With the demand for organic food in constant growth, the supply is ever-increasing, in turn propelling even more people to turn to organics. The trend is so widespread that now many big companies have an organic food line, offering even more choices to the consumer. But what exactly is organic? Is it really better for you? And why is it so popular?

An organic food is one that is grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.

The organic food trend has been on the rise for quite a few years now, driven mainly by increased awareness of what’s good and bad for our planet. With so much talk of rising pollution, global warming and the need to fix it, it’s no wonder that food eventually made its way into the discussion. With pesticides being a major factor in pollution, many people are finding that if it’s bad for the planet, it can’t possibly be a healthy choice to be putting it in your mouth.

However, many people are still skeptical about organics. Most of it has to do with prices, as organic food is still largely more expensive than non-organic food. Followers of the trend claim, though, that once you weigh in all the health and environmental factors, organics are a bargain. Is it better to pay a bit more for healthier food today, and save on medical costs in the future? And even though you might eat organically, it is nearly impossible, if not totally, to live in an completely “organic” environment, as air pollution is everywhere.

The other barrier for some people is that you have to be very vigilant if you’re serious about eating organic food - if it’s not certified organic, it’s not organic. Natural isn’t organic, and neither is free-range. And you might be surprised to know that organic doesn’t necessarily mean pesticide-free, as pesticides are so pervasive in the air and environment that no outdoor crop can be declared completely free of any and all chemicals.

So with all of this to consider, some people shy away from the growing trend. But the good news is that because it is becoming so popular, many companies now have their own line of organic food products and so they are becoming more and more accessible. At the same time, the government is imposing stricter standards for organic certification, so the consumer can be sure the food is truthfully so.

There are also many foods that are made with organic ingredients, which means that while they are not 100% organic, they do contain at least 70% of organic ones, with strict restrictions on the remaining 30%. In the US, it is important to be aware that foods labeled “organic” have at least 95% of organic ingredients, and only those with a “100% Organic” label are so in their entirety.