Primafavorites Fall 2023: great greens, sex for good health, and food truths

Whether it’s discovering a new inclusive cookbook author or reaching for our tried-and-true clean products, we’re always seeking inspiring brands, projects, and people that make life more beautiful. Here’s a look at what we’re currently coveting, exploring, trying, and genuinely enjoying at PrimaFoodie.

PrimaFavorites: Autumn 2023 Edition

maui nui venison

“Peter Attia has been endorsing this for some time, which is why it originally caught my attention. This is wild harvested axis deer meat from Maui, sourced from a company that follows strict land stewardship practices. I had the tenderloin and it was, well, like a well-prepared tenderloin. There were no gristly bits; only tender, flavorful bites.” —Nichole

Stur Drinks

“Stur drinks are similar to other brands, like Mio or Crystal light, that flavor water except they do not use artificial or chemical sweeteners or any food coloring, such as Yellow Lake 5, Blue 1, Red 40, etc. I love how they’re in partnership with the Thrist Project, so for every order they donate one year of clean drinking water to a person in need. I struggle with drinking enough water throughout the day, and I have found these helpful in enhancing my intake. Plus, there are a ton of different flavors!” —Bonnie

“Smartless”

“Everything these guys say is funny. When I listen to this podcast, I’m always laughing out loud—which can be very awkward depending on where you are, and I love it! There doesn’t always need to be a point or a moral. They’re three friends—Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman—who shoot the breeze and lovingly having a go at each other. They also happen to interview some incredible guests. Oh and starting with Will Ferrell is never a bad idea.” —Nichole

laird superfood prebiotic daily greens

“I have tried nearly every chlorophyll-based alkalizing green powder I can get my hands on, and every one leaves some sort of chalky residue. That is, until I discovered this one, which recently came out. Made of adaptogenics, organic vegetables, and a bounty of mineral-rich algae, it’s a drinkable and actually enjoyable way to start my day. I feel good getting a perfect dose of pre and probiotics, vitamins, and aminos early in the morning” —Stacey

“How to Have Better Sex”

“Dr. Emily Morse, the revered sex expert and author, talks candidly on this episode of “The Mind Pump Podcast.” I took away so many great nuggets from her interview. Every woman and man should listen to this for their health.” —Nichole

Dr. Bronner’s Magic All-One Chocolate

“I’ve enjoyed every flavor but the coconut dark chocolate my current favorite—same for our entire household. It’s delicious and happens to be one of the cleanest and most sustainable chocolates I’ve found on the market.” —Nichole

“Your Genes May Influence What You Like to Eat”

“Scientific American consistently published the most riveting—and astonishing—articles on modern-day science and health. This piece explores how our genetics play a key role in why each of us likes certain foods and dislikes others. But what is additionally interesting is the role genetics has not only on our diet choice but on how our brain pathways respond to various foods and nutrients.” —Stacey

Poisoned: The Dirty Truth about Your Food

“Netflix’s new documentary dives into the history of food regulation and food borne illness. It sheds light on the sense of urgency about food regulations and reveals the frustrations between the USDA (what regulates meat, poultry, and eggs) and the FDA (which regulates all food involved in interstate commerce). Not only does the documentary reveal the current issues we face in the American food system, but it also highlights horrific details about food borne illness through providing examples of how meat transports throughout the food system from farming to end up on restaurant tables.” —Bonnie

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

“Author Dan Buettner, the journalist behind the acclaimed book Blue Zones, takes us around the world in this documentary. I’ve read a lot about blue zones over the years. I was intrigued by the new perspective the filmmakers are taking in this film, which focuses on the unique communities around the globe where people live long, healthy lives. It’s not just eating the right combination of native Mediterranean ingredients. It’s lifestyle and it’s things we can work into our own lives, sometimes easily, sometimes with a little work. This offers an accessible exploration into how we can live longer lives of higher quality.” —Nichole

to Dye For: How toxic fashion is making us sick and how we can fight back by Alden Wicker

“We recently explored Alden Wicker’s thoroughly reported book, which takes an aggressive look at the fast fashion industry and its impact on our health and planet. It truly is a critical read for everyone.” —Stacey

The PrimaFoodie 2023 Conscious Holiday Gift Guide

We admit: When it comes to vetting products, we are tough. We research and try the heck out of something to ensure that it: 1.) amplifies our lives 2.) is ethically and sustainably made, and 3.) delivers on quality. This is a tall order, but one we love—especially this time of year, when we provide our favorites to you.

Our 2023 Gift Guide selects are nothing short of the best. Like in years past, you'll find a little of everything, from products to foods to services. Each is packed with intention (and nutrition, for some) and will undoubtedly please those you love—including yourself. Happy conscious gifting!

Wentworth Personalized Puzzle

We love these wooden puzzles. They don't fray at the edges and last forever. They are crazy complex and very satisfying. Such a great family gift.—Nichole

We are Amma Nursing Cover

This cocoon is simple, stylish, and easy to wash. Great for the nursing mama in your life. —Adrienne

Maria Mayer Feng Books

Truly so beautiful and memorable. This company turns your photos and mementos into beautiful book keepsakes. —Nichole

French Bloom Organic Sparkling Non-Wine

Because there is always a reason to say cheers—with or without the alcohol. I love that these varieties are organic and truly taste like French bubbly. —Stacey

Williams Sonoma Air Fryer

The options are endless with an air fryer. The best part? There's no oil needed to make foods satisfyingly crispy. —Adrienne

Flamingo Estate Holiday Bonbon Chocolate Box

Little works of art that are so decadent and delicious. —Nichole

Purely Elizabeth Grain-Free Coconut Cashew Keto Granola

The only commercial granola I buy. Perfect for a stocking stuffer. —Nichole

Alignment Alchemy Pillow Mist

Pure, clean, and relaxing, this light mist is the perfect treat for the person in your life who's yearning for deep rest. —Stacey

Flamingo Estate Jasmine Rose Bath Set

It is impossible to choose from the entire Flamingo Estate collection, as everything is stunning. This floral bath set is sweet and heady with a hint of pink peppercorn. —Nichole

Kibou Vegan Leather Bag

This sleek fanny pack doubles as my chic diaper bag. It's compact, has a pocket that keeps wipes wet for seven days, and a credit card pocket. —Adrienne

The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp 

Jing Gao is a brilliant founder and chef who single-handedly educates the Western world about the nuanced, elevated, and incredibly complex realm of Chinese cuisine. —Stacey

Beth Blends Grain-free Flour Blend

A staple for the conscious home cook. —Nichole

Scandinavian Glass Tea Set

A statement piece meant for everyday use. —Nichole

Nipaqui Zero Waste Kit

People always ask me where I get my silicone reusable snack bags. This kit will get your friends started on a journey to a healthier planet. —Adrienne

Tuscan Cooking Class

I don't know a better way to say 'I love you' than with a cooking glass in an old-world villa outside of Florence. —Stacey

Parsley Health Membership

A generous-yet-important present that everyone deserves. Parsley is a membership program that offers 10 clinician appointments with a functional medicine doctor and 10 health coaching sessions when you sign up. This would be the gift that continues to give. —Adrienne

Casa Zuma Wood Cheese Board

Whoever receives a beautiful board like this will use it repeatedly. —Nichole

Jonathan Adler Salt and Pepper Servers

These can double as ring holders while you're cooking! —Adrienne 

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Eating Clean in Miami

Miami has lured for ages. A flashy and vibrant party town, this east coast city pulls in people near and afar for its stellar nightlife, cultural, and arts scenes. But that is only a fraction of what’s on offer here. Miami has a world-class food world, a strong portion of which is focused on local, clean, sustainable fare. These following PrimaFoodie-approved eateries make up for our short list of the top places to get a nutrient-dense meal to keep you fueled for a long, humid, fun-filled night ahead. 

