Reading and understanding food labels can be tricky. Food companies do this on purpose. They want you to be confused so you will buy their product thinking it is good for your health, even if it really isn’t. It is important to educate yourself on all the different words that can be found on food labels so you can make a proper informed decision while food shopping. Always read the label carefully and look out for hidden ingredients. This is a helpful guide to understanding the meaning of words on food labels.
1. USDA Organic: This is the label that you are looking for when shopping for organic food. This label means that there is no GMO (genetically modified organisms), no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, no antibiotics or hormones, animals fed organic food and access to pasture, no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. 
2. “Made with Organic Ingredients”: Contains at least 70% organic ingredients. The non-organic ingredients are still non-GMO but can contain ingredients that wouldn’t be allowed with the USDA Organic seal.
3. Grass-Fed: Cows were fed grass for most of their lives, but may have been fed grain towards the end. Look for grass-fed, grass-finished to be sure the cow was only fed grass. You can also look for the Food Alliance Certification: 
4. Pasture-Raised: Animals receive most of their food from organic pasture. It can be supplemented with organic grains as well.
5. Natural: Don’t be fooled by this label. There are no regulations for using the term natural. There could be GMO ingredients in it.
6. Ingredients: Always read the ingredients! Many products may seem so amazing and then you turn it over and read the ingredients and realize it was too good to be true. Don’t just read the front of a product and assume that is it good. Make sure there is nothing questionable lurking in the ingredients.
Ingredients to Avoid (aside from known non-paleo foods)-
- Carageenan: may cause intestinal inflammation
- Agave: agave has a very high fructose content, even more than high fructose corn syrup & can cause liver problems and insulin resistance
- Citric Acid: may be genetically modified
- Yeast Extract: hidden form of MSG
- Autolyzed Yeast: hidden form of MSG
- Hydrolyzed Yeast: hidden form of MSG
- Aspartame: is a known carcinogen
- Canola oil: most likely GMO, it is an industrial oil, not a food
- Maltodextrin: hidden form of MSG
- Xanthan Gum: may be derived from wheat, corn, soy, or dairy
- Guar Gum: may cause GI distress
- Cellulose: may be derived from corn
- Ascorbic Acid: may be derived from corn
- Click here for a more complete list of ingredients that may be derived from corn
Generally, products with a long list of ingredients you will want to avoid. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient or don’t know what it is, don’t eat it.
