When you’re at the grocery store contemplating between the more affordable bag of spinach or the slightly more expensive spinach that is labeled “organic”, what is the difference between the two?

You might see other foods, cosmetics or cleaning products that are labeled “organic” as well. To understand the difference between a “normal” product and an “organic” product, one must look at how the produce or ingredients were grown and processed.

Mona Weiss explained that “organic produce and ingredients are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. With some minor exceptions, organic meat, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. While the term “natural” can be used on any product label without third party verification, a product must be certified if it is to be labeled as “organic.” (https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-does-organic-really-mean-1708952)

The label for “organic” is not an easy one to get. Farms and facilities must be inspected; your company needs to submit an outline of all their operations; storage and transportation methods will be reviewed; pest control methods will be questioned; and many more things will need considered and approved before a government-approved certifier will grant you permission to label your food as organic.

All of this plays a big role in the costs. To undergo all the procedures and regulations, it requires a lot of time and money. Organic products may be more expensive but offer reassurances that you are getting a great product. Next time you’re debating between the spinach and organic spinach, what will you choose?