8 young brands with a certifiably organic imperative
These up-and-coming brands have a dedication to organic in their DNA.
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“You be you,” says the company, and by that it means that consumers should try to find the best, most authentic versions of themselves, which includes embracing health and wellness. This is where these sparkling functional tonics come in, whether it’s the two organic, full-spectrum hemp versions with fragrant essences of yuzu and lotus flower or citrus and ginger that promote balance, or the “natural energy” versions of the same with organic panax ginseng. Both varieties boast an extremely clean list of only eight ingredients that also includes organic agave inulin, Vitamins B3 and B12 and organic baobab sourced from Africa. A refreshing way to get a dose of antioxidants, prebiotics and electrolytes.
Quality, organic, accessible, transparent and safe; these are the core beliefs that drive this Vermont-based company, which is dedicated to producing full spectrum hemp extract (CBD) that is not only effective, but also affordable. The hemp is cultivated from seed (not clones) on the company’s farm in Hardwick, Vermont, which has been USDA certified organic since 2018. Not only is the crop free from pesticides and non-GMO, but it is also farmed using sustainable practices, with the idea being that the more robust and healthier the plant the better the CBD product will be. This commitment to the environment continues through the natural extraction and manufacturing processes, all of which are carried out by this vertically integrated, “seed to shelf operation.” Sunsoil has its own on-site lab, in addition to sending each batch of CBD for testing at three independent ISO-accredited laboratories. Customers can consult the lab results of any of the products on the company website.
The organic baby food category continues to grow, with colorful, real-food meals taking the reins from the bland purees of the past. Today’s parents seem to be embracing more and more the belief that exposure to a variety of flavors and seasonings as babies may be key to encouraging adventurous palates as adults. Nutrition and quality are of the utmost, however, which is where Lil’ Gourmets’ fresh, refrigerated, USDA-certified organic baby meals come into play. These veggie-heavy purees come in four flavors seasoned with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cumin, coriander and turmeric, designed to inspire future foodies: Organic Ginger Beets, Organic Sweet Potato Curry, Organic Moroccan Squash and Organic Coconut Cauliflower Mash.
Chickpeas and lentils. This USDA-organic certified brand uses only two ingredients in its line of dry pastas, but its dedication to organic reflects its much bigger commitment to eliminating soil and water contamination, preserving wildlife and promoting biodiversity, as further evidenced by its status as a Certified B Corp. This mission of using business for good is further demonstrated by the fact that it donates a portion of each box it sells to provide nutritious school lunches to kids in need.
Whether it’s the line of whole milk, India-style yogurt beverages, or the newer selection of almond milk yogurts and cashew milk yogurt drinks, customers can rest assured that all of this company’s products are certified USDA organic. For the owners of this ambitious and growing brand, this commitment to organic honors the ancient traditions reflected in its products, particularly with regard to the 100% grass-fed organic whole milk Lassi drinks, which contain 60 billion live probiotics per bottle and are made using a traditional, slow-culturing techniques. However, this commitment also extends to seeking the highest possible quality in terms of the sustainably-farmed nuts and the whole fruits that are added to its productsꟷnot surprising from a company that has "organics" in both its name and DNA.
This company’s grain-free, USDA-certified organic tortilla chips are chock-full of nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas, cassava, hemp protein powder, chia and flax seeds, set off by Mexican seasonings. But the most meaningful benefits of these products are those that come from its commitment to advancing the mission of the Latino Community Foundation, to which it donates 10,000$ (up to 1% of sales) annually. This community-centric focus goes hand in hand with Soñar’s commitment to organic practices. As the company’s co-founder Pete Brennan points out, “Through organic sourcing, we pull toxic herbicides and pesticides out of the fields, benefitting farm workers, our bodies and the surrounding communities.” With a name that means, “to dream,” the dream of creating a successful organic brand is becoming a reality for this California company.
Though its products hover somewhere between tea and sparkling water, there is nothing in-between about this young company’s commitment to USDA organic certification. Not only that, but the labels on these lightly carbonated tea beverages couldn’t get any cleaner. The Tropical Green Tea flavor has fruit juices and calendula extract. The Citrus Black Tea is naturally decaffeinated during the brewing process and blended with orange peel and mango; and the Lime Hibiscus Tea is made with rooibos tea, hibiscus and rosehips, with a refreshing burst of lime. Oh, and there are no added sugars or sweeteners, just good ingredients that are 100% organic and non-GMO. Not only are these things that you can feel good about, but Minna also donates 1% of sales to non-profits focusing on inclusion.
Founded by natural food industry PR veteran Fred Haberman in collaboration with local chef Mary Jane Miller, this Minneapolis-based brand of USDA-certified, non-GMO sauces was created as a vibrant and tasty homage to culinary creativity and internationally inspired flavors. The vegan Super Kale Pesto gets its nutty richness from pumpkin seeds with a jalapeño kick. The Kick’n Curry Mole has coconut milk, chili, carrots and tomatoes. The smoky red mustard gets its toasted flavor from smoked paprika, and the Zesty Green Herb is a blend of basil, cilantro and peppermint. But while these organic sauces are ready to eat right out of the jar, the company hopes they will be a creative inspiration for cooksꟷmaster sauces, so to speak, that are ripe for experimentation, and that will bring clean, nutritious ingredients and bright flavors to any meal.
Founded by natural food industry PR veteran Fred Haberman in collaboration with local chef Mary Jane Miller, this Minneapolis-based brand of USDA-certified, non-GMO sauces was created as a vibrant and tasty homage to culinary creativity and internationally inspired flavors. The vegan Super Kale Pesto gets its nutty richness from pumpkin seeds with a jalapeño kick. The Kick’n Curry Mole has coconut milk, chili, carrots and tomatoes. The smoky red mustard gets its toasted flavor from smoked paprika, and the Zesty Green Herb is a blend of basil, cilantro and peppermint. But while these organic sauces are ready to eat right out of the jar, the company hopes they will be a creative inspiration for cooksꟷmaster sauces, so to speak, that are ripe for experimentation, and that will bring clean, nutritious ingredients and bright flavors to any meal.
Making the commitment to organic practices can be a daunting task, especially for smaller companies that are trying to put down early roots in the natural foods industry. Even so, many of the younger brands that choose to go the route of obtaining USDA organic certification from the get-go do so out of a moral imperative that transcends other factors, which is why we believe they are worth celebrating.
Some of the following brands have been around for a few years now, while others are making their debut at Expo East this year–and there are, of course, many others to be on the lookout for this September in Baltimore.
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