“All natural meats” means one thing to one person and another to someone else. Minimal processing, no hormones, no antibiotics, and no artificial color dictate the definition for most. But to others, “all natural meats” means the meat has not been infused with water, salt, or other seasonings – a typical practice in the fast-food industry to provide a tender, moist meat product.

Lots of people, including meat sellers, use the term “all natural meats” to mean meat and poultry products that have been raised eating an all-vegetable diet and have not been given antibiotics or growth hormones. Buffalo, chicken, and pork, by federal law, do not contain growth hormones, but beef and lamb not labeled “all natural meats” still can contain them.

Unless you’re the person buying all natural meats, there’s a good chance you may not realize the difference between them and “regular” meat. Some people claim all natural meats taste fresher with an all ‘round better flavor, while others insist no taste difference exists. Other people claim the only difference lies in the higher prices of menu items containing all natural meats.

According to one prominent market research and consulting firm, all natural meats rank as one of the lowest priorities among fast-food restaurant customers. Surveys conducted by this company found that the facility’s cleanliness, along with food taste – not its healthfulness or nutrition – were considered far more important to consumers. Of course, how many health-conscious people – the people who would purchase all natural meats – frequent fast-food establishments anyway?

Regardless of the distinctions between meanings for all natural meats, a healthy market for them does exist. Found in health food stores, organic grocers, and all over the Internet, products labeled “all natural meats” attract customers from not only the United States, but from around the world, making it a billion-dollar business.

So whether or not all natural meats have a place in your diet, it pays to make sure you’re buying what you think you are buying. Read the label. Ask your butcher. Call, if you must. But make sure the all natural meats you eat are truly all natural – to you.