Editors’ Note: Our hearts go out to those in Florida who have been gravely impacted by Hurricane Ian. 

Natura Eatery

Natura was founded by two Miami locals who are obsessed with health and supporting local farmers. Everything here is made with organic fruits and vegetables, sustainably sourced seafood, and free-range organic meats. A perfect Natura breakfast includes the Mixed Berry and Almond Butter Toast (served on homemade GF bread), fresh green juice, and a side of wild Salmon. 

Marion

Because Marion is owned by the Mr. Hospitality group, one of the city’s most successful founders of restaurants and clubs, it’s a happening spot. Still, anchoring the buzzy scene is a menu focused on sustainable seafood caught that day, organic produce, and local meats. The food is hearty and healthy with an inventive Asian spin on everything. 

Planta

We love organic and sustainably farmed meats at PrimaFoodie, so when an entirely plant-based restaurant comes our way, it must be excellent. Planta is. Located in South Beach (there are sister locations throughout the region), this vegetarian restaurant whips up some very satisfying sushi, soups, and house-made kombucha. The menu is extensive and great, but it’s important to be mindful if you have a gluten allergy as the GF options are a bit harder to scope out. 

OTL

OTL has New York food scene roots—which means it’s got the power to draw a crowd. Known for their coffee and stellar Market Grain Bowl (which is gluten-free), OTL’s breakfast and sandwich offerings are some of the city’s best for a hearty-yet-nutritious meal. The Overnight Oats here deserve applause. For one, they're gluten-free (still a rarity when it comes to café oatmeal). But these oats also have no added sugar and are topped with organic blueberries and super seeds. Perfection. 

Miami Juice

Although it’s been around for a while, Miami Juice has catapulted in popularity over the last few years. Located in Sunny Isles, this is a laid-back market-meets-café that serves some of the city’s best smoothies, salads, gluten-free specialties, and organic turkey burgers. The market part here is key, as its generous inventory of all-organic produce and other nutrient-dense foods makes grabbing groceries after lunch a breeze. 

Pura Vida

This bright and airy chain of health-centered restaurants makes grabbing an organic lunch so easy. What started as a small-scale family-owned café has morphed into a Miami mainstay with 12 locations. Come here for fresh smoothies, vegetable bowls made with organic produce, free-range chicken, and fresh shots of cold-press vegetable juice. Gluten-free options abound on this menu. 

Lilikoi Organic Living

As its name suggests, Lilikoi Organic Living focuses on incorporating clean and organic practices. Founded and run by a health-focused couple from Hawaii, this South Beach all-day café offers smoothies, Hawaiian-style poke bowls, fresh-caught fish, and more. We haven’t had their gluten-free pizzas, but a close PrimaFoodie friend says it’s a must. We applaud this delicious café for its strict adherence to local and organic fruits and vegetables and antibiotic- and hormone-free meats.

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Alternative Milk

Alternative milks, or “alt” milks, are seeing an unprecedented boon in popularity. Over the next several years, plant-based and nut-based milks are expected to triple in market size, reaching nearly $70 million by 2028. The reasoning is layered: Many are interested in learning toward a way of eating that is more focused on plants and less on animals, be it for ethical, wellness, or environmental reasons. Others find the dairy alternatives to be tastier. Wherever your interest may fall, the alt milk options today are vast, so we offer this breakdown of the popular—and quirkier—ones on the shelf.

Plus, keep reading for a breakdown of the most common additives to look out for.

 
Almond Milk

The longtime alt milk star, almond milk boasts a distinct nutty flavor. It is made by blending soaked almonds with water and sometimes sea salt. It is a beverage that requires nearly the most water (or the most, according to some experts) to produce.

Coconut Milk

There are two schools of coconut milk: The kind you find in a can and the kind you find in a carton or gallon in the refrigerated section. While both are made from the coconut, coconut milk is made from squeezing the liquid from the fruit’s internal meat. This results in a creamy liquid that is used in cooking, smoothies, lattes, and more. What is found in the can is a bit different: This is usually coconut water, the liquid found sloshing around the middle of a coconut, with a thick layer of natural coconut cream, the fattiest part of the coconut milk, on top. This canned coconut milk is generally meant to be mixed before using and is best for baking and cooking.

Pea Milk

Small yellow peas and water provide the basis for pea milk, which has been garnering great attention as of late. With a taste that is mildly earthy and chalky, it’s often touted by nutritionists for having a higher protein content compared to other plant-based milks. Pea milk tends to be a popular pick for those avoiding nuts.

Oat Milk

We’re seeing this alt milk pop up in cafés everywhere these days. Its thicker consistency and milder creamy flavor is believed to mimic the taste of real dairy. Oat milk is created by soaking rolled or steel-cut oats (recipes vary) with water, blending, then straining the mix. For those with gluten allergies, it is critical to make sure the oat milk you choose is made of certified gluten-free oats. 

Cashew Milk

Similar to its almond sister, cashew milk is made of soaking cashews in water and then blending it to a creamy consistency. (Oftentimes people will strain the blended mixture to rid any sediment.)  Cashew milk has a nuttiness that is milder than that of almond.

Brazil Nut Milk

A PrimaFavorite. Brazil Nut Milk is another sister to almond and cashew milks in terms of how it’s made: by soaking and blending the combination. But we have to say, Brazil Nut Milk is the creamiest of all nut milks. It’s high in antioxidant-rich mineral selenium, which helps to regulate body functions. 

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is created by blending cannabis sativa, also known as hemp, seeds with water. Contrary to popular beliefs, there is no CBD in hemp milk. That’s because CBD is only present in the cannabis flowers and buds and not the seeds. 

Flax Milk

Flax Milk is made from grinding whole flax seeds and mixing them with water. Nutty and creamy, flax tends to be a favorite among people seeking an alt milk high in omega-3 fatty acids. 

 
Know Your Additives

It’s common to see the words alternative, plant-based, and dairy-free and automatically think healthy. But just like any food, alt milks fall victim to copious additives, nebulous labeling, and added sugars. Our suggestion? Make your own nut or plant-based milk, which is surprisingly easy and results in the creamiest consistency. (Watch our tutorial on how to make homemade Brazil Nut Milk.) But if you’re looking to grab one ready-made, it’s best to know the most common additives. 

Guar gum

You’ll find guar gum in everything from alt milks to sauces to dressings. It’s a common additive used as a thickening and binding agent to make for a creamier consistency. High in soluble fiber, guar gum has been linked to digestive issues.

