: Ingredients like flavorings must be derived from real plant or animal sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, meats, or dairy. Regulatory Differences (U.S.)
: Products must be free of artificial colors, flavors, or synthetic substances. buy natural food
: The food is processed in a way that does not fundamentally alter the product from its original biological state. : Ingredients like flavorings must be derived from
: Marketing often emphasizes a short list of recognizable ingredients, avoiding complex chemical names (e.g., using "baking soda" instead of "sodium bicarbonate"). such as spices
The specific requirements for using the "natural" label depend on which federal agency oversees the product: Use of the Term Natural on Food Labeling - FDA
While definitions vary by agency and country, "natural" foods generally share these key features: