I want to give some kudos.
I’m always complaining about the “BAD” stuff and I thought it was time to tell you about some good stuff from an unlikely source. I think so many of us feel that organics are hard to find, expensive and out of our reach, and in some cases it takes work and a bit more money to make sure we are putting safe food in our bodies.
I think one of the big steps that has to happen is for the major brands to take a stand and start putting out organic options and letting people choose. These large companies have more of an ability to provide a lower price point because of the sheer size of their organization, and with their name on a product I think there is an easier perception of trust.
In my switch to organic foods, I have come across two brands that I have been buying on a regular basis, Cascadian Farm and Muir Glen. These two brands are a part of Small Planet Foods which is actually a division of General Mills.
Now, I’m a big proponent of making our food from scratch but sometimes it just is not possible. I’m learning and growing and adapting and eventually I plan on making tomato sauce, granola bars and most of the food we eat, at home. For right now however, as I make a bunch of small changes that add up to profound impact, I do have to resort to buying some packaged foods. And frankly there are many families out there who will always rely on packaged foods for one reason or another. With these products at least we can know we are doing the best we can to ensure pesticides and artificial preservatives stay far, far away from our food.
Thank you General Mills for giving us choices and embracing the idea that there is a better way.
About Kim
Cascadian Farm also makes a delicious cereal granola which I’ve been buying consistently. Dark chocolate almond, it’s so so delicious. And it’s just over $3 a box which is seriously affordable. WTG General Mills!!
I had to stop buying that cereal. It was magically disappearing WAY TO FAST – LOL. It’s really good isn’t it?
Yeah, what’s funny is that my boys love it too. They are normally ones to go for something like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and they prefer the granola cereal. There’s a vanilla one too that I really like.
My husband just came home the other day with Cascadian Farm Granola Bars. I was very impressed with the ingredient list and we enjoyed the bars too. We’ll definitely be buying them again.
This is a good article. Thank you for sharing it.
I love, love, love Cascadian Farm products and did not know they were part of General Mills…good to know!
Thanks for posting this Kim. I’m going to do some serious searching this week to replace some stuff in our house with organic options. One of my biggest worries right now is the meat and it seems that’s the one that’s most difficult to find and afford.
Cat, yes the meat is the most difficult but it’s not impossible. Check to see if they have this at your Target: http://www.justbarechicken.com/ (the site is down but it was up earlier and they have a store locator tool).
Also our County Market was bought out but they do have organic chicken. One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t necessarily have to say organic to BE organic. Some local farms don’t have the $$ to have it certified but they may practice organic farming.
We buy beef from our local butcher shop and they use local farms and are particular about their cows. They don’t allow hormones. The cows aren’t 100% grass fed but many of them don’t allow corn or genetically modified feed.
It’s not an easy road but I think in the long run it is worth it!
I’ve never had either one of these brands but those granola bars look so yummy! I’m definitely going to keep my eye out for them next time I’m at the store!
Those granola bars are yummy. I got them at Target.
I also love that they use less packaging. They have their act together!
Yes they do, AND because it is General Mills they have the Box Tops for Education program too!
Heck yes! Love me some Cascadian Farms and Muir Glen!
They taste great too, which is awesome!