Ingredient & Additive Lookup

How It Works

How the organic status is determined

The database holds 22 common food ingredients and additives. For each one we give a plain-English description and a status based on our reading of the USDA National Organic Program regulations and the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

What the three statuses mean

• Generally allowed. The ingredient, or an organic form of it, can appear in products that carry the USDA Organic seal.
• Restricted or conditional. Allowed only in certain forms, from certain sources, or under conditions, so the label alone doesn't settle it.
• Generally prohibited. Not permitted in products labeled organic under the USDA standard.

Limits to keep in mind

Status can depend on whether a product is labeled "100% organic," "organic," or "made with organic ingredients," and on whether the ingredient comes in an organic or a non-organic form. The National List is updated over time. Use this tool as a quick explainer and check the official list before relying on it for a decision.

Common questions

Why does the tool say "generally"?

Organic rules have exceptions that depend on the product type and the ingredient's source. "Generally" signals that the full regulation has conditions this short summary can't capture.

If an ingredient is "allowed," does that make the product organic?

No. A product is organic only if it's certified. "Allowed" means the ingredient can appear in a certified product.

An ingredient isn't listed. Where can I check it?

Search the official National List linked below, or look up the product's certifier in the Organic Integrity Database.

Sources and further reading

• USDA National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
• 7 CFR Part 205, Subpart G (eCFR)

Last reviewed: October 2026. Educational information, not a certification decision. Spot a mistake? Tell us.