ENGLISH
REFERENCE

natural food

compound.
A2 Elementary General-service
Definition

compound. food that is simple and does not have artificial chemicals or extra processing. You usually find these items in their original form, like fresh fruit or vegetables.

compound. a term referring to food products that are minimally processed and free from synthetic additives, preservatives, or artificial flavorings. While common in marketing, the term lacks a strict legal or regulatory definition in many jurisdictions.


SIMPLE

I try to buy natural food like fresh apples and nuts.

CONTEXTUAL

The store specializes in natural food, so you won't find any soda or candy there.

COMPLEX

The shift toward natural food reflects a growing consumer distrust of industrial processing and a preference for transparent ingredient lists.

Usage

often used as an uncountable noun phrase or as an adjective modifying specific items.

Teaching tip

use this to discuss the 'health halo' effect in marketing; contrast it with 'organic food', which has specific legal requirements that 'natural' often lacks.

Last updated July 31, 2026