Organic food products are produced without synthetic pesticides, chemical nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones or sewage sludge – as well as being free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Check packaged goods for the green-and-white USDA Organic seal to determine organic content; products labeled “made with organic ingredients” must contain at least 70% certified organic content and identify certified organic ingredient(s). When possible, opt for seasonal food items to save costs and enjoy delicious meals all season long!
Shop at Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s offers an impressive selection of organic produce, from traditional favorites such as bananas and apples, to more unusual varieties like dragon fruit and rambutan. Furthermore, this supermarket carries organic frozen foods and soups for its customers to choose from.
Trader Joe’s can provide its products at significantly reduced prices than other supermarket chains by not renting shelf space from vendors and instead using its own private label products to connect with consumers. Furthermore, employees are encouraged to express their creativity by creating colorful store signage themselves.
TJ’s Grocery also strives to give back to its communities by donating 100% of unsold food products that remain safe for consumption to local food banks and soup kitchens. Customers may request one in their city on TJ’s website; management pledges to take these requests seriously if there is enough demand. Customers may even earn rewards simply by using reusable bags at checkout counter.
Target’s Good & Gather
Target’s Good & Gather food line, introduced one year ago, has quickly become their best-selling food offering and largest store-brand launch ever. Offering items free from artificial flavors or sweeteners, synthetic colors or high fructose corn syrup–with an unconditional money-back guarantee backing it–this brand has quickly established itself among shoppers as an attractive and successful store brand launch.
Minneapolis-based retailer Good & Gather is expanding their product selection this fall with 600 new items, such as premium foods like pasta and pizza from its Good & Gather Signature line and plant-based options like everything seasoned cashew dip and spread, caramel vanilla almond milk creamer, vegan salad dressing and meatless chicken and beef patties from their Good & Gather Plant Based line.
This new offering will replace Archer Farms and Simply Balanced brands in stores, and some items from Market Pantry selection. However, Good & Gather will continue to offer items such as milk, eggs and cheese under its label.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods was instrumental in popularizing organic produce and ethically-sourced groceries among mass market customers, yet in its rush to expand, opened itself up to competition from retailers who saw organics as a dramatic shift in consumer tastes and sought to capitalize on them.
Whole Foods boasts that its stores carry products which meet stringent standards, and this claim can be verified on its website. Whole Foods prohibits ingredients such as MSG (monosodium glutamate), high fructose corn syrup and aspartame (a popular sweetener found in diet soda) from its shelves.
However, there may be some gray areas when it comes to Whole Foods’ organic offerings. According to The Cornucopia Institute – a non-profit watchdog which tracks authentic organic producers and the USDA’s application of organic law – Whole Foods doesn’t always live up to its promises when it comes to something as fundamental as milk; in its 365 line it sells non-organic dairy along with its organic options.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts Farmers Market provides a selection of organic products, from fresh produce and meats to black beans, green tea and sea salt. Their butcher shop sources its beef from ranches that adhere to natural practices while using sound animal husbandry and feed free from antibiotics or growth hormones. In addition, the store carries organic black beans, green tea and sea salt – ideal products to add variety to a kitchen pantry!
The grocery chain quickly adopts new brands, specialty products and unique finds from small makers – similar to a true farmers market – quickly. Buyers prioritize items that align with its product values such as eco-friendly; ingredient selective; natural; organic and non-GMO.
Rescued Organic is committed to reducing food waste, collecting perfectly edible produce that would otherwise be thrown out into its Rescued Organic program and using it to donate it as hunger relief, feed livestock or convert the rest into nutrient-rich compost for agricultural soils. Furthermore, their store offers fully traceable artisan breads from seed through milling and baking processes.
