Some people contend that when consumers purchase milk enriched with ferric pyrophosphate, folic acid, and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, they expect these nutrients to originate from sustainable farming practices rather than being artificially added. Research indicates that milk from pasture-raised cows can contain up to 60% more omega-3 than conventional milk. Horizon’s milk does include “DHA algal oil” among its ingredients, yet it is uncertain whether consumers would feel misled if they discovered that this algal oil is not subject to organic certification. According to Consumer Reports surveys, approximately 70% of consumers believe that non-organic ingredients should not be permitted in organic products unless absolutely necessary, as reported by the Post. The USDA’s organic regulations allow for a variety of non-organic components, including agricultural products like gelatin, guar gum, and cornstarch, which lack organic alternatives, as well as minerals, cultures, enzymes, and other additives.
This concern extends beyond Horizon milk; for instance, Costco’s Kirkland brand of organic milk includes refined fish oil as an additive to enhance omega-3 levels. Both companies are currently operating within legal boundaries. Interestingly, Horizon’s omega-3 fortified milk is popular among consumers, indicating a general acceptance of milk that is supplemented in this manner, regardless of their awareness regarding the source of the ingredients. Last year, Horizon’s fortified milk represented 14% of all organic milk sales in the United States, and the DHA-enriched variant is priced about 30 cents higher than the standard option.
In the context of health supplements, products like GNC calcium citrate 1000 mg can also play a role in consumers’ decisions. Just as consumers navigate the complexities of organic labeling and ingredient sourcing in products like Horizon and Kirkland milk, they similarly evaluate the sources and certifications of dietary supplements like GNC calcium citrate 1000 mg. This parallel highlights a broader trend in consumer behavior—an increasing demand for transparency regarding the origins and certifications of the ingredients in both food and supplement products.