All-Natural

What are "all-natural" ingredients?

There's no official government definition for "all-natural," but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration refers to natural ingredients as "ingredients extracted directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced synthetically."

The Natural Ingredient Resource Center defines natural ingredients as:

• Present in nature
• Produced with minimal processing and extracted with simple methods
• Grown, harvested, raised, and processed ecologically
• Not genetically engineered
• Free of GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
• Free of artificial ingredients such as colors, flavoring, or preservatives

At French Meadow Bakery™, we're committed to all-natural ingredients and products so you can enjoy the same kinds of all-natural foods you would make in your own kitchen.

What are non-GMO ingredients?

GMOs, genetically modified organisms, are plants, animals and other organisms whose genetic material has been altered to create specific traits. In agriculture, GMO plants have been developed to be resistant to pests, herbicides, and bad weather, to improve nutritional value, and for improved shelf life.

The long-lasting effects of GMOs on human, animal, and environmental health have not been extensively studied. There are concerns that widespread human consumption of GMOs may lead to an increase in antibiotic-resistant diseases and allergic reactions to foods modified with the gene of an allergen. Agriculturally, organic farmers worry that insects will develop a resistance to GMO crops containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a beneficial bacteria that traditional and organic farmers use to control pests. Without the use of Bt, organic farmers will have fewer effective options for pest control, and traditional farmers will be forced to use harmful chemical pesticides as an alternative.

At French Meadow Bakery™, we have chosen to use only organic non-GMO ingredients in all of our products as part of our commitment to health: you, your family, small farms, and the planet. For more information, visit the Organic Consumers Association or The True Food Network.

What are organic ingredients?

Unlike the term "all-natural," the term "organic" is regulated by the U.S. government. We use ingredients that are all-natural (with no additives, preservatives, or GMOs) and organic (grown without pesticides and fertilizers) at French Meadow Bakery™ whenever possible. Read more about organic foods and why French Meadow is a certified organic bakery.