In this new green world, “functional vs organic” is a popular term among people who are very conscious about their health. They want to make sure they and their family are as healthy as possible so that they can enjoy their lives to the fullest. So, what exactly is functional vs organic? This article provides some information on these topics.
What are Functional Foods?
Functional foods are those that are made from natural or organic ingredients. For example, fresh produce, whole grains, rice, and nuts are all examples of functional foods. When you purchase these products, be sure that you read the label carefully. Make sure that the items have been certified by a third-party certification company. Products that are certified should have been created in an environment that uses no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. These products are great because they are healthier alternatives to non-organic items.
Defining Organic
Organic products are those made from materials that were produced in accordance with the organic farming methods. The organic food industry has made great strides in marketing their product. They don’t even need to buy TikTok followers for content that advertises organic recipes, because there is a trend in eating healthier and more “natural”.
For example, cotton crops must be grown without using chemicals or other harmful substances. The soil where the plants are grown must also not have any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. In many cases, organic products will also have a certification seal, which means that it has passed an additional testing process. However, the main difference between organic and inorganic products is the manufacturing process.
In the case of functional foods, the process does not involve the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Therefore, the chemicals cannot pass through the plants to the final consumer. Instead, the plants that the products are produced in are grown without any type of fertilizer or pesticide at all. After the plants have grown, the pesticides are removed and the products are sent to a company that processes them into functional foods. Therefore, functional vs organic is more based on the manufacturing process rather than what the item itself is made of.
Compost
Organic products are not only produced in this manner but they can also be made from compost, meaning that there are no chemical fertilizers or pesticides used in their production. The composted material can go back into the earth and be recycled into other products if necessary. This is important for several reasons, including the fact that many products, such as paper, contain chemicals that have to go through several levels in the supply chain before they reach consumers. Therefore, the use of organic products is more economical since the product does not have to pass through several levels in the supply chain.
Price
There are other differences between functional or organic foods as well. One of the biggest differences is that organic products are generally more expensive than those that are made in this manner. However, this cost is actually typically cheaper than the price of functional food, since it is considered to be a direct product with no secondary sources. Furthermore, many companies have made it available for consumers to buy functional foods at a more affordable price than organic foods. Many organic companies have gone out of business in recent years because they could not keep up with the growing demand for organic products.
Conclusion
While there are many benefits to choosing organic over functional, it is important to remember the difference between the two. Functional foods are typically more interesting and attractive than their organic counterparts, so they do tend to draw attention more easily. This may mean that people are more willing to try and consume them. However, many organic products will last longer, meaning that they will usually end up being more expensive than functional foods.
The biggest issue that consumers seem to face when choosing between functional or organic is whether or not the price is worth the increased quality. Organic products typically use higher quality materials and produce better tasting and healthier foods. Therefore, many consumers choose to purchase functional foods for their families. However, there are benefits to purchasing organic foods that make the extra cost worthwhile.