Together with

“All-Natural” Is A Scam

Food labels can be a tricky subject to tackle within the nutrition and health space. Many of the labels you see on the front of food packaging don’t mean what you may think they mean. The term “All-Nautral,” is no different. While at a glance, the term seems to denote a high-quality product raised in the way nature intended, the truth actually paints a very different picture.

The intricacies of food labels can be very confusing. Words like "all-natural" are intentionally vague and can make you feel lost when all you're trying to do is make intelligent food choices at your grocery store.

What does "all-natural" meat actually entail? If you find yourself scratching your head, you are not alone. Many consumers, and surprisingly even some insiders from the food industry, struggle to understand the true essence of "all-natural." An alarming percentage of consumers equate "all-natural" with organic farming practices, which is far from the truth.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), "all-natural" meat simply refers to fresh meat devoid of artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, or added ingredients. The term does not factor in the animal's lifestyle, diet, or medical history, making it a loosely applicable label that does little to represent the product's true origin.

The "all-natural" label is so broad that it could be equally applicable to premium, grass-fed beef or industrially-farmed meats raised on a diet full of GMO grains and byproducts. The label is anything but explicit, making it no surprise that consumers end up misinterpreting what it means.

However, the ramifications of the vague "all-natural" definition extend beyond misinterpretation. Purchasing "all-natural" meats may inadvertently condone farming practices misaligned with sustainable, eco-friendly philosophies. "All-natural" meats often originate from large-scale farms that extensively use GMO feeds, the consequences of which impact us, the consumers, but also harm biodiversity, natural habitats, and soil health.

Sadly, the "all-natural" label can often trick people into thinking they're eating something healthier for them. This breaks down trust and is a sneaky marketing move called "truthful trickery." Shockingly, research shows that a whopping 94% of people who buy "all-natural" meat do so because they think it's better for their health. But this may not always be true.

Ideally, food labels should give us clear, detailed, and honest information about what we're eating. When it comes to "all-natural" meat, it's crucial to think about not just what's in it but what might be missing. Meat from animals raised using healthier farming methods can be more nutritious, helping to boost a natural cycle of nutrients that doesn't happen when animals are fed only grains.

On the brighter side, there are food labels you can trust. Terms like "100% grass-fed," "pasture-raised," and "regenerative" tell us that the meat is high quality and comes from farms that raise their animals with the environment in mind.

The key takeaway? Getting to know the whole story of our food, from the farm to our plates, can make a positive difference for our health and the planet. It might take a bit more time and effort, but seeing past the "all-natural" trick is a big step toward a future where we can all count on food labels to actually tell us what we need to know.

Together with Atlas Coffee Club

Looking to Upgrade a Daily Routine?

Meet Atlas Coffee Club, the top-rated coffee subscription that takes you on a world tour of over 50+ coffee producing countries.

Every month, you'll receive a new coffee freshly roasted and delivered to your door, customized to your roast preference and ground for your brewing method (the K-Cup pod is even recyclable after use!). Atlas' coffee is sourced from the top 1% in the world, and continuously invested upon using sustainable farming practices and paying above Fair Trade prices.