If you’ve walked the grocery store aisles lately, you’ve likely been bombarded by food packaging plastered with enticing labels: “Whole Grain,” “Cage-Free,” “Artisanal,” “All Natural,” and “Angus.” While these buzzwords sound impressive, their meaning isn’t always straightforward. Navigating food labels can be tricky, but understanding what’s behind these terms helps you make better choices for your health and wellness. Here’s a closer look at five common labels and what they really mean.
1) Whole Grains
Whole grains are touted as a healthy choice, but not every “whole grain” product offers genuine benefits. From “whole grain” to “stone-ground” or “cracked wheat,” the terms on bread and cereal packages can be misleading. Often, products labeled as whole grain contain a mix of refined flour and a small percentage of whole grains, with added sugars to enhance taste. Your best bet? Check bulk bins for truly unprocessed grains like oats or scan ingredient lists for “whole” as the first listed item.
2) Cage-Free
The term “cage-free” often evokes images of hens roaming freely in open fields, but the reality is less idyllic. While cage-free hens aren’t confined to small cages, they are often kept indoors with limited space to move. To ensure your eggs are from hens with access to pasture and more humane conditions, look for the “pasture-raised” label. While pricier, pasture-raised eggs reflect a higher standard of care for the animals.
3) Artisanal
Once upon a time, “artisanal” meant handcrafted products made with care and high-quality ingredients. These days, it’s often a marketing ploy. If you see national brands with “artisanal” plastered across packaging in fancy script, take it with a grain of salt. Genuine artisanal products come from small-scale producers who prioritize traditional methods and ingredient integrity. For the real deal, seek out local producers or farmer’s markets.
4) All Natural
The “all natural” label might seem reassuring, but its definition is ambiguous. The FDA only loosely defines it to mean the absence of synthetic substances, artificial flavors, and added colors. Beyond that, it’s up to the manufacturer’s discretion. If a product claims to be “natural,” scrutinize the ingredient list and check the producer’s website. Without third-party certification, “natural” could mean anything from minimally processed to barely different from regular alternatives.
5) Angus
“Angus” is synonymous with quality beef, thanks in part to the rigorous certification standards of Certified Angus Beef (CAB), which require specific marbling, weight, and muscling criteria. However, some products simply use the term “Angus” without meeting these standards. Certified Angus Beef guarantees a higher-quality product, but generic “Angus” labels can be slapped on anything from the breed without meeting CAB’s criteria. If quality matters, look for the official CAB logo or ask your butcher for clarity.
Part of Our Pathway to Health Series
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