Could Organic Labels Cause You to Overeat?

Many times when we see the word organic we automatically assume a product is a healthier choice. While this may be true in some respects, organic packaged goods aren't necessarily lower in calories. Yet seeing this organic label may be causing us to think we're actually eating fewer calories.

According to a new study performed by the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab, the organic label may be leading us to overeat. The study subjects were given cookies and potato chips labeled either "organic" or "non-organic." After eating them, subjects rated the snacks labeled "organic" as being tastier, more nutritious, and believed that their snack contained 40% fewer calories than the same cookies that had the "non-organic" label.

According to Cornell professor and author Brian Wansink: "An organic label gives a food a health halo. It's the same basic reason people tend to overeat any snack food that's labeled as healthy or low fat. They underestimate the calories and over-reward themselves by eating more."

The study also identified the consumers most susceptible to this "health halo" effect - people who usually buy organic foods and those who typically read labels for nutritional information.

Whether a product is organic or not, it's still important to pay attention to how much you're eating by reviewing the nutrition panel facts and serving sizes. Keep in mind that an organic cookie is still a cookie.