Organic Packaged Foods Contain Fewer Ingredients Linked to Negative Health Effects

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This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s October 2021 Industry Newsletter

By Steve Hoffman

Processed, packaged foods labeled as organic have a more healthful profile than their conventional counterparts, says a new analysis of 80,000 food products conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and published in the journal Nutrients.

The study focused on packaged foods, which EWG said accounts for more than 60% of the calories consumed in the U.S. The study analyzed nutrition and ingredient information for 8,240 organic and 72,205 conventional foods sold in the U.S. in 2019 and 2020. It is the most comprehensive study to date of the differences between non-organic, or conventional, packaged foods and those labeled as Certified Organic, said EWG. 

According to the EWG study, organic packaged foods have fewer ultra-processed ingredients and additives that may promote overeating. EWG reported that the overall nutritional profile of organic foods is better, too, with less added sugar, saturated fat and sodium. Organic packaged foods contain more potassium, a heart-healthy nutrient found in fruits, vegetables and other unprocessed or minimally processed foods, EWG reported.

Nearly three-quarters of the U.S. packaged food and beverage supply in 2018 was ultra-processed, claimed EWG. This category of food makes up a significant source of calories for people over the age of two, and even higher for kids ages two to 19, EWG noted.