Understanding Organic Supplement Labels: What Do 70%, 95%, and 100% Organic Really Mean?

As more people turn to supplements to support their health, many are also looking for products that align with their lifestyle and values—especially when it comes to choosing organic.

But the organic labels on supplement bottles can be confusing:70% organic? 95%? 100%? What do these numbers mean, and how do they affect the quality and purity of what you're putting into your body?

Let’s break it down.

🌱 What Does "Organic" Mean in Supplements?

When you see “organic” on a supplement label, it means the product (or its ingredients) meets specific standards set by organizations like the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). These standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, GMOs, chemical fertilizers, and certain processing agents.

But not all “organic” labels mean the same thing. The key difference lies in how much of the product is actually made from organic ingredients.

✅ 100% Organic

• What it means: Every single ingredient (excluding water and salt) in the product is certified organic.

• Labeling: Can use the USDA Organic Seal and state “100% Organic” on the front label.

• Example: A herbal capsule made entirely from organically grown plants with no synthetic additives.

Best for: People who want the purest organic product with zero synthetic or non-organic components.

🌿 Organic (95% Organic)

• What it means: At least 95% of the ingredients (by weight, excluding water and salt) are certified organic.

• The remaining 5% must be on the National List of Allowed Substances, which includes certain non-organic ingredients that are deemed safe and necessary.

• Labeling: Can also use the USDA Organic Seal and say “Organic” on the front.

Example: A multivitamin with organic plant extracts and a small amount of a non-organic binder that’s allowed under organic rules.

Best for: Those looking for mostly organic ingredients, with minimal non-organic additives.

🍃 Made with Organic Ingredients (At Least 70%)

• What it means: The product contains at least 70% organic ingredients.

• The remaining 30% must still comply with specific standards (e.g., no GMOs), but they don’t have to be organic.

• Labeling: Can say “Made with Organic [specific ingredients]” (e.g., “Made with Organic Herbs”), but cannot use the USDA Organic Seal.

Example: A protein powder made with 70% organic pea protein, but includes non-organic natural flavors or emulsifiers.

Best for: Consumers looking for a compromise between cost and organic content, or when certain ingredients aren't available in organic form.

❌ Less Than 70% Organic?

If a supplement contains less than 70% organic ingredients, it:

• Cannot make organic claims on the front label

• Can only list the individual organic ingredients in the ingredient list

These products are not considered organic under USDA labeling standards.

🧠 Why This Matters for Supplement Buyers

The percentage of organic content affects:

• Ingredient quality

• Potential exposure to synthetic additives or pesticides

• How "clean" and transparent the product really is

Some companies may highlight “organic” ingredients on the label, but unless it meets the 70%, 95%, or 100% thresholds, the product as a whole might not truly qualify as organic.

🔎 How to Read Organic Supplement Labels

Here’s a quick guide when scanning a bottle:

Label Says...	Organic %	USDA Seal?	Meaning
"100% Organic"	100%	✅ Yes	All ingredients organic
"Organic"	≥ 95%	✅ Yes	Most ingredients organic
"Made with Organic..."	≥ 70%	❌ No	Some ingredients organic
No organic claim on front	< 70%	❌ No	May have organic ingredients, but not enough to qualify