Celery Food Label Explained: What You Need to Know

Celery food labels must display the product name, net weight, country of origin, and PLU code (4078 for conventional, 94078 for organic). Nutrition labels are required for packaged celery with added ingredients, showing calories (10 per cup), fiber (1.6g), and vitamin K (37% DV). Organic celery carries USDA certification marks and harvest dates indicating freshness.

Understanding celery labels helps you make informed choices at the grocery store. This guide breaks down exactly what each element means and how to use this information when selecting the best celery for your needs.

What You See First: Decoding the Basic Label Elements

When you pick up a bunch of celery at the store, you'll notice several key pieces of information. The most visible elements serve specific regulatory purposes and provide immediate shopping guidance.

The product name must clearly state "celery" or "celery stalks" according to FDA labeling requirements. Below this, you'll find the net weight in both pounds and kilograms, which helps you compare value between packages. The country of origin labeling, mandated by the Agricultural Marketing Act, shows where your celery was grown - crucial information for those seeking locally sourced produce.

PLU Code	Meaning	Regulatory Source
4078	Conventional celery	International Federation for Produce Coding
94078	Organic celery	USDA National Organic Program
4229	Celery hearts	Produce Marketing Association

These Price Look-Up (PLU) codes, standardized by the International Federation for Produce Coding, help cashiers and inventory systems identify your produce. The organic prefix "9" before the standard code indicates certified organic status. Understanding these codes prevents confusion at checkout and ensures you're getting what you expect.

Nutrition Information: What the Numbers Really Mean

While raw celery typically doesn't require a full nutrition facts panel, packaged celery products with added ingredients must include this information. The nutrition label provides valuable data about celery's impressive nutritional profile.

One cup of chopped celery contains just 10 calories but delivers 1.6 grams of dietary fiber and an impressive 37% of your daily vitamin K requirement. The naturally occurring sodium content (about 32mg per cup) is significantly lower than many processed foods, making celery an excellent choice for those monitoring sodium intake.

Nutrient	Raw Celery (1 cup)	Cooked Celery (1 cup)	Change Percentage
Calories	16	27	+69%
Vitamin K	37% DV	24% DV	-35%
Vitamin C	5% DV	8% DV	+60%
Fiber	1.6g	2.0g	+25%

Data from USDA FoodData Central shows how cooking affects celery's nutritional content. While vitamin K decreases with cooking, fiber content actually increases slightly as the plant fibers break down. This information helps you decide whether raw or cooked celery better serves your nutritional goals.

Quality Claims and Certifications Explained

Celery labels often include various quality claims that can confuse shoppers. Understanding what these certifications actually mean helps you make informed decisions based on your priorities.

The USDA Organic seal guarantees that the celery was grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, and that the farm followed strict organic practices for at least three years. The Non-GMO Project verification provides additional assurance about genetic modification, though organic certification already prohibits GMOs.

"Local" labeling lacks a federal definition, so its meaning varies by retailer. Some stores define local as within 100 miles, while others use state boundaries. Always check your store's specific definition if local sourcing matters to you. The harvest date, when provided, indicates when the celery was picked - fresher celery typically has crisper stalks and brighter green color.

Practical Shopping Tips Based on Label Information

Using label information effectively transforms your celery shopping experience. Here's how to apply what you've learned at the grocery store:

First, check the PLU code to confirm you're getting the type of celery you want. If you're seeking organic, ensure the code begins with 9. Next, examine the country of origin - domestically grown celery often travels shorter distances, potentially arriving fresher. The harvest date provides the most reliable freshness indicator; choose the most recent date available.

For packaged celery products with added ingredients, carefully review the ingredient list. Some pre-cut celery includes preservatives or seasonings that alter both flavor and nutritional profile. If you're watching sodium intake, select plain celery without added salt.

Seasonal availability affects both price and quality. In the United States, domestic celery peaks from May through November. During off-season months, imported celery may be your only option, which the country of origin label will clearly indicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does celery need a nutrition label?

Raw celery sold as a single ingredient doesn't require a nutrition label under FDA regulations. However, packaged celery products with added ingredients like dips, seasonings, or preservatives must include full nutrition facts.

What does the number on celery stickers mean?

The number on celery stickers is a PLU (Price Look-Up) code. Conventional celery uses 4078, while organic celery uses 94078. These standardized codes help with inventory management and point-of-sale systems.

How can I tell if celery is fresh from the label?

Check for a harvest date on the label - fresher celery will have a more recent date. While not required, many quality retailers include this information. The country of origin can also indicate freshness, as domestically grown celery typically travels shorter distances.

Is organic celery worth the extra cost?

Organic celery costs approximately 20-30% more than conventional, according to USDA Economic Research Service data. Whether it's worth the premium depends on your priorities. Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides, which may be important if you're concerned about chemical residues, though celery ranks low on the Environmental Working Group's pesticide residue scale.