Pea protein

Manufacturers have been incorporating pea protein to up the protein content in certain alt milks. (Since many nut- and plant-based milks are strained, the protein content is lower than when eating the full plant or nut.)

 
Tapioca starch

A long-time popular thickening agent, tapioca starch is made from turning tapioca into a chalky powder, which is then added to drinks, soups, desserts, and more.

Carrageenan

Derived from red seaweed, carrageenan is added to copious alt milks and other liquid foods for its ability to emulsify and thicken. It sounds innocuous, but carrageenan has been a topic of controversy for some time as experts link it to digestive ailments, inflammation, and other health concerns.

PrimaFoodie-Approved Alt Milks*

Malk Organics

Three Trees Original Unsweetened varieties

Elmhurst Unsweetened

Milkadamia Unsweetened

*At PrimaFoodie, we steer clear of oat milk, pea milk, and also rice milk, all of which tend to cause blood glucose spikes (and also commonly come laden with added sugar).

What Is “Inclusive Beauty”? Meet the Iconoclastic Beauty Founder Fighting for Greater Ethics and Kindness in the World of Self Care

A new wave of beauty pioneers are fighting back. They’re challenging the toxic and exclusive pillars that have forever pervaded the beauty industry and, instead, creating products that encourage a more mindful, clean, inclusive approach to self-care.

One such pioneer is Jennifer Norman. Founder of Humanist Beauty, a B Corporation Certified skincare collection focused on breaking the conventional beauty standards, and The Human Beauty Movement, a positivity-focused social impact effort, Norman wants to encourage a new wellness and self-care industry—one that invites every individual to define beauty for themselves. Norman and her team call this “inclusive beauty.”

Before we investigate what inclusive beauty is, we’ll first take a look at what it is not. Household makeup and skincare brands have long used tactics that reinform ageism, binary gender expectations, racism, sexism, and ableism. Expectations around what someone should look like have sold billions upon billions worth of products. Yet, these arbitrary beauty standards have led to wide swaths of consumers falling victim to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and other mental and emotional health issues. 

In tandem with these issues is the continued widespread inclusion of harmful chemicals in makeup and personal care items. A 2021 study found high levels of hazardous industrial compounds—all of which linked to grave health conditions—present in more than half of the cosmetics sold in the US.  

In short, the things created to make us feel beautiful have excluded, marginalized, and sickened consumers. Norman, along with her team behind Humanist Beauty, is flipping this script. Her focus is on ingredient purity, supply chain ethics, and care for every stakeholder involved, from her employees to consumers to the planet. “I wanted to develop a brand that went above and beyond to appreciate kindness, diversity, and well-being,” the founder says. 

When we asked how she is doing this, and what exactly she means by “inclusive beauty,” Norman is incredibly forthright. “Inclusive beauty is so much more than showing tokenistic images of women with different skin tones and hair types,” she tells us. “It extends to understanding the thoughts, feelings, frustrations, and opportunities of those who have previously been marginalized and under-represented in society. It is letting people know that we see them, hear them, and care about them deeply.”

A Conversation with Jennifer Norman

Let’s start off with the genesis of your company, Humanist Beauty. 

When I started developing the Humanist Beauty brand, I reflected on my own life experiences of being an adopted Asian American girl, and also on being the single mom of a mixed-race child living with chronic illness and disability. I wanted to develop a brand that went above and beyond to appreciate kindness, diversity, and well-being. 

How do you honor “inclusive beauty” via your brand?

Humanist Beauty stands for all races, backgrounds, skin tones, ages, abilities, gender identities, and beliefs. It lets all people know that they have value, and they matter. Some of the ways Humanist Beauty honors that is by working with diverse talent like trans model Gracie Cartier, prosthetic queer dancer Kima Dima, and unconventional curvy beauty Leah Abramson. We also support those with visual impairment or blindness by offering braille ID bands for our skincare products, Herban Wisdom Facial Oil and Herban Wisdom Eye Cream. We will continue innovating for ways to serve the abilities community even more going forward. 

What changes in the skincare and beauty industry are you most dedicated to seeing and being part of? 

More and more, beauty is being defined as wellness. It’s so much more than skin-deep. It’s about living truthfully, healthfully, and connected to everyone else in a positive way. The organization that I founded, The Human Beauty Movement, is all about embracing an ethos of beauty positivity. It’s about every human being coming to know their own true self and embracing the beauty that lives within. That way, they can then manifest that beauty out into the world as they desire rather than worrying about anyone else’s definition of beauty. 

I [recently] attended Natural Products Expo West, and I was blown away by the spirit of community and togetherness that was pervasive throughout the show. There is an enhanced focus on well-being across all categories, which is a likely response to living through an isolating pandemic such as we all did. 

Humanist has obtained B Corp status, which means you must prioritize the wellbeing of your employees, customers, and of the Planet. It’s worth noting that this is not an easy certification to obtain and maintain. Will you walk us through how Humanist makes this a priority?

I absolutely founded my business knowing that B Corp Certification was a priority, and I’m proud to say that The Human Beauty Movement was certified after 1 year of being in business. 

Being a B Corp is the gold standard of proving social and environmental impact. Given that ‘clean beauty’ means a lot of things to a lot of different people (and to some, it means nothing at all), having third-party validation such as B Corp Certification elevates brands in the marketplace as representing the best for people and the planet. Rather than putting all focus on shareholder value, which prioritizes profits, we put all our focus on stakeholder value, which is the positive benefit we’re creating for the entire ecosystem which encompasses our employees, suppliers, customers, communities, governance, and the environment. We put programs, policies, and procedures in place to ask questions like, “Do our suppliers exemplify diversity and fair wages? Are we supporting a regenerative economy? Do our products deliver holistic wellness through organic content, safety, and quality testing? How are we prioritizing community engagement and transparency?” And so on. 

B Corp Certification goes far beyond the realm of just being “clean.” It helps us assess and track our progress as a benefit company and hold ourselves accountable for living out our purpose-driven values. 

Ingredients are a critical part of your brand. How do you ensure the ingredients you use and the sources you tap into are ethical, pure, and conscious? Are there practices that a consumer can follow for vetting their own products? 

The truth of the matter is that consumers love to research ingredients yet doing so can be time-consuming. And there is a whole lot of contradictory information out there. That’s why it’s good to know there are brands, retailers, and organizations that help do the vetting for them. Clean retailer Credo Beauty allows you to click on any product’s ingredients to learn about their definitions. The EWG Skin Deep database is a good source for ingredient information. While not perfect, it’s perhaps the most comprehensive source for product safety data, and the EWG Verified seal is the strongest third-party indicator of best-in-class safety. 

I have extremely high standards when it comes to the ingredients that go into Humanist Beauty formulas. Not only do I screen for cleanliness, but I also do background checks on suppliers to vet their harvesting, processing, and manufacturing processes. I also require test results to ensure all raw bulk is clean and safe. 

[We] maintain an Ingredient Glossary where anyone can research any ingredient in our formulas to learn more about its function and safety. Transparency is an important aspect of our core values. 

To learn more about Norman and her inclusive beauty approach, visit humanistbeauty.com and the-hbm.com. 

