Some believe that consumers purchasing milk enriched with omega-3 fatty acids expect the nutrient to originate from sustainable farming methods rather than from added substances. Research indicates that milk sourced from grazing cows can contain up to 60% more omega-3s compared to conventional milk. Horizon’s milk, for instance, includes “DHA algal oil” in its ingredient list. However, it remains uncertain whether consumers would feel misled if they learned that this algal oil does not meet organic certification standards. According to Consumer Reports surveys, approximately 70% of consumers believe that non-organic ingredients should be prohibited in organic products unless absolutely necessary, as reported by the Post. USDA organic regulations permit certain non-organic ingredients, including agricultural products like gelatin, guar gum, and cornstarch, for which organic alternatives are unavailable, as well as minerals, cultures, enzymes, and glycerin.
This concern is not exclusive to Horizon milk. For example, Costco’s Kirkland brand organic milk also includes a substance to enhance its omega-3 content: refined fish oil. Both companies are operating within legal boundaries. Additionally, Horizon’s omega-3 fortified milk has gained popularity, indicating that consumers are generally open to milk supplemented with such additives, regardless of their origins. Last year, Horizon’s fortified milk represented 14% of all organic milk sales in the United States, with the DHA-enriched version priced at about 30 cents more than the standard option.
Interestingly, as consumers seek to boost their nutrient intake, many are turning to supplements like calcium citrate tablets USP, which can be an alternative source of nutrients. As the conversation around organic labeling continues, consumers might increasingly consider both fortified dairy products and dietary supplements like calcium citrate tablets USP to meet their nutritional needs.