Organic- Is it really better?

Produce at the grocery store is typically divided into organic and conventional labels. But what is the difference between these two options?

We’re here to break it down for you. Conventional, or non-organic, produce is food that is grown and processed in the traditional method. Essentially, pesticides are not all derived from natural substances. On the other hand, organic food cultivation uses natural ways of deterring pests.

Environmentally speaking, the carbon footprint of non-organic foods exceeds that of organically grown produce, but there are downfalls. Foods grown with natural pesticides usually contain more pesticide residue than those grown with traditional methods. Organic methods are sometimes less effective than conventional pesticides and require more pesticide use.

As for nutritional content, there is no significant difference in the nutritional composition of organically and conventionally grown foods. Often, the only real difference is the price point!

Organic foods have a lower impact on our planet, but they are not absolutely necessary to maximize nutritional intake. So, just choose the option that makes most sense to you.

If you’re interested in learning more, Harvard Health has an article on organic versus conventional food called, “Should you go organic?” it’s a great read!


Kira Alarcon- Future Dietitian