Understanding Coffee Labels: What Does “Organic” Really Mean?
Let’s be real—navigating the various terms and labels associated with coffee can feel overwhelming, as if you’re trying to decode a foreign language. But don’t worry; we’re here to help. Many of these labels carry important meanings, and grasping them can empower you to make informed choices about which coffees are best for you and the environment.
In this blog post, we’ll focus on a label you’ve likely encountered before: organic.
What Does Certified Organic Mean?
You’ve probably noticed products boasting organic labels on their packaging, but not all organic labels signify the same thing. In fact, there are three distinct categories for organic products: 100% Certified Organic, Certified Organic, and Made With Organic. Let’s break down these categories:
100% Certified Organic
To label a product as “100% Certified Organic,” a company must receive approval from the USDA through a certifying organization. This involves a rigorous process that includes multiple inspections and verifications to ensure all standards are met. Additionally, every ingredient in a product labeled “100% Certified Organic” must be organic.
Certified Organic
Similar to “100% Certified Organic” products, those labeled as “Certified Organic” must also be approved by the USDA. However, the key difference is that a minimum of 95% of the ingredients in a “Certified Organic” product must be organic.
Made With Organic
Products that claim “Made With Organic” contain at least 70% organic ingredients. Furthermore, these products must specify which of their ingredients are organic, as they cannot simply state “Made With Organic Ingredients.”
How Does Coffee Become Certified Organic?
Organic certifications are issued through third-party organizations that are qualified to inspect and verify that a company adheres to organic standards. Certifying coffee is a complex process, as every stage of the coffee supply chain must be carefully controlled to ensure compliance with organic practices. This oversight prevents any cross-contamination with non-organic coffee. In other words, not only must the coffee farmer be certified organic, but also the cooperative or mill that processes the coffee, the importer that transports it, and the roaster that roasts, packages, and sells it.
Why Is It Important to Drink Organic Coffee?
In short, organic coffee is beneficial for your health, the well-being of farmers, and the environment. Conventionally grown coffee is among the most chemically treated crops globally, with up to an astonishing 250 pounds of harmful agrochemicals and fertilizers (herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, etc.) used per acre of coffee plants.
Organic farming prohibits these toxic inputs, opting instead for more natural alternatives. Many standards must be followed for a product to be considered organic. According to the National Coffee Association, these standards affect everything from soil health and nutrient content to the types of plants grown (e.g., no GMO crops) and pest and weed management. They also positively impact the surrounding environment through measures like carbon sequestration and biodiversity improvement.
How to Know If You’re Purchasing Certified Organic Coffee
Buying organic coffee is straightforward—just look for the organic certification seal on the packaging. Only products labeled as “100% Certified Organic” or “Certified Organic” are legally allowed to display this seal. Products labeled as “Made With Organic” are not permitted to use the seal.
