What is the actual difference between products labeled as natural and USDA organic?

By Bloom · 17 October 2026 · 3 min read

Understanding USDA Organic

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The USDA organic label is a formal certification that requires products to follow specific federal regulations ^[1][2]. Producers must be overseen by a USDA-authorized agent to ensure they avoid synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms ^[5][1]. This certification covers the entire production process, from how crops are grown to how livestock are raised and fed ^[5][3].

• 100% organic: Contains only organic ingredients.
• 95-100% organic: May display the USDA organic seal.
• 70-95% organic: May state made with organic ingredients but cannot use the seal.
• Less than 70% organic: Can only list specific organic ingredients.

The Meaning of Natural

The term natural is not consistently defined or regulated for most food products ^[3][4]. For crops, there are no federal laws governing the use of this label, meaning it does not indicate how a product was grown or if synthetic substances were used ^[4][2]. You may see this term on products that contain genetically engineered ingredients or are highly processed ^[4].

For meat, poultry, and egg products, the USDA does regulate the natural label ^[3][4]. In these cases, it means the product is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients or added colors ^[3][4]. However, this does not mean the animals were raised without antibiotics or growth hormones ^[4]. Always check the ingredient list to understand what is actually in the package ^[3].

Comparing the Two

When you compare products, remember that organic is a verified status, while natural is often a marketing claim ^[4][2]. Because organic farming focuses on ecological balance and resource cycling, it provides more transparency regarding production practices ^[1][2]. A natural label does not provide this same level of insight into how the food was grown or how animals were raised ^[2].

If you want to know how a product was produced, look for the USDA organic seal rather than relying on the word natural ^[4]. The organic seal confirms that the product has passed through a regulated certification program ^[2]. If a product claims to be natural, you have no official assurance regarding the use of synthetic materials or genetic modification during its production ^[4][2].

What the Natural Label Does Not Tell You

The label natural is often vague because it lacks a consistent definition for most food products ^[4]. While the USDA regulates this term for meat, poultry, and egg products to ensure they are minimally processed and free of artificial ingredients, it does not regulate the term for crops ^[3][4]. Consequently, a product labeled as natural may contain genetically engineered ingredients or highly processed sweeteners ^[4].

Because there are no federal laws governing the use of the natural claim for most items, it provides no insight into how the food was grown or processed ^[4][2]. You cannot determine if the product was produced using pesticides or synthetic fertilizers ^[4]. Unlike organic certification, which requires adherence to strict standards, the natural label does not guarantee specific farming practices or animal welfare conditions ^[2].

Where to Find Labels and How to Compare

When shopping, look for the official USDA organic seal, which is a brown outer circle with the letters USDA in green and the word organic in white on a green background ^[3]. Products with 95 to 100 percent organic ingredients may display this seal ^[1][3][2]. If a product contains 70 to 95 percent organic ingredients, it cannot use the seal but may state made with organic ingredients on the packaging ^[3][2].

To compare two products, check the ingredient list and the presence of certification marks ^[3]. While organic products must meet federal standards, natural products do not require certification ^[1][4][2]. Research indicates that products featuring both the USDA organic seal and the Non-GMO Project Verified label are often viewed as a high standard for food ^[5]. Always verify the packaging for these specific seals rather than relying on general marketing claims ^[3][4].

Quick answers

Is organic always non-GMO?

Yes, organic production excludes the use of genetically modified organisms ^[5].

Can a product be organic without the seal?

Yes, products with 70 to 95 percent organic ingredients can claim organic status but cannot use the USDA organic seal ^[3][2].

On Bloom’s verified list

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How Bloom checks a product

Sources

1. Labeling Organic Products | Agricultural Marketing Service ams.usda.gov
2. Organic vs Natural: What the Labels Actually Mean – Nature's Path naturespath.com
3. What do Labels Really Mean? Organic, Natural, Cage-Free, Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised and Local | UConn Extension | College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources | University of Connecticut extension.uconn.edu
4. Natural vs. Organic: Does The Label Matter? - Rodale Institute rodaleinstitute.org
5. What’s the Difference Between Non-GMO and Organic? – The Non-GMO Project nongmoproject.org

Bloom explains labels, ingredients and certifications. Not medical advice; ask your paediatrician.