—By Stacey Lindsay

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Amazon Alternatives

Choosing to support smaller brands and companies can be harder than expected. It requires determination and the time to research and vet alternative options. Making such a change can be particularly daunting when you’re aiming to forgo the services of one of the world’s largest online retailers: Amazon. 

Since its inception, Amazon has seen its share of employee and customer boycotts. Some people withdraw from Amazon due to reports of poor employee working conditions. Others aim to support channels that encourage and help to sustain small brands and companies. 

Whatever the case may be, a growing swell of interest to exit the services and goods of Amazon continues. If this is of interest, there are alternative shopping platforms—thankfully, an increasing number. We’ve rounded up the top six to consider when purchasing clean, local, sustainably sourced foods, self-care items, and home goods. 

Thrive Market

We’ve applauded this community-focused online marketplace many times before. With a giant curated selection of organic, non-GMO, and sustainably made foods, pantry items, and home and personal goods, Thrive offers a clean e-commerce selection that is hard to beat. The site is easy to shop, with items divided into obvious market sections and dietary and lifestyle needs. The company creates its own line of products and offers carbon-neutral shipping in recyclable packaging.

Package Free Shop

Lauren Singer, the founder of this Brooklyn-based online shop, is a true plastic-free pioneer. With the founding of Package Free Shop she and her team have helped to offer a fun, convenient way to shop for personal, pet, and home goods free of unnecessary plastics and coverings. The range, which is all from independently owned brands. (We absolutely love the kitchen section.)

World Market

This online marketplace, which also has stores across the country, continues to surprise us in the food and kitchen department. With a strong emphasis on global, fair-trade, and niche, the specialty spices, nuts, and jarred goods here are varied and hard to find. While this retailer is by no means perfect (there is still a wide range of mass-produced items, including furniture, here) it does provide a solid default option for finding smaller brands that value sustainability and ethics. 

Etsy

When Etsy sprouted out of Brooklyn in 2005, no one ever expected it to have the impact that it does today. This global online hub allows small artisans to sell their goods and has grown to be a premier go-to resource for supporting local, small and consciously made products. Etsy now has B Corporation status, which means it must consider the welfare of its employees and the environment in all that it does. With an assortment from personal care to furniture to jewelry, this company offers a giant selection. (It is also the first online shop to offset all its carbon emissions from shipping.) In this time of uncertainty, many have turned to support Ukrainian Etsy makers as an alternative means of helping those in need.

Bookshop

It’s common to look to Amazon as the default option for buying books online. Thankfully, Bookshop.org has sprouted and made both buying books and supporting small, independently owned bookstores easy.  Another certified B Corporation, Bookshop partners with small shops across the nation to offer essentially any and every book title. This company is generous with its profits, giving away more than 75 percent of its margin to the authors and shops. This is the PrimaFoodie go-to for all new cookbook releases.

Grove Collaborative

Grove Collaborative, which launched only a few years ago, aims to be completely plastic-free by 2025. An online retailer, it offers an assortment of personal, beauty, and household items, all of which have been vetted by their very strict set of standards that includes ingredient transparency (including no items that include artificial “fragrances”), no animal testing, and item that comes from ethical supply chains. 

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Conscious Small Brands: San Francisco Edition

These days, every city—large and small—boasts its fair share of sustainably-minded, local goods. But there is something about San Francisco. This Northern California city shines when it comes to conscious creators. Abounding with creativity steeped in sustainability, San Francisco has long been a beacon of inspiration for makers that don’t waste energy toward the cheap and quick but rather only dedicate themselves to what’s slow, deliberate, and meaningful.

Speaking of slow, San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area is, after all, the home of slow food activist and chef Alice Waters. The revered chef and restaurateur has influenced countless eco-minded food entrepreneurs for her farm-to-table approach and deep respect for regenerative farming. (In the early 1970s, Waters opened her famed restaurant Chez Panisse, with the steadfast mission of incorporating only organic and local produce into every meal served.)

So it is safe to say this territory, graced by Waters presence and countless others, is land for innovation and curiosity when it comes to real foods—and it is a place that champions local small companies that put the wellbeing of stakeholders first. Naturally, we were thrilled to dig deeper into the many conscious small brands that San Francisco has to offer.

Farmhouse Lab

Truly a one-of-a-kind salad dressing company that uses only a handful of local organic ingredients in their mixes. The Berry Olive and Sunny Avocado are local favorites at SF farmers’ markets.

The Nectary

This small-batch flower and plant beverage company prides itself on using plants that are naturally cross-pollinated by local bees. Located in Sebastopol, the owners frequent many of the SF farmers’ markets. Their ferments and cold-pressed juices are unparalleled.

Spirit Fruit

SF native Konstantin Kosov founded Spirit Fruit after he unexpectedly found himself delivering fresh produce from the local farmers market to Bay Area residents. Known for his “sunshine vibes,” he and his crew work with local organic farms to source only the highest peak fruits and vegetables to then offer at the farmers’ markets or via local CSA delivery.

Just Date

It’s all in the name: This SF company started off making their simple one-note product, a clean date syrup, with a minimal team. Now you can find the syrup on natural grocery story shelves across the US. 

Revive Kombucha

For more than 11 years, Revive has been brewing up local sparkling teas—aka kombucha—in small batches. Their distribution reach has widened to other states, but their local roots and dedication to pure ingredients have remained.

Kalkat Fruit & Nut Co.

Head to the Fort Mason Farmers’ Market on a Sunday and you’ll find an impressive array of local nuts, dates, and other dried fruits at this bustling tent.

San Francisco Honey & Pollen Co.

A small company offering the local liquid gold of the region. In tandem with offering local honey and bee pollen, husband-and-wife team John and Christina McDonald also give workshops on the critical importance of ethical, kind beekeeping.

Dancing Crow Wine

Low to no intervention natural Syrahs, Sauvignon Blancs, and Cabernets made with organic local grapes and no added fillers or toxins.

Winter’s Fruit Tree

SF residents flock to this stall at the farmers’ markets to source their peak fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, handmade nut butters, and more. Family-run for several generations, the owners of Winter’s Fruit Tree follow sustainable and organic farming methods.

Sciabica's Olive Oil

The Sciabica Family is legendary in the Northern California food scene: Since the early 1960s, they have been growing organic olives to cold-press them into the purest olive oil—making them the oldest producer of the product in the US. While their oils and balsamic glazes are famous, this company also offers freshly made pastas, tomato sauces, olive oil almonds, and handmade skin care

Saba Jam

Women-owned and run, Saba Jam produces small-batch hand-made jams that are dense with organic Northern California fruits picked at peak season.

Dandelion Chocolate

If you’re in town and seeking a novel experience, head to the Mission District to check out this local and wildly popular chocolate company. The Dandelion team offers friendly tours and tastings to get a deeper experience of its organic, single-origin small-batch artisan chocolate. They pride themselves on building honest and fair relationships with their cocoa bean farmers, a rarity in the chocolate industry.   

Bathing Culture

It took two friends, the vibes of San Francisco, and a desire for a soap that doesn’t strip or negatively impact the earth to create this popular line of body and face oils, and sustainable bath products. Free of anything toxic or artificial, these products do what they’re meant to do: gently clean, moisturize, and uplift.

