organic vs. all natural

**gaia83** · 05-08-2008, 10:45 PM

Hello all,
I am new to this forum. I of course have alot of questions being a vegetarian, bordering on vegan. But I wanted to know what is better if you have two choices to buy from in the store. Many times there will be a jar or can that reads organic, and then an alternative that reads all natural.

What is the healthier less processed choice?
Thank you.

**flowergirl** · 05-08-2008, 11:40 PM

Well I am still learning but I do know when it says organic it is certified to be and all natural means nothing . Just a way of products to sound safer. Not that all natural products are bad just read the label. It can be pretty complecated to keep it all straight. Keep learning ! Good for you.

**quiltingmommy** · 05-09-2008, 08:43 AM

Organic means that everything that pertains to that product is organic. ie: if it's crackers, the soil was never treated with anything, the seed was not treated, while it grew into wheat it was not treated. All other ingredients like eggs, salt, etc are organic and not treated. It is very difficult to get an organic label, you have to jump through hoops for a long time to get that approval. And it's very expensive.

Natural means that there are no artificial ingredients like hfcs or food dyes and the other ingredients have been grown naturally but not necessarily organically. (since it is so expensive to get the organic seal).

Hope it helps! I buy both, depending on what the product is and the price difference.

Oh, and welcome to the board!!!

**bumplett** · 05-09-2008, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by quiltingmommy

Hope it helps! I buy both, depending on what the product is and the price difference.

:

same here.

you may like this link:

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/organic-food1.htm

**ab27** · 05-28-2008, 10:16 PM

Organic means it has a carbon based molecule, at least according to my textbook

**acidcookie** · 05-29-2008, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by ab27

Organic means it has a carbon based molecule, at least according to my textbook

Nice

Others have already answered the question well so I won't add. I try to use all natural products if I can (no HFCS, trans fats, chemicals in cleaners), but can't afford organically grown or processed foods.

**The Muse** · 05-29-2008, 11:00 AM

You might find this article insightful.

You might also like to check out Veggie Boards, which was very helpful to me when I was transitioning.

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-29-2008, 11:55 AM

Can I just add... you're question was

What is the healthier less processed choice?

and my answer to that is....
as close to it's original condition as possible.
meaning... an orange is better than an organic orange juice.
An apple is better than organic apple juice.
An organic orange or apple is even better. (Using quiltmom's excellently scripted definition).