We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’re sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series.
In 1989, when Jim Rimer discovered that the commercial cleaning products he was selling contained known carcinogens and other questionable ingredients, he quit his job as a sales rep and started making something safer in his own garage.
Biokleen’s original plant- and mineral-based cleaners were formulated to be powerful enough for industrial use, but they quickly caught on for home use, too.
I learned years ago that for a quick and simple meal, you need look no further than the can of tuna in your pantry. I remember watching my father quickly transform what he called a “canna tuner” into a gorgeous salad filled with leafy greens, plenty of his beloved “tamaters” and his favorite marinated artichoke hearts. Turned out tuna was not just for sandwiches! In fact, it’s perfect for appetizers, soups, main dishes, casseroles, pasta dishes and all kinds of salads.
Did you know that canned tuna has been around for nearly 110 years? First marketed in 1903, it quickly gained popularity that has yet to decline. Tuna consistently makes the top-choices list for “best canned items” to keep on hand.
You’ll find canned tuna packed in water, oil or brine; it can be salted or unsalted; and you can choose the variety of tuna you want. Here’s a quick list:
Albacore tuna is probably the most popular, and in the US can be canned and sold under the name “white meat tuna.” It has a firm texture and clean (not too fishy) taste.
Tongol tuna is often labeled as “canned light tuna.” It is slightly darker and a bit moister than albacore tuna.
Skipjack tuna is common in tropical waters. It is very flavorful and light in color.
We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’re sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series.
Wild Planet always considers the interests of their most important stakeholders — the fish.
“Ocean conservation is our first concern. We really view the fish as the major stakeholder,” says William Carvalho, who co-founded Wild Planet with Bill McCarthy in 2003. After decades in the seafood industry, they decided to cast off common practices that negatively impact our oceans and angle for a more sustainable way of doing business that helps preserve healthy and abundant fish stocks.
“Being in the seafood industry isn’t just about making money; it’s about participating in the stewardship of ocean harvest and providing food for people,” William says. “We feel a great responsibility to be an example in the industry . . . doing what is good for the planet.” Read the rest of this entry »
We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’re sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series.
Laurel Hill satisfies snackers who want healthy options without sacrificing flavor.
“Taste and nutrition come together in our snacks,” says Laurel Hill President Jeremy Isenberg. “We’ve reduced sodium, reduced fat and added fiber while giving people an intense, authentic flavor experience.”
Jeremy’s family has been in the food business for three generations. His grandparents, Jay and Dorothy, established Laurel Hill in 1965 when they began importing capers, olives, artichokes and other foods that were scarcely available in the United States at the time.
From Multi Grain Tortilla Chips to Oven Baked Pretzel Chips with less sodium than most, Laurel Hill is expanding the options for nutrition-conscious consumers who are passionate about great taste, too.
To make the most of every flavor, Laurel Hill Tortilla Chips are seasoned by “inclusion,” meaning the seasonings are incorporated into the masa dough so the flavor gets cooked right in. Laurel Hill Kettle Chips are made in small, slow-cooked batches, and the 40% reduced fat chips are kettle cooked, then flash-baked for superior crunch.
“We listen to our customers and raise the bar on what’s out there,” Jeremy says. “Nutrition is one component of that. We also focus on taste and quality. By having clear messages and information right on the package, we help consumers make clear choices.”
We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’re sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series.
At Cucina Antica, it’s all about the tomatoes — ripe, farm-fresh San Marzanos grown in Southern Italy, where rich volcanic soil yields some of the world’s tastiest tomatoes.
Chef/Owner Neil Fusco, a native of Italy, knows what a great San Marzano should taste like. His family has grown the prized plum tomato variety for 200 years! Neil works with the same farmers year-round and personally visits their farms to ensure the best quality.
At age 7, when Neil’s mother first taught him to cook, he learned that creating perfect tomato sauce is an art of simplicity. “You’ve got to keep it simple,” Neil says. “Our first ingredient is San Marzanos, and that’s what really stands out.”
Cucina Antica tomato sauce is cooked in small batches using a traditional method with no added water, sugar or tomato paste or purée. The tomatoes are gently crushed and minimally cooked. “Our philosophy is to cook it just enough to highlight the true flavor of the ingredients,” Neil says.
Recently, Cucina Antica also introduced a line of organic salad dressings and ketchup, created with the same emphasis on farm-fresh flavor and simple ingredients.
Our grocery team works hard to bring great-tasting natural and organic products to our stores that meet our shoppers’ needs. Admittedly one of the best things about working at Whole Foods Market is being able to taste your way through these innovative products. I have happily played hooky from my to-do list for a taste of chips and dips, gluten-free cereals and decadent desserts. (Does it still count as a taste if you go back for seconds and thirds?)
