PROTEIN GUIDE: what labels to look for at the grocery store
MEAT
100% grass-fed*
pasture finished
no antibiotics
no hormones
no growth promoters
non-GMO fed
organic
*"grass-fed" alone means that the cows may still have eaten grain
learn more about the differences between meat labeling terms
POULTRY + EGGS
pasture raised
free range
soy free
no antibiotics/hormones
no growth promoters
non-GMO fed
organic
*be careful: "all natural" is not a regulated term
DAIRY
same as meat standards
raw, unpasteurized
fermented
live active cultures
full-fat
A2
goat or sheep
healthy animals = healthy products
learn more about the differences between dairy labeling terms
FISH + SEAFOOD
wild-caught
sustainably caught
non-GMO fed (if farmed)
no added colors
no sodium tripolyphosphate
third-party verification
for lowest toxin fish, remember SMASH: salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring
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References
Protein and Amino Acids. USDA National Agricultural Library. Retrieved from https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/protein-and-amino-acids.
Protein. (2019). The Nutrition Source. Havard School of Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Dietary Proteins. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/dietaryproteins.html.
Marine Conservation Society. Good Fish Guide. Retrieved from: https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/.