Biodynamic
4 min read

Decoding Produce Labels: What PLU Stickers on Produce Really Mean

Have you ever paused mid-grocery shop, eyeing a sticker on your apple and wondering what those numbers are really telling you? You're not alone. The little produce stickers most of us overlook are packed with information… if you know how to read them.

At Chunky Vegan, we believe in transparency, education, and empowering parents to make informed food choices. Especially when it comes to nourishing tiny tummies, every detail matters. Here’s how to decode produce labels and why it matters when choosing organic and biodynamic options for your family.

What Are PLU Codes?

Those numbers printed on fruit and veggie stickers are called PLU codes, short for Price Look-Up. They’re primarily used by grocery stores for inventory and checkout, but they also reveal how your produce was grown.

Here’s a quick guide:

  • 4-digit codes (e.g., 4011): Conventionally grown, using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
  • 5-digit codes beginning with 9 (e.g., 94011): Certified organic- grown without synthetic inputs or GMOs.
  • 5-digit codes beginning with 8 (e.g., 84011): Genetically modified (GMO). You’ll rarely see this used anymore, but it’s good to know.

You may have heard that a PLU code starting with ‘3’ means the produce is irradiated- but that’s not part of the official PLU system. According to the International Federation for Produce Standards, PLU codes starting with 3 or 4 simply mean the item was conventionally grown. If produce has been irradiated, that treatment must be disclosed on the packaging label, not through the PLU code.

These codes don’t just tell you how a product was priced- they tell a story about how it was grown. And for us, that story matters.

Why Organic and Biodynamic Matter for Babies

Babies are especially sensitive to pesticides, additives, and environmental toxins. Their digestive systems are still developing, and their exposure-to-body-weight ratio is significantly higher than adults. That’s why choosing organic and biodynamic produce is one of the easiest ways to reduce risk and increase nourishment.

Organic farming eliminates synthetic pesticides and GMOs, offering a cleaner, safer option for early eaters.

But biodynamic farming goes one step further.

What Is Biodynamic Farming?

Think of biodynamic as beyond organic- a holistic farming approach that views the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It focuses on soil health, crop rotation, biodiversity, and natural composting. Biodynamic farms don’t just avoid synthetic inputs—they actively improve the earth in the process.

The result? Produce that’s not only clean, but rich in nutrients. When you choose biodynamic baby food, you’re choosing food that’s alive with intention.

Look for Demeter Certification, the official biodynamic seal, on any packaged products.

You Won’t Find “Biodynamic” on a Sticker

While PLU codes can indicate organic or conventional methods, they don’t tell you whether something is biodynamic. That information is usually found through farm certifications or brand transparency.

At Chunky Vegan, we build close relationships with our growers and verify practices beyond the label. We’ve partnered with trusted farms that follow biodynamic and organic principles because we believe your baby deserves the best.

How to Shop Smarter for Your Baby

If you’re shopping for first foods or ingredients to make your own baby meals, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Look for 5-digit PLUs starting with “9” to confirm certified organic.
  • Ask your farmers at local markets about their growing practices- many use organic methods even if not certified.
  • Seek out the Demeter seal for true biodynamic certification.
  • Support brands that are committed to sourcing with care. (Hint: That’s us.)

Why Chunky Vegan Prioritizes Biodynamic and Organic Produce

We aren’t just checking boxes- we’re raising the bar. Our ingredients are:

  • Grown without chemicals or GMOs
  • Selected with guidance from nutritionists, pediatricians, and food scientists
  • Full of natural flavor and nutrient density

And because our meals are made fresh and preservative-free, what you see on the label is what you get in the jar.

Final Thoughts...

Those tiny stickers on your produce? They're worth noticing.

As a parent, you're already doing the hard work of trying to feed your little one something that’s both safe and satisfying. Knowing how to decode PLU codes- and understanding the bigger picture of organic and biodynamic farming- gives you the power to choose better.

And when you want a shortcut without the stress, we’re here with farm-to-fridge baby food that aligns with your values.

Explore our latest seasonal offerings and learn more about our ingredient sourcing here.