Organic food labels are now common across grocery stores, markets, and restaurant menus—but what exactly qualifies as organic, and why are more consumers reaching for these products?
In the U.S., organic food is defined and regulated by the USDA. Organic producers must adhere to strict guidelines covering soil quality, pest and weed control, livestock conditions, and additive use. For consumers, the term “organic” has increasingly become synonymous with health, sustainability, and transparency in food production.
This updated roundup shares some of the most compelling facts about organic foods, offering fresh insight into how the industry is growing, which products lead the market, and what motivates consumers to choose organic options. If you’re looking for up-to-date organic food facts, this list will deliver.
Sales of Organic Food Statistics
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health became a primary concern for most consumers. Many people view organic foods as a healthy alternative to conventional foods, which led to an increased interest in organic options as the pandemic altered lifestyles across the country. The following statistics show how organic food sales have changed over the years:
1. U.S. Organic Food Sales Reached $63.8 Billion in 2023
According to the Organic Trade Association, organic food sales in the United States totaled $63.8 billion in 2023, representing a 3.4% increase from the prior year. This growth follows a decade-long trend of consistent expansion in the organic sector. Including organic non-food items, the total organic market reached $69.7 billion.
This momentum reflects rising consumer trust in organic labels and greater market access across all income brackets.
2. Organic Produce Accounts for Over 15% of U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Sales
Fresh produce remains the powerhouse of the organic industry. In 2023, organic fruits and vegetables brought in $20.5 billion in sales, which is more than 15% of all U.S. produce sales. Berries, apples, and packaged salads continue to be top-performing items, reflecting both demand and higher price premiums in this segment.
The performance of organic produce is particularly important, as it often acts as the entry point for consumers new to organic food.
3. Organic Grocery Sales Hit $15.4 Billion in 2023
In addition to produce, the organic grocery category—including items like pasta, sauces, bakery goods, and baby food—saw $15.4 billion in sales in 2023, a 4.1% increase year over year. As the availability of shelf-stable organic products improves, these items are becoming staples in many households.
Consumers are especially drawn to grocery staples like organic flour, rice, and snacks, as clean-label food trends continue to influence purchasing habits.
4. Organic Dairy and Eggs Hit $8.2 Billion in Sales
Organic dairy and egg products remain some of the most heavily researched categories due to their nutritional and environmental benefits. In 2023, sales in this category rose by 5.5%, totaling $8.2 billion. Grass-fed organic milk and cage-free, certified organic eggs continue to appeal to consumers seeking animal welfare assurances.
This growth also signals an increase in repeat organic buyers who are extending their commitment beyond produce.
5. Organic Beverages Surpassed $9.4 Billion in 2023
Organic beverage sales—including juices, coffee, tea, kombucha, and plant-based drinks—rose to $9.4 billion in 2023, growing 3.9% year over year. This category is one of the most innovative in the organic space, with functional and adaptogenic beverages gaining popularity.
The expansion of organic options in ready-to-drink formats and non-dairy milk alternatives has also driven adoption in this category.
Consumer Behavior and Access
6. Over 75% of U.S. Households Now Buy Organic Products
According to recent consumer research, more than three out of four U.S. households report buying organic items at least occasionally. This figure shows that organic food is no longer a niche product but a mainstream preference across age groups, incomes, and geographic regions.
This widespread adoption challenges the outdated perception that organic is limited to affluent or urban buyers.
7. 57% of Consumers Choose Organic to Avoid Chemicals
A 2023 Fresh Trends survey revealed that 57% of consumers opt for organic foods to avoid pesticides, herbicides, and other synthetic chemicals. Meanwhile, 51% cite personal health benefits, and 41% are motivated by environmental concerns such as sustainability and soil preservation.
These insights highlight the broad appeal of organic food, which spans both health-conscious and eco-conscious audiences.
8. Organic Products Are Available in Over 75% of U.S. Grocery Chains
Accessibility has played a major role in the rise of organic food. Today, organic products are stocked in over 75% of traditional grocery stores, in addition to 20,000+ specialty natural food stores across the country.
Wider distribution, coupled with private-label organic lines from major retailers, has helped reduce price barriers and improve availability in underserved areas.
Product-Specific Trends
These product trends reveal important facts about organic foods that go beyond sales data and reflect deeper shifts in consumer habits and health priorities.
9. Berries Led Organic Produce Sales at $1.66 Billion in 2023
Among all organic produce items, berries are the highest-grossing, generating $1.66 billion in sales last year. Their popularity is driven by both health perception and convenience, especially in frozen and pre-washed formats.
Apples, bananas, carrots, and packaged greens followed closely behind in revenue, but berries remain the top seller year after year.
10. Organic Citrus Grew 7.1% in Sales in 2023
Organic citrus—including oranges, lemons, and limes—posted a 7.1% year-over-year growth, marking one of the strongest gains among fresh produce categories. This surge reflects increased interest in vitamin C and immune-supportive foods in a post-pandemic landscape.
Shoppers are also responding positively to the improved appearance and shelf life of organic citrus through enhanced post-harvest handling.
Health and Environmental Insights
11. Organic Foods Have 48% Less Cadmium Exposure
Cadmium is a heavy metal that can accumulate in crops due to synthetic fertilizers. A major meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that organic crops contain 48% less cadmium than their conventionally grown counterparts.
This lower exposure aligns with consumer expectations for cleaner, safer foods that pose fewer long-term health risks.
Organic Meat and Dairy Contain 50% More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Research has shown that organic meat and dairy products contain approximately 50% more omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are crucial for cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation control.
This nutritional profile is largely due to differences in animal feed and grazing practices between organic and conventional livestock systems.
Organic Milk Shows Better Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratios
Beyond absolute levels of omega-3s, organic milk has a more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, often approaching 2:1. In contrast, conventional milk averages closer to 5.7:1. A more balanced ratio is associated with lower risks of chronic inflammation and metabolic diseases.
Consumers seeking to optimize their fat intake often turn to organic dairy as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Organic Diets Reduce Risk of Allergies and Infertility
Emerging evidence from European studies has linked higher organic food consumption with lower risks of allergic sensitization, infertility, and metabolic syndrome. Though more long-term research is needed, early data suggest a strong correlation between organic diets and improved health outcomes.
Such findings reinforce the trend among parents and caregivers to prioritize organic products for young children and pregnant individuals.
Additional Organic Food Facts
15. 75% of Processed Foods Still Contain GMOs
Despite the growth of organic options, up to 75% of processed foods in the U.S. still contain genetically engineered ingredients, typically derived from soy, corn, or canola. In contrast, USDA-certified organic foods are prohibited from using any GMOs.
This distinction remains one of the primary reasons why health-conscious consumers gravitate toward certified organic products.
Find Natural Ingredients at Gillco
At Gillco, we have redefined the concept of wholesale ingredient distribution. We not only partnered with some of the most reputable ingredient manufacturers in the world but also learned how to use those ingredients. We train our sales force on all of our organic and clean-label ingredients to give you ideas on improving your food or beverage purchases.
Call us today at (760) 759-7900 or visit our website to learn more.
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