what is your response to people who think being vegan doesnt make a difference because "there is no ethical consumption under capitalism"
You will not find an example of an accessible, realistic individual decision that makes a big impact on a societal scale. You can use this exact same argument to discourage fairtrade, boycott of any kind, union membership, buying slavery free chocolate, supporting protest, supporting local businesses - the list goes on.
Our decisions aren’t going to change the world on a macro scale, but they have a material and observable difference to the environment and to the people we interact with on a daily basis. It certainly has an environmental impact that we can measure, as well as creating demand for profits and services, and funding corporations.
This catchphrase is repeated ad nauseum by people who want to justify their own inaction, that’s all that it has become at this point. That we can’t consume completely ethically doesn’t justify not even trying and instead consuming as unethically as we possibly can. Ask a cocoa farmer benefiting from the Fairtrade price guarantee aid community funding whether or not trying to consume ethically is pointless.
As for veganism specifically, you make a difference whether you go vegan or not. You either create the demand that contributes towards an animal being bred, exploited and slaughtered or you don’t - both decisions have repercussions, as does the decision as to whether or not you want to fund one of the most exploitative and destructive industries on earth. Their CEOs are more than happy for you to keep repeating this apathetic cop-out because it is certainly good for their profit margins.
The entire point of this observation about capitalism is to recognise the inherent problem of trying to be ethical in a capitalist society, but it absolutely doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t even be trying. I’ve said this before but we can’t just sit around and wait for the revolution while doing absolutely nothing to bring it about; we have to live revolutionary lives. There is just no scenario in which collective change happens without individual action, however insignificant that action may seem.
If you’re interested, I’ve written a post about the difference being vegan makes more generally here.
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When I tell people I like to buy fairtrade chocolate because they don't use child slaves and they say where would you even buy that and I tell them Kroger they tend to be surprised. But then they're like its probably too expensive and I just wanna treat myself with something small cheap. I deserve a treat every now and then😊
And I'm like
You don't "deserve" to buy luxuries made from slave labor and also
Its literally a $0.40-$1 difference
[Image ID
Image 1: a screenshot from the Kroger app showing a listing for a 2.6 ounce Hershey's milk Chocolate with Almonds bar at $2.29
Image 2: a screenshot from the Kroger app showing a listing for a 3 ounce Endangered Species Chocolate bar with almonds and Sea Salt for $2.50
Image 3: a screenshot from the Kroger app showing a listing for a 12 oz bag of Nestle brand semisweet chocolate chips at $2.50
Image 4: a screenshot from the Kroger app showing a listing for a 10 oz bag of Simple Truth brand semisweet chocolate chips
End ID]
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Diverse and Dynamic: Emerging Trends from ECRM’s Natural, Organic, and Healthy Foods Session
September 20, 2024
Nancy Trent
The natural and organic food space continues to evolve, meeting the growing consumer demand for products that are as good for the planet as they are for personal health. At ECRM’s Natural, Organic & Healthy Foods Session in Indian Wells, CA, industry leaders, retailers, and innovators converged to showcase the latest in clean, sustainable, and nutritious offerings. This highly anticipated event highlighted not only the newest brands and products but also the overarching trends shaping the future of the industry.
"We continue to see more suppliers focusing on key ingredients, with a focus on healthy, better-for-you," said Tyler Barich, VP of Grocery at ECRM. "We had a dynamic group of retailers (including mainstream grocers & alternative channels) who are continuing to diversify their product assortments and healthier options for consumers."
Here are some of the most significant trends and purpose-driven brands that are paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable food industry:
Sustainability & Regenerative Agriculture
"Consumers are growing increasingly aware of the importance of both people and planet,” said Abby Massey, Senior Business Development Manager at Fairtrade America. “As they walk the grocery store and make purchasing decisions, seeing the Fairtrade Mark on their favorite products provides them with the assurance that the ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced, and verified by an independent third party. Since 2019, we've seen an 118% growth in consumer awareness of Fairtrade in the US with trust levels reaching an impressive 86% among consumers who know Fairtrade."
