There are so many new food-related terms floating around these days it’s hard to keep up. What is a local-eating, earth-loving person to do?

Okay, rather than choosing a “hide in a cave” option — which would be easier — we at LocalD have decided to compile some definitions in a new series we like to call “Food Labels“.

The challenge is, there are sometimes different definitions for the same term, they can change over time, and new terms are being invented all the time. For technical terms, definitions can vary by jurisdiction, and regulations on their use change periodically, as well.

So, though it is an inexact science as the food industry continues to evolve and change, we’ll be posting definitions as we come across them.

I have no claim on expertise in this area, I’m just learning as I go, so please feel free to add your comments to the dialogue, and help shape our understanding of food label and food industry terms.