk	Phytoestrogens (Isoflavones)	Natural (Plant-based)
Flaxseeds	Whole, Ground, Oil	Phytoestrogens (Lignans)	Natural (Plant-based)

Strategies to Minimize Dietary Exposure

To minimize exposure to synthetic growth hormones, consider these strategies:

Choose organic dairy and meat to avoid synthetic hormones.
Look for "rBGH-free" labels on non-organic dairy.
Vary protein sources, including plant-based options.
Source meat from farmers who don't use growth promoters.

Conclusion

Foods contain various hormonal compounds. Conventional animal products in some regions may contain synthetic growth hormones, in addition to natural hormones. Plant foods contain natural phytoestrogens. Consumers can choose organic or specifically labeled products to potentially reduce exposure to synthetic growth hormones, although regulatory bodies generally consider current levels safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), or rBST, is a synthetic hormone injected into dairy cows to increase milk yield. It is found in conventional milk and dairy products in countries where its use is approved, such as the United States, but is banned in Canada and the European Union.

Organic foods do not contain synthetic growth hormones. USDA organic regulations prohibit their use in livestock. However, organic animal products still contain naturally occurring hormones produced by the animal's body.

Plant-based foods contain natural compounds called phytoestrogens, which are not animal growth hormones but can have mild estrogen-like effects in the human body. Foods like soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas are rich in these compounds.

According to the FDA, milk and meat from hormone-treated animals are generally considered safe for human consumption because the hormones are either species-specific (like bGH, which is inactive in humans) or present in very low levels. However, some studies raise concerns about elevated IGF-1 levels.

Foods high in phytoestrogens include soybeans and derived products (tofu, tempeh), flaxseeds, sesame seeds, dried fruits (prunes, dates), and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

Federal regulations in the United States prohibit the use of hormones in poultry production, so chicken is hormone-free. The use of synthetic growth hormones in pork production varies by country, with some banning them and others permitting specific types.

Look for labels that explicitly state 'No added hormones,' 'Hormone-free,' 'rBGH-free,' or the 'USDA Organic' seal. These labels indicate that synthetic hormones were not used in the production process.