Organic vs. Non-GMO: They’re different. Here’s how.
Updated: 5 hours ago
Organic vs. non-GMO: they are different. Organic is an umbrella term with non-GMO as one of its requirements, while Non-GMO Project Verified focuses on avoiding genetic modification.
If you are reading this, you are the person who does not just grab the first apple or granola bar you see. You examine it, read the label, and make an informed decision. So what is the difference between organic and non-GMO?
We all know labels can be confusing. You can get the full rundown of meat labels from our Quality Manager, Julie Divis, in understanding the meat label. Today we are diving deeper into two heavy hitters, two food claims hotly sought after by today's health-focused consumer.
Organic vs. non-GMO: they're different. Here's how.
To earn the meaningful labels you see on foods, products and companies go through a comprehensive third-party review. A government body such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or another certifying organization, checks that the product and the company's practices meet the qualifications of that label. Having an outsider verify a product's contents, sourcing, and production helps make sure labels are properly used.
USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified are two of these powerful, third-party certified labels.
What do organic and non-GMO mean?
At the highest level, organic foods have not been genetically modified, but non-GMO foods may or may not be organic. Organic is an umbrella term, with non-GMO beneath it as one of its qualifications.
USDA Certified Organic: food produced, from farm to package, within USDA guidelines, which prohibit the use of GMOs. Organic farmers are also not allowed to use synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers, among other details.
Non-GMO Project Verified: food that can be grown using any practices that do not involve genetic modification. A non-GMO food might be certified organic, and it might not be, so check the label to be sure.
Which is more important for you and your family?
Like many things in food and nutrition, the answer is not black and white. Which matters more depends on the type of food, and on the other characteristics that make up its overall quality.
Labels also do not always tell the full story. Many products from small, independent farmers are produced organically, but the cost of the USDA Certified Organic seal may be prohibitive for those farmers, or they may have other reasons for not going through organic certification.
Why Pre is Non-GMO Project Verified but not organic
We source our beef from small farms in New Zealand and Australia, some of which have not gone through an organic review. Those farms hold themselves to high standards to produce pasture-raised, 100% Grass-Fed & Finished beef with no added hormones, no sub-therapeutic antibiotics, and no GMOs. Pre beef is Non-GMO Project Verified, and it does not carry an organic claim.
An organic label also does not tell you whether cattle were raised on grass or grain. Organic animals can be fed organic corn and organic grain. Pre's cattle do not eat any corn or grain, ever. We chose to find the best pasture-raised, grass-fed, and grass-finished beef, for a consistent, delicious beef-eating experience.
The bottom line
Organic and non-GMO, like most food labels, are meaningful but do not tell the full story. There are countless other factors that shape a food's overall quality and place in your diet. Want to know more? Explore our products, find answers in our FAQ, and learn all about our sourcing. See also GMO: what you need to know and living non-GMO with clean beef.
FAQ
Is organic the same as non-GMO?
No. Organic is an umbrella term, and non-GMO is one of its qualifications. Non-GMO food might be certified organic, and it might not be.
Which is more important, organic or non-GMO?
It depends on the type of food and on the other qualities that make up its overall quality. Neither label tells the full story on its own.
Is Pre beef organic?
No. Pre beef is Non-GMO Project Verified and 100% Grass-Fed & Finished, but it does not carry an organic claim.
Where can I buy Pre 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef?
Pre Brands beef is a lean, High Protein, delicious way to keep dinner healthy. Use our store locator to find a store near you, browse all Pre products, or find us on Instacart.
