The food we sell at Earth Fare is
as close to the ground as it gets, which means we have high standards for what goes on our shelves.
Click any of the headings below to read more about our Food Philosophy.
To see a full list of our banned ingredients, view our
Boot List (PDF).
NO hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (added trans fats)
Partially hydrogenated oils are chemically manipulated liquid oils that are solid at room temperature. Hydrogenated oils are typically sold as shortening and margarine. They are found in hundreds of packaged grocery products and are used to increase the shelf life and stability of foods. Hydrogenated oil creates dangerous fats known as trans fats. If hydrogenated oils are present, you will most likely see “partially hydrogenated oils” listed on the label. Trans fats have been shown to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, lower HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood, cause heart disease or strokes, and contribute to diabetes.
NO High-Fructose Corn Syrup
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a clear, colorless, highly processed liquid. HFCS is used as a sweetener in many processed foods because, thanks in part to large agricultural subsidies to the corn industry, it’s cheaper than sugar.
The corn industry tells you that HFCS is ok "in moderation." What they don’t tell you is that consuming HFCS “in moderation” is nearly impossible with foods from a normal grocery store. Check your labels and you’ll see that HFCS is everywhere – in foods including ketchup, bread, granola bars, flavored yogurt, and more.
Research has shown that unbonded fructose (like what is found in HFCS) may be bad for us. It has been linked to excess fat buildup, leptin resistance, ghrelin suppression, and increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While these research studies were not performed specifically with HFCS, a recent study was conducted by Princeton University using HFCS. This study suggests that HFCS may contribute to increased weight, increased abdominal fat, and increased triglyceride levels in the blood more rapidly than table sugar.
NO artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
For centuries, humans used natural preservatives like salt, vinegar, and sugar in order to preserve and improve the tastes of meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. The 20th century brought us artificial ingredients to replace these tried and true ingredients.
Artificial means not natural. Most artificial ingredients are derived from petroleum, coal, tar, or corn processing. Artificial ingredients were introduced into the food supply in order to extend shelf life and reduce the cost of food.
Artificial ingredients have no nutritive value, and could exacerbate ADD, ADHD, and autism symptoms. There is also evidence that artificial ingredients could be toxic to your health in other ways. For example, artificial sweeteners have been linked to migraines, weight gain, and possibly cancer.
NO antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones or animal by-products in the feed (fresh meats & milk)
Synthetic growth hormones became popular during the 20th century because they accelerated weight gain in beef cattle so that the cows could get to market faster. Most conventional beef cattle in feedlots are given growth hormones. While growth hormones are most effective when given in the ear, most ranchers give the injections into the muscle, which means that more of the hormone makes it into the food we eat.
In dairy cows, synthetic growth hormones shorten the lifespan of the cow threefold while only increasing milk production by 10 to 15%.
NO bleached or bromated flour
Bleaching flour involves using chlorine gas to artificially age and whiten flour, which gets it to the shelf faster. When chlorine gas is added to flour, it reacts with some of the proteins in the flour. This reaction produces a by-product called alloxan, which has been shown to correlate with diabetes in rats and mice. Bleaching flour also robs the flour of many nutrients, including healthy unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Bromated flour is treated with potassium bromate, a maturing agent which allows for the development of gluten in dough to make the dough stronger. It also whitens the flour. Given time to age, flour will naturally whiten, and gluten levels will naturally improve.
NO irradiated single source spices, produce or meat
Food irradiation is a process by which food is exposed to ionizing radiation. The purpose of irradiation is to kill bacteria. It also is used to slow down natural decay and extend the shelf life of food. Food irradiation has been shown to delay the ripening of many fruits and the sprouting of many vegetables. It can be used to sterilize packaged meats, poultry, and poultry products.
Bacteria can survive the irradiation process. Irradiation gives producers the belief that they have a "safety net" at the end of the process. In turn, many producers feel as if they can take health shortcuts because everything will be "cleansed" during the irradiation process.
NO animal by-products in pet foods
NO inhumane treatment of the animals providing us with dairy, meat, and eggs
Large and industrialized meat, poultry, and dairy production utilizes techniques which force animals to live in environments far removed from their natural settings. Sometimes, this means that the living conditions are unhealthy and unsanitary.
Overcrowding, confinement, and improper diets can lead to illnesses and stress, which impact not only the animal's quality of life, but also the quality of food that the animal yields.
To us, humane treatment means the following: access to pastures for cattle, room to move and exercise, reduced (or NO) time on feedlots, beak trimming instead of de-beaking for poultry, clean bedding and good ventilation, and small scale / stress-reduced slaughter houses.
If we are what we eat, then why would we want to eat animals or animal by-products raised and killed in stressful conditions?
Earth Fare
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