Lady Falcon Coffee Club

There’s a reason why we included Lady Falcon in our holiday gift guide: The coffee, which is sustainably grown and founded by female farmers, is pure, clean, and simply incredible. Plus, we love the unique vibe of the brand’s aesthetic that pays homage to the salty, foggy air of San Francisco.

Flower Head Tea

Oakland resident Karina Vlastnik is the energy behind this vibrantly packaged company that offers ethically sourced tea and chai. Inspired by the “evolving vibrations and diverse terrain of Northern California,” the tea is blended by-hand in very small batches.

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Conscious Small Brands: Boston Edition

If you’re not from or familiar with Boston, this city will surprise you. It’s a metropolis small in geographical size (the city and surrounding region is about 90 square miles) yet abundant in ideas that shift the world. Some of the world’s greatest think tanks and universities call this New England town home, as do thousands of careerists from all fields.

But what adds such a layer of surprise to this city is its humility. Boston doesn’t brag (except when it comes to sports) but it certainly produces. Artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, blue-collar employees, white-collar employees, advocates, and activists all lend a vibrance that makes this city one of the most productive and unique. Here you’ll find a consistent swell of small-scale conscious entrepreneurs, innovative (and inclusive) food producers, organic farmers, and dedicated artisans creating goods that are clean, sustainable, and nourishing. Our round-up here highlights just a few of our PrimaFoodie-approved favorites.

Boston Honey Company

As its name suggests, Boston Honey Company produces small-batch, local honey from established apiaries across Massachusetts. The bees are allowed to openly pollinate, thus resulting in various multi-flower varieties of the sweet sap. Everything is kept raw and unfiltered, from the hive to the jar, and is available at local New England markets and farm stands.   

Copicut Farms

If you were to visit this Dartmouth, Massachusetts farm you’d be greeted by hens freely roaming the property and cows grazing in acres of emerald grass. Everything from Copicut, from the pasture-raised meats and poultry to the organic vegetables, is grown, cultivated, and processed on the farm.  The family uses no pesticides on its grasses and offers certified organic CSA boxes for local delivery.

C&C Lobsters and Fish

Maine may get all the praise when it comes to East Coast lobsters, but the waters bordering Massachusetts easily rival in quality. This small family-run fishery has been sustainably catching local lobsters since 1982. Everything is sold the day of its catch, offering local citizens and restaurateurs some of the freshest fish and lobsters in New England.

Sweetness Foods

Will Hansen, the founder of this small frozen treat company, has brought the humble sweet potato to new heights. After facing health and weight issues, he went on a quest to clean up his diet and eat only real whole foods. This included hand-creating this creamy frozen dessert made with whipped sweet potatoes, maple syrup, chia seeds, grapeseed oil, and fresh fruit, spices, and nuts.

Riddle Brook Farm

Tucked in the Blackstone River Valley, a lush region that runs through southern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island, is Riddle Brook Farm: a quaint family-owned and run farm specializing in pasture-raised eggs, flowers, and gourmet oyster mushrooms. Their offerings, which are all humanely sourced and raised, are available at Boston farmers’ markets and local CSA boxes.

Follain

Nearly a decade ago, Tara Foley set out to change the beauty world by educating consumers about the need for more transparency when it comes to personal care products. So she opened Follain in Beacon Hill, a tiny apothecary that stocks 100 percent clean beauty, personal, and home products—and people came in droves. Today Foley has several Follain locations, as well as her own skincare line named after her boutiques.

Soluna Garden Farm

Just north of Boston, Soluna Garden Farm grows seasonal organic herbs and flowers, most of which is then incorporated into their natural vinegars, spice blends, and herbal teas. They make their specialty products at Food Evolution, a shared women-owned collective kitchen that focuses on food system education.

Langwater Farm

Langwater is another stunning family-owned farm in Massachusetts that produces organically grown (and some heirloom) vegetables and fruits that are on offer via CSA boxes and at Boston farmers’ markets. The family also puts their more than 80 acres to community use by offering seasonal public vegetable picking and a pumpkin patch every fall.

For further exploring, read our PrimaFoodie Guides to Austin and Portland.

Game-Changing Clean Products, Incredible Heroines, and More PrimaFavorites

Whether it’s discovering a new inclusive cookbook author or reaching for our tried-and-true clean products, we’re always looking to inspiring brands, projects, and people that make life more beautiful. Here’s a look at what we’re currently coveting, exploring, trying, and genuinely enjoying at PrimaFoodie.

PrimaFavorites: Summer 2021 Edition

School of Lunch Training Academy: “This new cooking academy is top of my list for summer fun. It is an investment, for sure, but a worthwhile one.” —Nichole Perkins, Founder and CEO

Jojoba Oil by Cliganic: “I used this oil all throughout my pregnancy and I’m still using it. I swear it’s why I didn’t get stretch marks—or at least part of the reason. Cliganic stands by using only clean, organic, natural oils and ingredients in their products, so there’s nothing added or potentially harmful.” —Adrienne Levy, Creative Director

Lorena, Light-Footed Woman Short Documentary: “Lorena is an ultra-marathon runner who lives in the mountainous Chihuahua region in Mexico. She has become well-known for winning national and international marathons—always running in her skirt and sandals. Lorena’s determination and simple love for running is what makes her story so refreshing and inspiring. This documentary is a gentle reminder that our passion and love for what we do is sometimes the best thing we can wear.“ —Emila Akrapovic, Associate Marketing Project Manager

Imperfect Foods: “The USDA estimates between 30 and 40 percent of our food supply is wasted. This is horrific considering the plight of food insecurity and the need for better access to nutritious meals. The team at Imperfect Foods is on the front lines fighting food waste. They corral rejected “ugly” produce, imperfect clean self-care items, excess inventory, and undervalued goods from local grocery stores and health food markets. You shop the site just like a regular market and it gets shipped directly to you in a recyclable box. And you generally spend around 30 percent less than you would at a regular grocer. While I aim to shop for all my produce at the farmers market, Imperfect Produce makes an excellent option for filling in pantry needs and making sure perfectly good organic treats, rice, and even nuts don't go wasted. “ —Stacey Lindsay, Editorial Director

Augustinus Bader: “I received this gem in my stocking this last year. It’s a clean version of a fancy face cream. I like ‘The Cream’ for Los Angeles and more humid climates like Tennessee and Texas, and ‘The Rich Cream’ for extremely dry climates like Utah and Colorado.” —Nichole

Mindful Goods Mesh Produce Bags: “I found that most of my plastic use came from using plastic produce bags at the grocery store, so I sought out reusable bags to bring with me to the market. These mesh bags come in three different sizes and they are easy to wash since they are made with cotton.” —Emila

Round Beach Towel: “I love round beach towels, there’s just something about the shape that makes me feel more elegant- These by Serena and Lily are especially comfy.” —Adrienne

Shhhowercap: “I’m a big fan of anything that serves both form and function. This shower cap is chic and looks good in your shower while it’s hanging, and it only takes a few minutes to dry. It’s waterproof, antibacterial, anti-humidity, machine-washable, and big enough to cover long hair in a top knot. The rubber grip around the hairline doesn’t ever stretch and wear out. Made of a patented fabric that feels better than plastic, these caps never wear out, which makes them sustainable.” —Nichole

