Saturday, January 23, 2010

Differences between Organic and Natural Foods

Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic means defined by various certifying bodies in each country.


Natural food, generally refers to food items that are not altered chemically or processed in any form. These are derived from plants and animals. Thus a natural food item is not necessarily organic and vice versa.

The important question is - "Why do some people prefer organic food and some people prefer natural food?" This is because some people have the belief that synthesizing/ processing  a food item results in loss of its nutrients and properties. Hence they demand natural foods. Organic food fans, on the other hand, want their food to be free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and preservatives.

My information has it that the demand for organic food is more than natural food because organic food seals are granted and monitored by the government. An act similar to the Organic Food Products Act is necessary for the natural food products as well.

Definition:

Organic Food refers to foods that are produced using organic means

Natural Food refers to products that are processed very little and the shelf life is thereby increased because of this. Demand for natural food is increasing and gaining popularity as well.