After two years and counting, we’ve accumulated a number of trusted brands that we will go to first when looking for goods to buy. We still do our homework to make sure – no one will (or should) be more concerned about our health than us – but these are the companies that we buy from often and with little or no hesitancy.
If you have a brand or product that you think could be on this list or if you have questions or reservations about these companies, let us know in the comment section at the bottom of the page. We want to know what you think!
Unrefined Gold Seal of Approval
This is a made up thing…we don’t send out gold seals – that would be expensive.
We do, however, trust these brands to the point that we believe virtually everything that they make is good for us to use. We haven’t found any evidence to contradict that feeling, but if we do, we will update this list immediately. And ask for our gold seal back!
Dr. Bronners
After escaping Nazi Germany in 1929 and being wrongly institutionalized for espousing his views in 1945, “Dr” Emmanuel Bronner founds his soap company in 1948. Dr. Bronner’s was the iconic soap of the 1960s and 1970s, and still remains one of the largest influences of the organic and all natural movement. All of the products in the Dr. Bronner’s brand are all-natural, made with organic ingredients, and are made in a zero-waste plant in California.
Nubian Heritage
From humble beginnings as street vendors in Harlem, Nubian Heritage set out to make all natural skin and body treatments in the traditional healing methods. Their products are produced without irritants and synthetic chemicals. Nubian Heritage products do not contain Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Paraffin, Gluten, Propylene Glycol, DEA, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Triclosan, Synthetic Fragrance or Artificial Color. The brand is cruelty-free and doesn’t test on animals.
Primal Pit Paste
Primal Pit Paste was created when Amy Cazin couldn’t find safe, non-toxic deodorant for her family to use, encouraged by the many friends and family who shared similar concerns for toxic products. Now, P3 makes multiple product lines, all created without the use of harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients.
Simply Organic
When cooking, we prefer to grab Simply Organic spices and herbs because we know the quality is very high. Simply Organic is a 100% certified organic line of spices, seasoning mixes and baking flavors. If I had it my way, my entire spice rack would be their entire catalog…
Bob’s Red Mill
If you are a baker of any kind, especially if you bake with gluten-free flours, you should get to know Bob’s Red Mill. Their products are made to a higher standard – almost preserved in time with their old fashioned slow speed stone milling process. As a true southerner, I make and stand by my own cornbread recipes, but Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free cornbread is delicious! And we aren’t even gluten free!
We also use Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda in all of our DIY cleaning recipes, as well as our baking recipes.
Greenshield
When it comes to household cleaners and detergents, there are few better than Greenshield Organics. They were founded by a dad who was determined to protect his and other families from the harmful chemicals found in many cleaning products. Their products are certified organic, having to pass a rigorous standard for that certification, and don’t contain any of the harmful ingredients commonly found in “natural” and “green” products.
Natracare
Natracare is an award winning maker of feminine care and baby care products. In all of their products, they use only organic and natural materials that meet the highest organic, environmental and biodegradable standards, sourced from raw material producers that manage and monitor resources respectfully.
One Look Brands
These brands are either making strides towards becoming all natural and chemical free or are producing some products that we trust. They may be making some goods that we use but don’t have a full catalog of products that we will use or recommend. For that and other reasons we recommend taking one good look at the list of ingredients or methods before using.
365 Everyday Value
We live a stone’s throw from a Whole Foods store and it is (usually) really nice. Most people associate organic foods and products with Whole Foods…as well as high prices. The prices are actually not that hard to negotiate if you know how to shop, plus their 365 Everyday Value brand provides a lower cost option in a wide variety of products and categories. The 365 label doesn’t mean cheaply made either – I’ve never felt like we were drastically sacrificing quality in choosing those products. But, just because you find it at Whole Foods does not make it healthy. They have organic products too, but those are sometimes made with way too much sugar or added sweetener going by another name. You still have to look at the list of ingredients to make sure it is good for your family – but if it passes the label test, by all means we recommend saving some money!
Simply Balanced
Several years ago, Target developed the Simply Balanced brand both out of market demand and out of a goal to increase their organic foods and products selection. While not all of the Simply Balanced products are perfect, they are vastly better than the conventional alternative. Plus, since they are made by and found in Target, Simply Balanced products are accessible to many more families than “traditional” organic stores and brands. We recommend keeping an eye on the ingredients lists, but will gladly grab Simply Balanced versions in a pinch.
Kind Snacks
Kind believes that if you can’t pronounce the ingredient, it shouldn’t go in your body and actually shouldn’t go in your pantry. Sound advice!
The main issue we’ve ever had with Kind Snacks made products is the amount of added sugars. They are made with quality ingredients – nothing artificial – and taste amazeballs, but some of their products have more sugar than we are willing to eat. But, Kind products are much better than their conventional alternatives. I also don’t know the status of pesticides/herbicides in their ingredients, but they use Non-GMO ingredients.
