When you’re standing in the snack aisle trying to make a better-for-you choice, the word “organic” can feel reassuring. But here’s the thing many shoppers don’t realize: not all products that say “organic” on the label are actually “USDA Certified Organic” and that distinction matters more than you might think.
At JAMBAR, every bar we make is Certified Organic, not just made with a few organic ingredients. Here’s why that difference is important, and how you can navigate labels with confidence.
What Does “Certified Organic” Actually Mean?
When a product is Certified Organic, it means it meets strict standards set by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). These standards go far beyond marketing language and are legally regulated, audited and enforced.
Certified Organic products must:
- Be made with ingredients grown without the use of toxic, synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
- Be non-GMO
- Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
- Follow strict rules around soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability
- Be produced in facilities that are regularly inspected and audited
In short: Certified Organic isn’t a vibe — it’s a verified system. Learn more directly from the USDA National Organic Program Overview.
“Made With Organic Ingredients” vs. Certified Organic
This is where labels can get confusing for shoppers. Many products highlight phrases like “made with organic oats” or “contains organic ingredients” on the front of the package, which sounds reassuring, but doesn’t tell the full story.
A product can legally include just one organic ingredient and still feature it prominently on the label. The rest of the ingredients may be conventionally grown, genetically modified, or highly processed, and the product as a whole is not required to meet USDA Certified Organic standards. There’s also no requirement for third-party certification or ongoing audits to ensure the product you’re purchasing has been produced in accord with Certified Organic principles.
The easiest way to cut through the confusion is simple: look for the USDA Organic seal. If you don’t see it, the product is not Certified Organic—no matter how organic it may sound. The USDA labeling rules are explained here.
Why This Matters, Especially for Energy Bars
Energy bars are often marketed as “healthy,” but in actuality, many are made with “shortcut” ingredients: highly processed sweeteners, synthetic additives, refined oils, and conventionally grown ingredients that may carry pesticide residues.
Because energy bars are something people eat frequently (before workouts, during travel, or as everyday fuel) the quality of ingredients really adds up over time. Certified Organic foods help reduce exposure to pesticides such as glyphosate as well as other toxic chemical residues, while also avoiding GMOs and artificial ingredients and processing aids.
Research from organizations including the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and The Organic Center consistently shows that organic foods contain fewer pesticide residues and support farming practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and long-term environmental resilience. For people who care about both personal wellness and planetary health, organic certification is more than a label—it’s a meaningful signal.
This is especially relevant for foods like energy bars that rely heavily on grains, fruit, and sweeteners, which are ingredients that can carry higher chemical loads when grown conventionally.
How JAMBAR Does It Differently
At JAMBAR, we believe real energy starts with real food — and transparency.
That’s why every JAMBAR is fully Certified Organic, made with whole-food ingredients that meet USDA standards from farm to finished bar. We don’t use artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or synthetic fillers, and we don’t rely on vague labeling to do the talking for us.
“We chose Certified Organic because it’s the clearest way to honor trust,” says JAMBAR founder and nutrition scientist Jennifer Maxwell. “Anyone can say ‘organic ingredients.’ Certification means you’re willing to be held accountable by regulators, by farmers, and by the people eating your food.”
How to Be a Savvy Organic Shopper
When you’re scanning shelves, here’s a simple checklist to keep in mind:
✔ Look for the USDA Organic seal
✔ Read the ingredient list — shorter is usually better
✔ Be cautious of vague front-of-package claims
✔ Ask: Is the whole product certified, or just one ingredient?
✔ Choose brands that are transparent about sourcing and standards
The Bottom Line
“Organic” on a label doesn’t always mean what you think it does. Certified Organic is the gold standard and it’s one of the most powerful tools consumers have to make informed choices about their health and the planet.
At JAMBAR, we’re proud to be fully Certified Organic, because you deserve food that’s not just marketed as better, but proven to be better.