Sustainability is at the heart of the natural food movement, and regenerative agriculture is the next frontier. Brands that prioritize planet-friendly practices are redefining what it means to produce healthy, nutrient-dense foods while healing the Earth.
Bluebird Grain Farms offers 100% certified organic ancient whole grains, milled fresh and farmed using regenerative practices. Their grains including emmer, spelt and einkorn provide a unique farm-to-table experience that’s both nutritious and sustainable.
Alter Eco Foods delivers indulgence with a purpose. Their delicious organic chocolates, granola, and quinoa are made using clean ingredients within regenerative ecosystems. With sustainable packaging and carbon-neutral practices, they are a Certified B Corporation dedicated to healing the planet.
Avelina crafts premium, farm-to-table oats that are gluten-free, non-GMO, and packed with essential nutrients—perfect for a healthy breakfast or recipe ingredient.
Spring Creek Quail Farms offers quail eggs as a nutrient-rich, humane alternative to chicken eggs. These keto-friendly, eco-packaged eggs are hormone and antibiotic-free, providing an affordable protein source.
The Healthy Snacking Boom
As consumers embrace mindful eating, healthy snacks are on the rise. People are looking for snacks that pack a nutritional punch without sacrificing taste, and brands are responding with creative, guilt-free options.
Coaslink Corp specializes in vacuum-fried Shiitake Mushroom Chips, a crunchy, vegan snack that achieves a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor, led by an innovative female CEO.
Top Fox keeps it simple with crunchy, pop-roasted pumpkin seeds. These organic, non-GMO snacks are an excellent source of clean protein.
Plant-Based and Allergen-Free Innovation
Plant-based products continue to gain traction as consumers seek alternatives to animal-based ingredients and allergen-free options. The rise of plant-based eating has also spurred innovation in unexpected categories.
Pretty Tasty Tea offers rejuvenating and delicious collagen tea with 10 grams of collagen peptides per serving. Sugar-free, allergen-free, non-GMO and gluten-free, this tea promotes joint, skin, hair, and nail health in super great looking cans.
Garden Goddess brings ancient remedies into the modern health-conscious lifestyle with their organic, vegan Beet Kvass, a fermented tonic packed with probiotics that boost gut health, immunity, and mental clarity as well as the most creative recipes for sauerkraut that I have seen.
WOOP4 redefines plant-based seafood with their allergen-free fish substitute made from natural ingredients, offering a perfect texture for sushi, tartare, and poke dishes. They even make a plant-based piraña that has become a media darling.
Low Glycemic & Low-Sugar Options
As consumers become more aware of the impact of sugar on health, brands are developing low-glycemic and sugar-free alternatives that allow people to enjoy sweetness without the associated health risks.
Choward’s has maintained its timeless appeal with flavorful mints and gums since the 1930s, offering a low-glycemic, sugar-conscious indulgence that has stood the test of time and has enjoyed a resurgence as retro candy delights hipsters.
International Flavors
Global cuisine continues to influence the natural food industry, offering consumers exciting and authentic flavors from around the world. The push for diversity in food is expanding palates and bringing international delicacies to mainstream markets.
United With Earth specializes in ethnic produce like Medjool dates, coconut and almond date rolls, and Persian cucumbers. This minority-owned company is dedicated to sustainable farming and health-conscious foods.
Kibun Foods USA imports high-quality, easy-to-prepare surimi seafood from Japan and Thailand, bringing authentic Asian flavors to everyday meals. Their Healthy Noodles as we as their Natti are not to be missed!
Pozole (Pozolazo) offers a dehydrated soup made from traditional Aztec recipes, keeping authentic flavors intact while embracing modern, health-conscious production processes. •
Regal Kitchen Foods makes pre-cooked vegetarian Indian meals ready in 90 seconds, blending convenience with 100% natural, organic, gluten-free, and plant-based ingredients.
The Future of Natural Foods
ECRM’s Natural, Organic & Healthy Foods Session reinforced the natural food industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and health. The trends showcased at this event reflect a growing consumer demand for diverse, healthy, and environmentally conscious products. Participants left with fresh insights and new connections, poised to succeed in an increasingly dynamic market.
For more trends, read the latest from trendspotter Nancy Trent.
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