To be labeled as "organic," what percentage of ingredients must foods contain?

To be labeled as "organic," foods must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. This is a regulatory standard set by the USDA, which ensures that the product has been produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms. The remaining 5% of ingredients may be non-organic but must be on an approved list and cannot include anything that is artificially produced or harmful.

The requirement for 95% organic content distinguishes organic products from those labeled as "made with organic ingredients," which only need to contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients. Additionally, food products that contain 100% organic ingredients can carry a different label indicating their total organic composition. However, for the label simply stating "organic," the threshold is firmly established at 95%.