Cornucopia Report Says Natural Claims are Misleading Consumers
In the 50-page report, the group explores how major brands claim to be ‘natural,’ what consumers expect of the claim, and how brands have taken advantage of the confusion by hiking up prices of seemingly natural products to levels similar to certified organic products.
A Cornucopia Institute report on organic and natural food products alleges that cereal brands are intentionally blurring the lines between these two claims.
“To most consumers, petrochemical solvents, toxic pesticides, sewage sludge, genetically engineering ingredients, and fumigants are never considered ‘natural,’” said GrandyOats (Brownfield, ME), a certified organic company reporting on the topic. “Yet many cereal companies use these ingredients and routinely label their foods as ‘natural.’”
In the 50-page report, “Cereal Crimes: How ‘Natural’ Claims Deceive Consumers and Undermine the Organic Label,” the Cornucopia Institute explores how major brands claim to be ‘natural,’ what consumers expect of the claim, and how brands have taken advantage of the confusion by hiking up prices of seemingly natural products to levels similar to certified organic products.
Popular brands highlighted in the report include Bear Naked (La Jolla, CA), Barbara’s (Clinton, MA), Back to Nature (Madison, WI) and Annie’s Homegrown (Berkeley, CA).
“Our analysis reveals that ‘natural’ products-using conventional ingredients-often are priced higher than equivalent organic product,” said the Cornucopia Institute. “This suggests that some companies are taking advantage of consumer confusion.”
The Nutritional Outlook Podcast Episode 34: Demystifying Prebiotics and Postbiotics
September 30th 2024In this episode of the Nutritional Outlook Podcast we are looking back on a webcast Nutritional Outlook hosted in May, called “Demystifying the Prebiotic and Postbiotic Markets.” During that event, Sandra Saville, director of education and communication for the International Probiotics Association and Dr. Jessica A. Younes, scientific director of the International Probiotics Association debunked myths about prebiotic and postbiotics, and defined the respective categories to help manufacturers better understand how to responsibly formulate and market prebiotic and postbiotic products.
Balchem’s Newest Launch Optifolin⁺® Brings Innovation to the Folate Market
September 19th 2024Supplement launches featuring 5-MTHF are on the rise with double digit growth. In this episode of Nutritional Outlook’s podcast, we explore Optifolin⁺, a new ingredient in the market that offers essential nutrition from prenatal through adulthood. Join us as we uncover the potential impact of the next evolution in folate, setting the stage for a healthier future.
