Since I had to explain this to many of my friends and family members in the past, I figured this would be a good subject to start with. In fact 75% of Americans do not know the difference between natural and organic foods.

Foods that are labeled natural or all-natural do not have the same standards as products that are labeled organic. Manufactures use the word "natural" freely due to the lack of guidelines set by the USDA. Usually food that is labeled natural or all-natural may have organic ingredients, but are processed with non-natural preservatives or artificial flavors or colors.

Organic food is grown without using any synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, artificial flavors or colors. Or in the case of meat, how the animals are raised and are not given hormones. Manufactures have certain guidelines they have to follow in order to label something "organic".

The organic food industry has come a long way over the last few years, but lobbyists from large manufactures are trying to convince the USDA to weaken its standards. So even though it is labeled organic, it may not be 100% organic. For more information visit the National Organic Program.

Spread the word, and try to buy only USDA organic labeled food.