USDA organic labels use different categories: 100 percent organic, organic, made with organic ingredients and products with less than 70 percent organic content. The categories describe how agricultural ingredients were produced and certified, not a simple nutrition ranking. Check the exact label wording, ingredient list and certifier rather than relying on a green package or a single organic ingredient.
The words on an organic label have specific meanings. The USDA categories depend on the share of certified organic ingredients and determine which claims and seal can appear on the package.
USDA organic label categories
- 100 percent organic: All ingredients are organic, excluding salt and water. Check the category claim and certifier information.
- Organic: At least 95 percent of ingredients are organic, excluding salt and water. The USDA Organic seal may be used when the product meets the rules.
- Made with organic ingredients: At least 70 percent of ingredients are organic. The claim can name specified ingredients or food groups, but the USDA Organic seal is not used.
- Less than 70 percent: The product is below the made-with threshold. Specific organic ingredients may be identified in the ingredient statement.
These thresholds come from USDA Agricultural Marketing Service labeling guidance. Food labels can also be subject to FDA requirements, so organic wording does not replace checking Nutrition Facts, allergens or ingredients.
Read the whole package
Look for the exact claim, ingredient list, nutrition panel and certifier details. A product with an organic ingredient is not necessarily certified in the same category as a package labeled organic. The label is also not a shortcut for comparing calories, added sugars or allergens.
Our nutrition label guide and healthier snack guide cover adjacent package decisions. Browse the pantry category for more ingredient guidance.
Official references
Common questions
What does USDA Organic mean on a package?
For a multi-ingredient food, the USDA organic category generally requires at least 95 percent certified organic ingredients, excluding salt and water. Check the exact product label and USDA rules for the category.
Can a product with 70 percent organic ingredients use the USDA Organic seal?
A product in the made-with-organic category has at least 70 percent organic ingredients but may not use the USDA organic seal. The label can identify specified organic ingredients or food groups.
Does organic mean a food is more nutritious?
The organic label identifies production and certification requirements. It is not, by itself, a guarantee that a product is more nutritious or better suited to a particular diet.