Glossary

The UK’s organic food & drink market has a number of key words and phrases that might need explaining to a first-time visitor. This page is continually updated, so keep scrolling for our jargon-busting glossary of key terms: 

A

ACV – Apple Cider Vinegar. Considered a current health trend in its unpasteurised form. 

B

Biodynamic - a term used to describe a particular holistic method of regenerative farming, particularly prevalent in the wine industry. First introduced in 1924 and bearing striking similarity to organic methods, it includes a number of esoteric practices drawn from work by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s. 

C

D

Direct Trade - a form of sourcing practiced by certain coffee roasters and chocolate makers who build direct relationships with the farmers and processors who sell them coffee or cocoa beans. 

Distributor – similar to a wholesaler, they are often the first point of delivery for most producers. Distributors deliver multiple brands to stores when orders are placed and often have an extensive catalogue of products.

E

F

Fairtrade - a not-for-profit certification scheme concerned about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

Flexitarian – a consumer who eats plant-based meals on a semi-regular basis, so would not consider themselves a vegetarian or vegan. As of 2019 a staggering 22 million Brits identified as flexitarian. 

Functional – a term used to describe any food that has additional health benefits other than providing energy and calories. Often over-used and can be misleading. 

G

H

I

Independent – a smaller retailer or high street store that is not considered a ‘chain’ or ‘franchise’. Free to make their own purchasing and stock decisions. 

J

K

Keto – The condensed form of ‘ketogenic’, this is a diet that emphasises a low-carbohydrate, high-fat intake in a similar vein to Atkins. The point of the diet is to put your body into a metabolic state known as ‘ketosis’, where it becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. 

L

M

Multiple – a large, mainstream retailer with many outlets across the country. Examples include, but are not limited to, Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda etc. 

N

Non-GMO - Not genetically modified. A label that certifies the product contains no ingredients that are in any way genetically modified (genetically modified organisms). Verification required from the non-GMO project to add label to packaging.

NSA/NAS – Denotes a product is sulfite free. Usually applicable to fermented products, particularly wine where sulfites are added as a preservative. 

O

Own-brand – an alternate term for private label.

P

Plant-based - originally a diet consisting mostly or entirely of foods derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits, and with few or no animal products. Now often misused when talking about vegetarian or vegan produce.

Q

R

Regenerative – regenerative organic farming is a holistic agriculture certification encompassing pasture-based animal welfare, fairness for farmers and workers, and robust requirements for soil health and land management.

RTD – ready to drink. A term that usually applies to smaller beverages that can be consumed immediately. 

S

Soil Association – UK-based charity and organic certification body. 

Sustainable – a term that denotes a product or process can be repeated without being detrimental to the environment in any way. No certification exists, leaving it open to interpretation.

T

U

V

Veganic – A combination of the words ‘vegan’ and ‘organic’, this is a method of growing crops by organic methods but using only natural, plant-based fertilisers.

Veganuary – a campaign designed to encourage people to eat a vegan diet every January. Has grown considerably in popularity over the last few years. 

W

White label – an alternate term for private label.

X

Y

Z