What's the difference between "whole foods" and "organic foods"?

Whole foods are unprocessed and unrefined, or processed and refined as little as possible before being consumed. An apple picked right off the tree is an example of a whole food. But a store-bought apple juice from concentrate is definitely not one. For a food to be considered organic, it must meet a different set of criteria. Organic foods are:

• made without synthetic pesticides and artificial additives
• minimally processed
• made with ingredients grown on organic farms

Organic farmers follow a strict set of regulations developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Organic farming yields food grown with integrity that's free of harmful substances—and that helps sustain our land and protect our water.

What does "natural" really mean?

Since there is no government body that determines what foods qualify as "natural", natural foods are, unfortunately, subject to different definitions from different food manufacturers. For example, a large soda manufacturer that uses high fructose corn syrup argued that their soda was "all natural," because corn is a natural product.

Health Valley holds the term "natural" to a much higher standard: our products contain no artificial additives or preservatives and are minimally processed. In fact, many of our products bear the USDA seal designating that 95%, or more, of their ingredients are certified organic. And many other products bear the Health Valley 70-100% organic guarantee. They're also lower in sodium and cholesterol, and contain no trans fats.

Are organic foods really better for you?

A 2006 study by Emory University in Atlanta indicates that more vitamins and minerals (and less pesticide residues) are found in organic food. And research compiled by the Organic Center shows that, on average, antioxidant levels are about 30 percent higher in organic vs. conventional foods. Organically grown food also tends to have richer and deeper flavor than food grown using synthetic fertilizers.

Where can I buy Health Valley products?

Health Valley products are sold at supermarkets and natural food stores across the country. To find a retailer near you, use our Store Locator. And, as always, you can buy your favorite Health Valley products right here online.