We’re pretty excited about the newest products in our stores and think you will be too. Rest assured, we’ve vetted them down to the last crumb! Add them to your shopping list, then tell us and other shoppers what you think by rating and reviewing them on our product pages.
Satisfy that snack attack with these lightly salted, crunchy whole-grain chips from a family-owned company. Sea Salt at the Seashore contains seven whole grains and seeds and How Sweet Potato It Is contains 18 grams of whole grains per serving. Plus, they’re organic, so you can appease your appetite and your values.
These thin, light and crispy oven-baked pretzels have a great shape and are the perfect size for dipping. The satisfyingly delicious flavors include Honey Multigrain, Sea Salt and Everything.
“Who’s playing?” It was a simple question but it caused quite a ruckus in the office the other day. Sorry! I’m just not a big sports fan. But I do like a good showdown and a good party. Which is why I usually grab a few friends and we gather around the TV for the Big Game. And if you’re like me, the question that’s more important than “who’s playing?” is “what are we eating?”
If you follow our blog you know we’ve already shared some Superb Recipes for Game Day as well as some recipes and tips to have a Healthy Game Day and even our produce expert’s “Best Ever” Guacamole. But if you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen when that great commercial (ahem) play happens, try some of these high-scoring snacks. Like all the products we sell in our stores, they bench the artificial preservatives, flavors and colors. Take a look: Read the rest of this entry »
We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’re sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series.
Nature’s Path has blazed an organic trail since CEO Arran Stephens founded the company in 1985. Along the way, he’s repeated the same mantra: “Always leave the soil better than you found it.”
The successful company, now 400 workers strong, has remained fiercely independent and family owned, guided by Arran and his adult son and daughter, Arjan and Joyti.
Nature’s Path was an early supporter of the Non-GMO Project, has reduced packaging waste with its innovative Eco-Pacs and EnviroBoxes and has always supported small farms. Arran explains, “One of our main initiatives is to increase organic cropland and support family farms.”
From granola bars to cereals to waffles, Nature’s Path is constantly creating deliciously nourishing organic products while seeking new ways to give back to communities.
We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’re sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series.
Nicole Bernard Dawes’ mom ran a natural foods store and her dad founded a potato chip company, so it’s only natural she is now on a mission to satisfy families with Late July Organic Snacks.
Chock full of key nutrients and loaded in fiber, whole grains are delicious and priced right for your wallet and your pantry. Go beyond brown rice by exploring rye, millet, oats, quinoa, spelt, wheat berries and more. You’ll find a wide variety of whole grains in our stores — experimentation is heartily encouraged!
Cooking with whole grains is an essential piece of eating a diet based in whole foods. Luckily, they’re also quite simple to incorporate into your menu. Here are some easy ways to enjoy whole grains:
Try barley, quinoa or spelt berries in your favorite soup, replacing rice or noodles.
Cook quinoa, rye berries, cracked wheat, bulgur or barley, cool and toss with chopped veggies or fruit and a vibrant vinaigrette for a salad.
Have a hearty hot breakfast of amaranth, quinoa, grits or oats cooked with dried fruit and topped with nuts and your choice of almond milk, coconut milk or yogurt.
Try kasha, cracked wheat or oat groats in a casserole or hearty stuffing for vegetables (such as stuffed cabbage and stuffed peppers).
Enjoy a sweet treat with a millet, quinoa or brown-rice pudding.
Firmer grains such as rye berries, barley, wheat berries and quinoa can be used just like brown rice as a base for flavorful curries and stir-fries.
Bake oats, amaranth, teff or rye flakes into breads or muffins.
Bonus tip: Whole grains supply key nutrients for good health and contain all the components naturally present in the grain seed kernel: the endosperm, the germ and the bran.
Hungry yet? We’ve picked a few of our favorite recipes that feature whole grains to get you from sunup to sundown. Enjoy!
Welcome to Whole Story, the official blog of Whole Foods Market.
Don’t know us? In a nutshell, we are the world's leading natural and organic grocer and we’re passionate about healthy food and a healthy planet. Learn more about us.
We’re lucky to have a whole bunch of smart, passionate people doing incredible things in areas like organics, supporting local growers, green practices, fair trade, micro-lending and all kinds of food related stuff. We’ll use this blog to share some of the cool things going on around here.
Of course, what makes this blog really exciting is YOU — so join the conversation!
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Chock full of key nutrients and loaded in fiber, whole grains are delicious and priced right for your wallet and your pantry. Go beyond brown rice by exploring rye, millet, oats, quinoa, spelt, wheat berries and more. You’ll find a wide variety of whole grains in our stores — experimentation is heartily encouraged!
