is it organic? is it genetically modified?

Doing a little light nutritional reading yesterday I discovered a fascinating tidbit. Every wonder what those annoying produce stickers really mean? Aside from giving the code when you're checking out at the grocer's they also tell you how the produce was grown. You can identify conventional, organic, and genetically modified produce.

All codes start with 4-digits. For example, #4046 means avocado the world over. It is an internationally recognized code. If it is just those 4 numbers then you know it was conventionally grown (what conventional is might vary by country, of course). If this 4-digit number is preceded by a '9', such as #94046, then it is organic. If it is preceded by an '8', such as #84046 then it is genetically modified (GMO or GE).

I prefer to eat organic (not always possible on my budget) but now I can definitely steer clear of GMO crops. Also use the code to confirm that what the bin label says is actually what is in the bin.

ak-mak

Another example of packaging I love. There is something sweet about ak-mak crackers (I also LOVE their crackers ... and no weird ingredients). The godly light, the cut off cracker image, the 'price' label, the color combo, the odd proclamations that don't quite make sense (100%! whole of the wheat). Ah, the smell has made me hungry.

Quality and Value since 1930

I have always loved the Jiffy brand mixes. They are usually good, cheap, and have great (recyclable) packaging. Grocery stores always carry them, but sometimes they are a little hidden - so look high, low, or at the end. Sadly I just read the ingredients and learned the corn muffin mix has animal lard in it (which is really only sad if you are a vegetarian) and may contain partially hydrogenated animal lard (something I avoid - therefore the sad bit). The packaging is still great and it makes a tasty muffin. I am going to enjoy this with my lentil soup. Yummy lunch!