Come from a plant or mineral source that has not been altered except by chopping, grinding, separating, drying, freezing, heating or fermenting
Contain no chemical additives (including colorings) or preservatives
When used on meats and poultry, ‘natural’ means minimally processed and free of artificial products (such as coloring and nitrite)
Natural does not necessarily cover hormone use, organic feed or other environmental practices
Organically grown
Signifies foods grown under an ecological management system that generally rejects synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
Promotes practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony
Required by the Organic Food Production Act and National Organic Program (NOP) to meet organic standards and receive mandatory certification of organic production
Whole foods
Foods as near their original form as possible; generally the least processed version of any foods in a given category
This include grains, beans, fruits and vegetables
Many believe these foods retain a greater natural nutritional value than foods that have been heavily processed or refined even though vitamins and minerals may have been added back into the formula after processing
