Part 1 of 3: What Does Organic Really Mean?

What does Organic really mean? There was a time when organic wasn’t a choice. Before genetically modified seed, synthetic pesticides, and chemical herbicides became the norm, we just called it “food.”

Know where your food comes from and how it’s made

We believe that creating a safe and secure food future can mean going back to the more traditional ways of producing what we eat. Ways where soil, seed, and farmer know-how come together to make something wholesome and traceable.

We founded PURIS out of a deep desire to know where our food comes from and how it’s made. Organic certification is an important part of that quest.

Today, millions of people are turning to organic foods for safe, simple ingredients they can feel good about feeding their families. It’s why USDA-Certified Organic foods are growing at double digit rates year over year — more than $50 billion in sales in 2017 alone, according to the Organic Trade Association. 82% of U.S. households already buy some organic food, a trend that will only increase as access grows.

Consumer packaged goods companies are driving the change as well, in part by buying and selling foods made with “Certified Transitional crops.” These are foods grown on land that’s been in transition toward organic certification for fewer than three years. It’s a step in the right direction, but still not enough to meet the demand for U.S.-grown organic food.

Certified Organic, defined

While USDA Certification does not guarantee that an ingredient or product is made in the U.S., products carrying the USDA Certified Organic label must be grown and processed according to clear-cut standards, including:

  • Grown on land that has not been treated with unapproved pesticides, herbicides, chemicals or synthetic substances for more than three years (the transition period)
  • No use of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) seed
  • Utilizing crop rotation, cover crops, tillage and approved fertilizers to maintain soil health
  • Processed without non-approved organic food aides
  • Not co-mingled with non-organic product


Unfortunately, there is no test to verify that a given food is organic. Instead, the USDA standard relies on verifications, transparency, and integrity throughout the supply chain. Ensuring consumers get what they’re paying for takes commitment and rigor from everyone who touches the food at every step of the process.

An end-to-end sustainable food system

That’s where PURIS leads. Our end-to-end sustainable food system ensures a wholesome journey from seed to solution for certified organic foods. From protein shakes to snacks to cereals, organic foods made with PURIS ingredients deliver naturally appealing flavor, abundant nutrition, and the peace of mind that comes with responsible practices.

What’s more, foods made with PURIS ingredients directly support organic growers and manufacturers.

That’s good for everyone