Who knew the simple act of shopping for meat would require so much debate and consideration before purchase? With so many additives, and preservatives injected into our food, it’s important to read labels and be aware of what you’re cooking.
No Added Hormones or Steroids
If you see a label saying, “no added hormones or steroids” that usually means that there were additional ones added to the animal. However, the animal does produce its own hormones naturally. You are still consuming that.
100% Natural
Many meats have the label, “100% natural”. This statement means that the meat contains no artificial ingredients, added colors and has undergone very little processing.
Gluten-free
If you’ve heard the sweeping “gluten free” wave, but still wonder what it means, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know the big deal. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains, not meat. If your meat happens to have added breads or additional ingredients, you may run across gluten in the product.
Free Range
Free range chicken refers to chickens that were able to see the light of day sometimes. It means that the chickens had some sort of semblance of outdoors living.
Cage Free
This is usually seen on eggs and means that the chickens weren’t housed in cages 24/7.
Non-GMO Project Verified/ Contains No GMOs
At this point in time, no meat in the United States is genetically modified except for salmon.
Antibiotic Free
This means that the animal hasn’t been injected with any hormones. Since more and more farmers are trying to move away from the use of antibiotic in their meat.
READ MORE: Misleading Meat Labels Every Consumer Should Be Aware Of