Kuumba Made Amber & Sandalwood Fragrance Oil: “This oil-based scent is warm and sweet. I use the petite roll-on, but they also have up to 4oz sizes. This is my go-to fragrance because it’s natural and not overwhelming. A little goes a long way. I love how Kuumba made products are centered around creating natural skin care products that soothe, heal, and excite the senses.“ —Emila

Rosewater Spray: “I love a good rosewater mist—especially when I’m at the beach!” —Adrienne

‘Alice Waters Says People Who Call Her Elitist Just Don’t Get It’: “Alice Waters has unequivocally changed the way I approach food. From eating at her legendary restaurant Chez Panisse (and at her former petit eatery Cafe Fanny, a dreamlike spot) to reading her many cookbooks, I’ve found both inspiration and solace in her words about food accessibility and equity and seasonal cooking. Today, at 77, she’s just released a new book, a food manifesto of sorts. This New York Times article captures her fervor for food education and her constant fight to disabuse people of the notion that eating well and organic means spending a lot of money. “ —Stacey

Ursa Major Face Wipes: “Clean, soothing, and hydrating, these natural face wipes are my favorites to bring while traveling. It’s a quick way to refresh while on-the-go.” —Adrienne

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Conscious Small Brands: Austin Edition

Lately the most popular response to “where are you moving?” seems to be: “Austin.” This Texas city is attracting droves of people. We get why. Long famous for its vibrant music world, Austin is brimming with creativity and quality-of-life factors, including its local food business scene. A growing number of ethically focused purveyors and farmers are behind a bounty of conscious brands offering some of the country’s best in edible goods, from organic meats and eggs to sustainably sourced coffees. That is why we’ve been inspired to do our due diligence and vet the offerings. This shortlist sheds light on some of the best brands delivering quality and transparency to Austin (with a few shipping goods nationwide).

We say “shortlist” because—like all of our Conscious Small Brands Guides—this roundup is a work-in-progress. We’ll be adding to it as we continue to dig deeper into the offerings of this amazing city. (We’d love to hear from you: What are your go-to Austin brands that put sustainability and transparency first? Send us a note!) And if you’re in town, we urge you to chat face-to-face with the people behind the following companies. You can catch them on their farms or at the farmers’ markets, likely willing to answer your questions—as good folks behind transparent small brands tend to be.

Animal Farm Center

Animal Farm Center produces certified organic flowers, fruits, and vegetables via the practices of permaculture, a self-sustaining agricultural system. Although located closer to Houston, the team sells their goods at farmers’ markets in both the Houston and Austin regions.   

Austin Honey Company

Longtime farmer and Chile native Raul Vegara has been ethically harvesting honey in the States since 2004. Now as a beekeeper in Austin, he’s partnered with local Green Gate Farms to help establish his apiaries and provide pollination to organic agricultural production in the Austin region. Local residents flock to Vegara to buy his starter bee colonies, honey, and beeswax candles—but if you’re not in Texas you can find many of his goods for purchase online.

Bouldin Food Forest

The farmers at Bouldin Food Forest follow no-till or low-till farming methods, which means they employ practices that require the least amount of disturbance to the soil as possible. (This is aligned with regenerative farming.) The result is a bounty of vegetables and fruits that are nutrient-dense and sustainably produced that they sell at various Austin farmers’ markets.

Casper Fermented Vegetables

Inspired by traditional Jewish and Korean ancestral fermenting methods, Casper Fermented Vegetables offers sourdough, raw fermented vegetables, and kombucha that are produced in a sustainable East Austin food center. Founder Ben Hollander first fell in love with the process after watching his mother ferment their foods at home. He later earned a microbiology degree before creating Casper, which now sells at local farmers’ markets and retailers.

GFY Kitchen

GFY stands for “Gluten Free Yourself,” a catchy name to describe the handmade bread of this small brand. Baked daily, GFY’s breads are certified gluten-, corn-, and nut-free and made without preservatives. The endeavor all started when founder Tim Elias experienced anaphylaxis that was later determined to be triggered by gluten. Since he’s been on a quest to educate and provide clean, accessible, gluten-free products.

Happy Hendrix Farms

Happy Hendrix Farms started when Mike Hendrix and his partner, Chris Rutz raised a few baby chicks who grew to lay gorgeous eggs. Today the couple offers their free-range, organic eggs at local farmers' markets. What we most love is their love: When their hens stop laying, Mike and Chris continue to love and care for them for the rest of their lives.  

Hi-Fi Mycology

This tiny-but-mighty company initially began growing medicinal mushrooms to sell at the local Austin farmers markets, as well as to supply to the city’s restaurateurs. However, when word got out about their varieties—from immunity-boosting oyster to memory-promoting Lion’s Mane—Hi-Fi now offers their mushrooms to purchase online and ship nation-wide. 

New Leaf Agriculture

The concept behind New Leaf is extraordinarily inspiring. An Austin-based nonprofit, this social enterprise is part of the Multicultural Refugee Coalition that supports refugee families. The New Leaf team trains refugee farmers for paid organic and sustainable agricultural work that is” dignified, in-demand, and familiar from their countries of origin.” The produce is available through CSA box delivery and at various farmers’ markets.

Peeler Farms

The Peeler Family refers to themselves as “grass farmers'' because they see this as the foundation of their entire operation. Stemming from 100 years of cattle ranching history, the current team touts their Wagyu beef that is sustainably and ethically raised and sourced. Everything is conducted within their sight and control, from the breeding and raising to the finishing and packaging.

Shirttail Creek Farm

“Bugs, grass, lots of sass.” That’s how Shirttail Creek Farm describes the life and diet of its chickens. Everything offered from this Brenham, Texas farm, from its eggs to its chickens to its beef, stems from an animal that was allowed year-round sunshine and swaths of pasture on which to roam and graze.

Talisman Coffee

Talisman Coffee is steeped in family tradition: Sandro and Johanna are the coffee farmers who oversee the thirty-five-acre Nicaragua farm that supplies the shade-grown, hand-picked, sustainably processed, chemical-free beans, which brother and sister Fernando and Jo roast in Austin. Their varieties can be purchased at the local farmers' markets and online.

Zhi Tea

The self-proclaimed “tea freaks” behind Zhi Tea hold paramount practices that are ethical, sustainable, and fair-trade when sourcing, blending, and packaging their varieties of teas—all of which are grown without chemicals. Ranging from Pu-Erh to Matcha to Rooibos, and everything in between, this boutique company is a destination for high-end tea when in Austin or browsing online.    

 
For further exploring, read our Guide to Portland, Oregon’s Best Conscious Small Brands

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Conscious Small Brands: Portland Edition

Portland, Oregon is one of those places that defies an easy description. This city is stunning. Hugged by emerald forests and filled with friendly people, it is progressive to its core. It is also a town that has set the bar when it comes to caring for others and the planet, and encouraging entrepreneurial ingenuity.

