What The Little Sticker on Your Fruit Is Really Telling You
- EBLUXE CARES
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Before you bite into that apple or toss a bunch of grapes into your cart, take a quick look at the sticker. Most people peel it off and throw it away without thinking twice, But that sticker can actually tell you something about how your produce was grown.
This Wellness Wednesday, we’re sharing a simple tip that can help you become a more informed shopper in less than a minute.
What Is a PLU Code?
That small number on your fruit or vegetable is called a PLU code, which stands for Price Look-Up code. Grocery stores use these codes to identify produce at checkout, but they can also give shoppers a quick glimpse into how certain fruits and vegetables were grown. The good news is that they’re easy to understand.
How to Read the Sticker
4 Digits = Conventionally Grown: If the sticker has a four-digit code, the produce was grown using conventional farming methods. Conventional farming may use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other modern agricultural practices to help protect crops from the environment and increase production.
For example: A sticker that has 4011 = Conventional Banana
5 Digits Starting with 9 = Organic: If the sticker has five digits and begins with a 9, the produce is certified organic. Organic produce is grown according to specific standards that limit the use of synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and certain other farming practices. Farmers must meet certification requirements to label their produce as organic.
For example: A sticker that has 94011 = Organic Banana
What About Codes Starting with 8?
You may have heard that produce stickers beginning with an “8” indicate GMO (genetically modified) produce. It was intended to be used for that purpose, however it never was really picked up by retail stores so it was discontinued. Today PLU codes is not a reliable way to identify GMO foods.
Did You Know?
Not every fruit or vegetable will have a PLU sticker because the system is voluntary.
Produce sold at farmers’ markets may not have PLU stickers at all, so don’t assume how it was grown based solely on a sticker not being there.
Why This Matters
Wellness begins with awareness and the more we understand about the foods we eat, the better equipped we are to make choices that support our overall health and well-being.
Whether you choose organic or conventionally grown produce, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to support your health. God designed our bodies to thrive, and caring for ourselves starts with being informed. Small moments of learning can help us become better stewards of our health and well-being.
The next time you’re grocery shopping, take a moment to check the stickers on some of the fruits or vegetables, you might be surprised what you find. Hopefully this was helpful to you.
Before reading this, did you know what the produce stickers meant? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts with us!
With Love,
EBLUXE CARES
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Wellness Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and community support purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from a qualified healthcare provider. Please speak with a medical professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment.
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