Episode 10: All About "All-Natural" (Part. 2)

What does “all natural” actually mean on a food label… and can you trust it?

In Episode 10 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm continue their 3-part series on organic vs natural vs regenerative agriculture by breaking down one of the most misleading terms in the food industry: “all natural.”  

While “organic” is a regulated, enforceable label, “all natural” is not — and that opens the door for confusion, marketing tactics, and misleading claims.

This episode dives into what “natural” really means (and doesn’t), how companies use it, and how consumers can protect themselves by understanding what’s actually in their food.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• What consumers think “all natural” means vs reality

• Why “natural” is not a legally regulated term

• The difference between organic and natural labeling

• How companies use “natural” as a marketing strategy

• Why “natural” does NOT mean healthy

• Real examples of misleading “all natural” products

• Why sugar, additives, and even harmful substances can still be “natural”

• How to read ingredient labels effectively

• Red flags to look for on food packaging

• Tools and apps to help analyze food ingredients

• Why trusting the brand matters more than trusting the label

Mike explains that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s good for you — and emphasizes the importance of education, label-reading, and understanding ingredients over blindly trusting front-of-package claims.

Key Takeaway

Don’t trust the front of the label.

“Natural” is a marketing term — not a guarantee.

If you want to make better decisions about your food, flip the package over, read the ingredients, and understand what you’re actually consuming.