How to choose products that benefit:
People
Animals
Environment
Claim Scale
Kiss the Ground created this simple scale to help you navigate food product labels. Always assume the lowest rating unless there is a third party certification that can verify its quality. We encourage you to get to know and buy from your local farmers when possible.
Cage Free, Free-Range & Pasture-Raised claims are not regulated. To help ensure higher animal welfare standards, look for a third party seal such as certified Humane or a Regenerative Certification, or buy direct from a local farmer!
Pasture-Raised
This term is generally positive, although it is subject to greenwashing. 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 and does not necessarily mean animals have adequate space or are outside. 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 “cage-free” 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
The human implications of food production, including working conditions, are essential. Certification programs like Fair Trade USA, Fair for Life, or Fair Trade International help ensure that producers and workers have fair wages and safe working conditions.
Non GMO
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering. The good news is that GMOs are required to be labeled. If you want to ensure your food is Non-GMO, you can 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 degenerative environments like CAFOs. Look for certifications to ensure animals receive most, if not all, of their diet from grass, such as 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. Each of these certifications has different standards for animal care practices.
Organic is not always well 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 buy directly from a farmer who clearly states their practices and approaches to food production. Because regenerative doesn’t have a strict definition and is a relatively newer term, the greenwashing risk is higher.
ORGANIC
If you see the word organic, there should be a certifying label such as USDA, CCOF or Real Organic Project. Otherwise, the ingredients may not all be organic. The Organic label is regulated, and helps ensure food is produced without synthetic chemicals or GMOs. However, the farming practices of organically certified products 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. Even better, get to know your local farmers and learn about how they care for their crops, their animals, and their land!
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 like organic or regenerative, or a label such as Rainforest Alliance.
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 which has led to increased antibiotic resistance among both people and animals. The claim “antibiotic-free” assures consumers that the animals were not routinely treated with antibiotics during their growth period. However, it’s important to note that 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. These labels on chicken, turkey or egg products are not relevant, as producers are not legally allowed to use hormones.
All Natural
As common as this phrase is, it is not regulated by the FDA and doesn’t mean a lot. In contrast to the FDA, the USDA does regulate use of the word “natural” when applied to meat, poultry, and eggs, to indicate that they don’t have unnatural additives.