We love this city for all of the above, as well as its bevy of locally produced, ethically created, health-conscious goods. It is the place for dinners made of ingredients sourced within a handful of miles from your plate. For fresh organic kombucha and handmade vegan chocolate. For pasture- and humanely-raised meat. Every corner reveals a gem. But if traveling here isn’t on your radar (or isn’t feasible in these times), you can still experience the essence of Portland by ordering many of its locally made goods. 

One last note: If you’re reading this and you’re from Portland (or you love Portland), you may very well think: There is also this maker, and this boutique, and this craftsman. We hear you. This city is packed to the brim with noteworthy small brands. Our inclusions here mirror what’s on our radar, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have a burning suggestion, we’d love to hear from you as we’ll be updating our list throughout the year.

Beverages

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

It seems that Stumptown is slowly becoming a household name, but this coffee still comes from a Portland brand that is small at its core. Their beans are responsibly sourced and mostly certified organic. But what we love most about this company is its B Corporation status, which means that it has gone through a rigorous certification process to ensure that it puts the benefit of its people, community, and the planet first.

 T Project

Founder Teri Gelber has a mutual love for quality tea and togetherness. She created T Project, her studio and tea line, as a way to encourage people to gather over her loose-leaf blends. A food industry veteran, Gelber sources organic teas, herbs, and spices from around the world and hand-mixes them in her quaint Portland space. The blends are worldly and beautiful—and each one is named after a nostalgic song. Diamonds and Rust, an Oolong nod to Joan Baez, is one of our favorites.

Tio’s Water Kefir

Uplifting and refreshing, Tio’s small-batch kefirs are made primarily of Oregon-grown ingredients like local blueberries and organic ginger root. The kefir is light, full of probiotics, and contains no added sugars, coloring, or preservatives. 

Meat and Poultry

Pasture PDX

The two founders of Pasture, Kei Ohdera and John Schaible, are single-handedly evolving the way meat is procured here in the states. They focus on animal husbandry, the holistic, ethical practice of breeding, raising, and caring for an animal its entire life before it is humanely slaughtered for meat.  Kei and John know their animals well, as well as all the farmers with whom they partner. They offer fresh-cut meats and often collaborate with local restaurants and purveyors to offer local lunches and dinners.

Deck Family Farm

Located on more than 300 acres of rolling farmland in Willamette Valley, Deck Family Farm produces organic, pasture-raised meat and poultry. The family prides itself on allowing the animals to roam free on the pasture, and follows various regenerative and sustainable farming practices. Fresh cuts of meat, whole chickens, and sausages are available to ship, as well as sides of animals for larger purchases.

Chocolates and Other Sweets

Moonstruck Chocolate

Small batch and super creamy, Moonstruck exemplifies the concept of responsibly made. Each of their chocolates include ingredients sourced from the Pacific Northwest, as well as cocoa that is ethically procured. The team, which makes all of the truffles, hot chocolate, and bars in their Portland factory, teams up with Cocoa Horizons, an impact-driven program that aims to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers in West Africa.

Woodblock Chocolate

Husband and wife team Jessica and Charley Wheelock create all of their artisanal chocolates in their northeast Portland manufactory. There is also a tiny cafe which is lined with giant glass windows which give you a front row seat to the roasting, melting, and mixing of the cacao beans. Their chocolate bars and drinking chocolates are pure and creamy, and boast the loveliest artistic packaging. 

Grains, Nuts, Seeds, Spices, and Oils 

Lonesome Whistle Grains

Lone Whistle has been sustainably growing organic heirloom grains for almost twenty years. Locals flock to their stand at various farmers markets in Portland, Eugene, and Corvallis to stock up on organic popcorn, stone ground flours, Abenaki corn polenta, rolled oats, and buckwheat pancake flour mix. 

Oomphs Cooking Blends

The name really says it all. A pinch of an Oomph blend adds a layered depth to vegetables, scrambled eggs, grilled meats, stir-frys, and soups, bringing out the flavor potential of a dish. Made of spices and dehydrated vegetables, each blend is free of additives, colorings, GMO ingredients, preservatives, and pesticides. Its founders created the line after looking for creative and clean ways to add flavor to their GAPS diet dishes. It’s a little east Portland company creating an innovative, healthy way to season food. 

Jacobsen Salt Co. 

While all salt technically may have been naturally created equal way back when, not all salt is sourced to be equal. (Buying “sea salt” that is really mislabeled table salt is a pet peeve of ours.) That’s why we love Jacobson salt. They harvest it straight from the clean waters of Netarts Bay, right off the Oregon Coast. (There are a few exceptions, such as the Pink Himalyan Salt, which they source from rock salt in the mountains of Pakistan.) Jacobson’s flaked sea salts are mineral-rich, crisp, and perfect for finishing a dish. Their kosher salt is briny and ideal for cooking. And if you want a real treat, consider one of their infused salts that are mixed with spices, herbs, and even wine. 

Ground Up

This Portland-based small, female-founded company makes creamy hand-crafted nut butters that are free of peanuts, palm oil, dairy, sugar, and gluten. Their flavors are inventive: coconut cardamom with chia seed, cashew, and almond butter; spicy tahini cashew butter made with Diaspora chiles (a PrimaFoodie favorite); cinnamon snickerdoodle. And their business model is even more inventive, as well as inclusive: Through its training program, the team works with women who are overcoming obstacles and various adversities.

Durant

Durant is a scenic vineyard, winery, and olioteca located in the stunning Willamette Valley just south of Portland. Their olive oil is pressed on location from primarily olives grown on the estate, as well as some from high-end growers in Northern California.

Portlandia Foods

Considering how hard it is to find condiments free of gluten and additives, we were thrilled to discover Portlandia Foods. Each of the condiments, which include BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, are made of Oregon Tilth Certified Organic ingredients and contain no gluten or artificial colorings. 

Breads

New Cascadia Traditional

New Cascadia’s start is a classic small-brand story. Struggling with a gluten intolerance, co-founder Chris Gumke couldn’t find any quality bread made without wheat. So he and his wife, Teresa, decided to make their own and sell it at the Portland farmers market. It took off, to say the least, and today New Cascadia’s gluten-free breads, doughs, pastries, and more are available all over Portland and via mail order.

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Conscious Small Brands: Coast to Coast Edition

The journey to clean and conscious eating has its challenges. Regions throughout the US still lack access to fresh ingredients. People are strapped for time, desire, or nutrition information. There is also an abundance of misinformation and greenwashing, as countless manufacturers continue to include harmful ingredients while claiming their products to be “natural.” These issues feed the dark truth behind the global food system.

It is because of these reasons, and many others, that we do what we do at PrimaFoodie.  For too long, barriers to clean food have thwarted progress. We want to call out the bad and call in the good—the farmers, educators, and entrepreneurs who are working to provide the world with accessible, honest, nutritious food. You’ll find those pioneers in this roundup of conscious small brands.

Each of these independently owned companies distributes or produces foods that are wholesome and clean, and they do so transparently and fairly. They provide information about their supply chains and work to make their pricing fair and attainable. They also put people over profits. We believe that fairness and equality are as essential as organic and non-GMO.

This guide will be an evolving project. For this first chapter, we’ve included purveyors and makers that ship nationally (or to most of the US). We’ll continue to add to it as we explore new companies.

