September is National Organic Month!
September is a perfect time to dive into the benefits that shopping organic has to offer you, your family, and the planet. Rising Tide offers many clean options across multiple departments – (and we are particularly proud of our 100% Certified Organic produce department—the only one in the area). But let’s take a look at what ‘organic’ means and what these products have to offer.
What is Organic?
Most of us have a grasp on what organic products are made without (ie GMOs), but there really is SO much more to earning the 100 percent organic label.
According to the USDA, certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible. Learn more about the processes and standards here.
What the Labels Mean
Understanding what the labels mean empowers customers to make informed decisions about the food they purchase. And it might help you to know our staff is extremely knowledgeable in this area and is always available to answer any questions you might have!
- 100% Organic: All the ingredients are certified organic.
- Organic: At least 95% of the ingredients are certified organic.
- Made With Organic Ingredients: At least 70% of the ingredients are certified organic.
The Benefits
There are a lot of studies that show organic food may simply be better for your health. For example, Only Organic highlights a 2016 study found that organic dairy and meat contain about 50 percent more omega-3 fatty acids. AND in 2014 a comprehensive review of earlier studies found substantially higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of pesticides in organic fruits, vegetables and grains compared with conventionally grown produce.
There are many more benefits of shopping organic that include the health of you, your family, and the planet – you can read more about these advantages here.