The land of labels
We’ll introduce you to new regenerative products, help you navigate labels, and support you in choosing soil-conscious options for your home.
Claim Scale
Kiss the Ground created this simple scale to help you navigate food product labels. It’s best to assume the lowest rating unless there is a third party certification to verify its quality.
Cage Free, Free-Range & Pasture-Raised claims are not regulated claims. Look for a third party seal such as certified Humane or a Regenerative Certification, or buy direct from a local farmer whenever possible!
Pasture-Raised
This claim is not regulated and does not necessarily mean that the animals were raised in open pasture for their whole life cycle.
Free-Range
This term is misleading for consumers. “Free-range” is not regulated by the USDA. It means animals have access to the outdoors, but may never actually see the light of day.
Cage-Free
This is the lowest standard for eggs. The label only means that they are not confined to a battery cage, but they are still raised indoors in crowded conditions.
Corn, soy & potatoes are commonly produced with GMOs, so it’s best to avoid these products unless you see an organic, regenerative, or non-GMO verified certification.
Fair Trade
Non GMO
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) mean that animal, plant, or microbe DNA has been altered using genetic engineering. GMOs are required to be labeled so look for organic or the Non-GMO Project Verified seals. Remember, Non-GMO does not mean chemical-free unless it is certified organic.
Grass-fed
Ruminant animals are healthiest when they eat grass and forage. However, “grass-fed” is not a regulated term by the USDA and could be claimed on products where cows were raised in environments like CAFOs. Look for certifications like Certified Grassfed by AGA, Certified Grassfed by AGW, or Certified Grass-Fed Livestock Program.
Humanely Raised
Animals should be raised in environments that minimize stress and allow natural behavior. “Humanely raised” is not a regulated claim and has little relevance unless accompanied by third-party programs like Animal Welfare Approved, Animal Welfare Certified, American Humane Certified, or Certified Humane.
Organic is not always enforced. Organic add-on labels like Real Organic Project and Regenerative Organic Certified have emerged with stricter requirements for soil health and animal welfare. Check out our Regenerative Certifications guide to learn more about these labels.
Regenerative
If you see the word regenerative without a certifying label, it may not mean much. Look for a certification label from one of these regenerative verification programs or get to know your local farmer’s practices.
ORGANIC
If you see the word organic, there should be a certifying label such as USDA, CCOF or Real Organic Project.. The Organic label is regulated, and helps ensure food is produced without synthetic chemicals or GMOs. Organic farming practices vary greatly, so it is important to do some research.
Chemical free
The vast majority of the food we consume in the US is produced using chemicals that can be toxic to our bodies and the planet. To be sure your food is free from chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, look for organic or Glyphosate Residue Free labels.
Sustainable
There is no oversight of the term sustainable. Generally, sustainable is a catch-all phrase, so make sure that there are other accompanying certifications.
There is nothing natural about the claim “All Natural,” which can include very unhealthy ingredients like high fructose corn syrup. Be sure to read the ingredient labels!
Antibiotic Free
Antibiotics used to raise animals can end up in our food.. The claim “antibiotic-free” assures consumers that the animals were not treated with antibiotics. Regulations and standards for antibiotic-free claims can vary by region, so look for certifications like organic or additional information to verify the claim’s accuracy and credibility.
Hormone-Free, No Hormones Added
These labels on dairy and meat products mean the animals were not given artificial hormones. Producers are not legally allowed to use hormones on chicken, turkey or egg products.
All Natural
As common as this phrase is, it is not regulated by the FDA and doesn’t mean much. The USDA does regulate “natural” when applied to meat, poultry, and eggs, to indicate that they don’t have unnatural additives.
85% of grass-fed meat is imported and could be labeled as a U.S. product. Until March 2024, the U.S. federal government allowed meat imported from other countries to be labeled “Product of the USA.” Kiss the Ground and many other groups advocated to help ensure that companies can’t deceive consumers.
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