It’s no secret that organic is on the rise, but with organic food sales still only make up 5.3% of all food sales in the US, there is still significant room for growth. According to a new survey from the OTA (Organic Trade Association), that growth may be on its way, thanks to America’s largest generation, Millennials. In fact, parents in the 18 to 34-year-old age range are already the biggest group of organic buyers in America. Additionally, organic buying continues to be on the rise across all generations. Forty-nine percent of all households surveyed are buying more organic foods today than a year ago. Millennials account for 52 percent of organic buyers, as compared to Generation X parents at 35 percent of parents choosing organic, and Baby Boomers just 14 percent.

So, why are young parents choosing organic?

#1 Many parents choose organic food because they believe it is more nutritious than conventional food. Good evidence supports this belief. #2 Other parents choose organic food to avoid pesticide residue, which is demonstrated to be better for kids’ health and the health of the environment. #3 According to the OTA survey, the majority of Millennials have confidence in the integrity of the organic label, and feel it is an important tool for how they shop for food.

Why being USDA certified organic is important to Orgain®

At Orgain we believe that the healthiest and best tasting products come from high quality ingredients. That’s why we maintain a deep commitment to using only organic ingredients, whenever possible, and why all Orgain products are gluten free, soy free, carrageenan free, non-GMO, and free of all artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives. With our dairy-based shakes, we use USDA certified organic grass-fed milk protein. Our plant-based and vegan products use only the highest quality, certified organic plant-based proteins. That means no hormones, no antibiotics, and no pesticide and herbicide residues. “The Millennial shopper puts a high premium on the healthiness and quality of the food they choose for their families,” says Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association. “This generation has grown up eating organic, and seeing that organic label. It’s  not surprising that they have a greater knowledge of what it means to be organic, and consequently a greater trust of the organic label.” Just like we don’t thrive on toxins, neither does the environment. When used in non-organic farming methods, those synthetic additives can seep into the ground, poison water supplies, harm local wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem. On the contrary, organic farming methods are far more sustainable as they preserve soil integrity and respect biodiversity, which we believe is very important. More and more consumers view their spending as a way to “vote” for things that are important to them. When you purchase organic, your dollars likely support more than you realize. Companies that go the extra mile to be certified organic likely go the extra mile in other ways too. “As a cancer survivor and medical doctor, I have first hand experience with the critical importance of organic, wholesome nutrition and the vital role it plays in supporting the body in times of stress.I made it my mission to formulate a drink that would actually make a difference.” -Dr. Andrew Abraham, Orgain® Founder