Like anything, a real shift starts with small steps. The more people support independent brands, the less momentum the corrupt global food conglomerates will have. This all begins with ideas, which grow into conversations and ultimately a global movement.

A Guide to Small Conscious Brands

Meat and Poultry

8 O'Clock Ranch

John and Kassandra Barton have been sustainably raising their animals on their upstate New York Farm for more than twenty years. They started out with sheep, and eventually included cows, pigs, and chickens. Today, they partner with several other local farmers and ranchers to offer humanely raised, grass-fed beef, chicken, and pork, as well as maple syrup and local CSA boxes.

Peads and Barnett

Fresh air. Open, spacious fields. Zero GMO foods. These tenets are paramount in how the founders behind Peads and Barnett raise their pigs. The humanity shows in their fresh organic pork, many that come in cuts that mirror the European, Japanese, and Chinese styles that are hard to find in the states. While their products are primarily found at several LA-area farmers’ markets and specialty foods shops, they do offer some local delivery. It’s worth sending them an email to inquire if they’ll ship to your area.

Seafood

Greensbury

Greensbury has been working with sustainable and organic farmers, fisheries, and ranches across the US since 2007. They corral products based on their strict vetting parameters, which include meats that are only grass-fed, and hormone- antibiotic, and steroid-free, and wild-caught, sustainable seafood. There’s also a section on the online market that offers bone broths and family bundle options.

Wild Alaskan

There are two huge reasons we love Wild Alaskan: Every piece of fish offered on the site is wild and sustainably caught. And two: The site makes shopping easy and transparent. You can choose from various boxes (some all salmon, some whitefish and salmon) according to price. It’s efficient and clear.

WildLocal

Seafood is Ben Hyman’s passion. After spending twenty years on commercial fishing boats and seeing a lack of respect, sustainability, and transparency in the industry, he launched WildLocal. As the name suggests, Hyman focuses on seafood line-caught in the Pacific waters outside his Ventura, California base. You can shop the weekly fisherman’s catch online and have it expressed delivered on ice. (But if you’re in Southern California, it’s worth catching Ben and his team at one of the local farmers’ markets they attend in and around Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, and LA.)

Baked Goods, Chocolates, and Other Sweets

Sweet Laurel

It’s impossible not to fall for everything Sweet Laurel. Their whole-food baked goods have the ability to render the biggest sugar lover speechless with one bite of their organic, grain- dairy- refined sugar-free treats. Co-founder Laurel Gallucci has a talent for whipping together minimal whole food ingredients to make spongy cakes, gooey cookies, crumbly shortbreads, and decadent pies that rival any conventional confections. She and co-founder, Clair Thomas, have brought these recipes to the mainstream with their Pacific Palisades bakery. But if you’re not in Southern California, they divulge their secrets in their cookbook, and offer an assortment of baking mixes, ingredients, teas, and coffees online.

Hopf Chocolate

Founder Andrea Hopf does everything with intention and meticulous care. Her love for pure, raw, organic foods stems from her upbringing in Germany and fuels her line of high quality, vegan chocolates. Each treat contains the purest raw and organic ingredients—creamy cacao butter, plant nectars, quality spices—that makes for treats that are rich and indulgent. (The recipes are also high in natural minerals and contain no refined sugar.) Andrea has extended her line to now include nut butters, vegan cookie dough (a glorified nut butter treat meant to eat straight out of the jar), hot cocoa, and nut milks.

Grains, Nuts, Seeds, Spices, Beans, and Breads

Vision Sprouts

This husband and wife team produces the creamiest organic nut butters we’ve had. The secret is in how they stone grind the sprouted nuts, using no heat to retain the maximum amount of nutrients. (We love their Sprouted Almond Butter over fresh strawberries for dessert.) They also specialize in organic sprouted beans, seeds, and nuts (all of which they ship nationally), as well as organic microgreens that are available for customers in their Southern California region.

One Degree Organic Foods

One Degree is taking transparency to the next level. On every package there is a scannable QR code that links to literature and videos about the ingredients, farmers, and practices that went into making that specific product. All of their cereals, breads, granola, flours, and seeds are non-GMO and organic, as well as free from glyphosate, colorings, and other additives. You can’t shop their goods directly from their site, but Thrive Market and a handful of other online purveyors offer their goods.

Diaspora Co.

Diaspora founder Sana Javeri Kadri sources spices that “are an expression of the land they’re grown on, and the heirloom seed that they’re grown from,” she says. Kadri works directly with single organic farms that deliver the brightest, most potent spices and pay their workers a fair wage. The result is a product that you can feel good about—and one that is unparalleled. Diaspora’s turmeric is bright and zesty, its chilies are complex and deep, and its peppercorns are fruity and layered.

The Philosopher’s Stone Ground

Another maker of incredible small-batch, stone ground nut butters. Full of enzymes, nutrients, and flavor, these butters are creamy and smooth—and they only contain sprouted organic nuts and a handful of other organic, fair-trade ingredients.

Katinka’s Nourishing Kitchen

Katinka is a nutrition expert and yogi who makes nutritionally dense, grain-free clean baked goods. She uses only vegan, low glycemic, gluten-free, non-GMO whole ingredients in her mixes, which she handcrafts in small batches. Her breads are some of the rare gluten-free options that aren’t laden with vapid starches.

Boundbrook Farm

Located in Vergennes, Vermont, Broundbrook Farm specializes in small-batch ecological organic rice farming. They are one of the few farms in the US that mirrors practices borrowed from Japan, in which they use their beloved ducks to help tend to the rice fields to control the pests and weeds. You can order their white and brown rice to be shipped.  

Kandarian Organic Farms

Larry Kandarian is a true steward of soil. A farmer with nearly three decades’ experience, he follows sustainable, organic practices and puts integrity first. This shows in the variety of beans he cultivates on his farm, which we think are the best around. He also produces ancient grains, lentils, seeds, and organic herbs and spices, all of which are available for order online. 

Online Grocers

Imperfect Foods

Imperfect Foods brilliantly offers a solution to major roadblocks in our food system: copious waste and unaffordability. The online marketplace offers a large array of organic fruit, vegetables, meats, poultry, dairy, nuts, and more at about 30 percent below the average grocery story price. The cost savings comes from Imperfect’s model, which sources produce and other foods that are deemed ugly (fruits and vegetables that have been tossed aside because of their dents or imperfections), undervalued, excess inventory, or lacking in demand. You need to still be diligent when shopping here, as not all items are organic and the brands can vary. Imperfect also provides grants to nonprofits that are working to make our food system more inclusive, transparent, and healthy.

Thrive Market

Thrive Market is the result of four founders who were steadfast on offering nutritious, small brand natural products at affordable prices. In 2014, the team launched an e-commerce grocery store that does its due diligence in sourcing products that are organic, non-GMO, and sustainably made. What we love is how easily navigable it is: Items are divided into obvious market sections—food, meat & seafood, apothecary, home, pets, etc.—and also according to dietary and lifestyle needs. The company creates its own line of products, and more recently started offering wine that is free of added sugars, pesticides, GMO yeasts.