At GoMacro®, we believe food should be clean, simple, and wholesome -- just as nature intended. So what does “organic” actually mean, and what are the potential benefits of choosing organic ingredients? Let’s break it down.
What Does “Organic” Actually Mean?
In the United States, “organic” is more than just a marketing buzzword—it’s a strictly regulated label. “USDA Organic” is the only government-backed certification for organic food in the U.S. To earn it, farms and businesses must follow strict standards, undergo yearly inspections (plus surprise check-ins), and keep detailed records that trace ingredients from farm to store. The process is overseen by independent certifiers and the USDA’s National Organic Program, which also investigates fraud and enforces penalties to protect the integrity of the seal. Public input also helps shape the standards, ensuring that the organic label continues to reflect the values of the organic community.
More specifically, the USDA Organic certification requires that crops are grown without most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, genetic engineering, or sewage sludge fertilizers. Instead, Certified Organic farmers rely on practices like crop rotation, cover crops, and natural pest management to maintain soil and plant health. A few very specific synthetic inputs are also approved by the USDA for use in organic farming.
There are also clear labeling rules:
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“100% Organic”: All ingredients are certified organic.
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“Organic”: At least 95% of ingredients are certified organic.
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“Made with Organic”: At least 70% of ingredients are organic.
Of these three categories, only the first two can carry the USDA Organic seal.
Key Benefits of Organic Ingredients
While nutrition and health outcomes are complex, research suggests several potential advantages to choosing organic foods:
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Lower pesticide residues: Studies consistently show that organic foods have significantly lower pesticide residues compared to conventionally grown foods. This matters because chronic exposure to certain synthetic pesticides has been linked to risks for reproductive health, neurodevelopment, and cancer.
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Fewer heavy metals: Organic grains tend to have lower levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that can damage kidneys and is classified as a human carcinogen.
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Higher antioxidant levels: Meta-analyses of crop studies show that some organic produce may have moderately higher levels of certain antioxidants (such as flavonoids) compared to conventional produce. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress, which plays a role in aging and chronic disease.
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Environmental stewardship: Beyond nutrition, organic farming practices reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, protect biodiversity, and support healthier soil and water systems. Choosing organic is one way to support farming methods that are gentler on the planet so you can align your groceries with your values.
How to Read Organic Labels in 30 Seconds
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Look for the USDA Organic seal, which indicates that the product is at least 95% organic.
Hint: it’s usually green or black and white, and may be on the front or the back of packaged foods!
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If you see “made with organic,” the product contains at least 70% organic ingredients, but can’t carry the seal.
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Remember, “Natural” and “non-GMO” are not the same as “organic”. Organic certification includes stricter requirements.
For a deeper dive, check out these tips on reading an ingredient label.
Easy, Budget-Friendly Ways to Add Organic into Your Diet
Eating fully organic isn’t always realistic, but small swaps can make a difference. Here are a few simple ways to start:
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Pick two staple items. Choose organic versions of everyday ingredients that you consume most often (like oats, apples, or rice) to reduce exposure to pesticides.
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Choose your favorite snack. Swapping to an organic version of something you already eat regularly—like protein bars—is an easy win.
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Use the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15. Prioritize organic for produce that tends to carry higher pesticide residues (like strawberries and spinach) and buy conventional for those that tend to be lower (like avocados and onions).
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Shop local farmer’s markets. You can often get great prices on in-season organic produce at local markets. If they don’t have clear signage about organic certification, talk to the grower to better understand their specific farming practices.
Common Myths
“Organic automatically means healthy.”
Not always. Organic cane sugar is still sugar, and organic cookies are still cookies. The benefit lies in how ingredients are grown; it doesn’t always mean that the final product is nutrient-dense.
“Organic and non-GMO are the same thing.”
While there is overlap between the two, organic and non-GMO are separate classifications. Organic foods are always non-GMO, but non-GMO foods aren’t always organic.
“Organic food doesn’t need any pesticides.”
Not always true. Organic farmers can and do use pesticides—but only those that are derived from natural sources and approved by the USDA. The difference is that organic standards prohibit most synthetic pesticides and require farmers to prioritize practices like crop rotation, cover crops, and beneficial insects to manage pests before turning to approved substances.
A Snack You Can Feel Good About
Choosing Certified Organic foods can be a powerful way to care for your body and the planet at the same time. While price and accessibility may sometimes be challenges, even small swaps can add up over time. At GoMacro®, every product we make is Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, and made with ingredients you can feel confident enjoying. Next time you need a snack, reach for one that’s delicious, nourishing, and rooted in integrity. Explore our MacroBar® collection to find your new favorite organic snack.
