Natural and organic food glossary

Fair trade

Practices ensuring that small farmers are not exploited.

Free range

The term only applies to poultry and means egg-laying hens have outdoor access, more cage space and better ventilation.

Genetically modified organism

Scientists inject a host organism (animal or produce) with a foreign gene to help it resist pesticides, pests or freezing..

Gluten free

Made without gluten, which is an elastic protein that gives a chewy texture to wheat, rye, barley, and can cause digestive distress for people with gluten sensitivities.

Grass fed or pasture finished

Raised on grass or hay rather than grain, grass-fed cattle contain more heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids than conventional beef.

Locavore

A person who favors locally produced food over food produced in other regions.

Natural

Foods that are hormone and antibiotic free, which could be organic, if regulated.

Organic

Fruits and vegetables free of pesticides and continuously regulated by a certified external auditing party.

Slow Food Movement

The movement is based on rekindling interest in fresh foods, farmers, community and food culture, as well as raising awareness about how what we eat affects us and our world.

Sustainable

A method of consciously using a resource so that it is not permanently damaged and the negative environmental impacts of production and transportation are minimal. Superfoods based on a diet comprising 14 foods with the most proven health benefits and least negative properties, like sodium and saturated fats.

Vegan

Diets exclude flesh, fish, fowl, dairy products, eggs, honey, animal gelatin and all other foods and ingredients of animal origin.

Vegetarian

People who don’t eat meat, fish or poultry; a diet claiming lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein and higher levels of antioxidants, folate and magnesium than meat-based diets.