All the meats in this post satisfy three requirements: They contain no antibiotics, no hormones, and they come from animals that were raised humanely.
What does it mean when meat packaging uses the word "natural"? Not much.
According to the USDA, the word "natural" means only that a product was "minimally processed" and "contains no artificial ingredients." It doesn't indicate anything about farming practices or the animals' welfare. It doesn't mean, for example, that the animal wasn't given growth hormones or raised with space to move around.
A recent BuzzFeed investigation reported that 11 out of 13 major food companies would not share information about where their meat comes from. Concerns over the negative health consequences of eating meat raised with antibiotics and hormones have been brought up by a number of individuals and organizations, including the World Health Organization.
This post contains a list of companies that raise their animals without antibiotics or hormones and can provide more specific information about the welfare of their animals.
hormel.com / BuzzFeed
365 Everyday Value
Whole Foods' in-house brand is stamped on everything from paper towels to bacon. When it comes to the meat products, the company lists animal welfare standards on its website, including "ensuring that animals have enough space to perform their normal behavior" and prohibiting confinement or inhibiting freedom of movement.
Whole Foods
Applegate
Applegate's offerings include deli meats, hot dogs, burgers, bacon, sausage, chicken strips, and corn dogs. Their products are either Certified Humane or meet Global Animal Partnership standards, a program meant to encourage higher welfare practices and systems that benefit farmers, consumers, retailers, and animals. Read more about it on their website.
Applegate