If you’re like us, you do. So give your favorite purpose-driven brand a virtual high five, because October is Fair Trade Month, a time to recognize the brands that make the world a better place.
We love all things fair trade, but we also want to applaud brands that treat animals with kindness, use simple, non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients, stay true to their family-owned-and-operated roots, and more. Because, when it comes to positive change, doing good—any kind of good— is what it’s all about!
Keep reading to learn about companies that have made ethical and sustainable practices core to who they are…and that make healthy, socially conscious snacks we can’t get enough of.
Cruelty-Free: Funny Farm Goat Cheddar Cheese Popcorn
The folks over at Funny Farm ooze passion for all things goat – from their delicious, creamy goat-milk products to the adorable ruminants themselves. So it’s no surprise that this brand treats goats with kid gloves. Funny Farm operates under the guiding mantra that “happy goats make better milk” and adheres to stringent ethical animal treatment and humane standards.
If happy goats make better milk, then milk from happy goats makes some top-notch goat cheddar. To get a firsthand taste of Funny Farm’s wholesome passion, grab a bag of their Goat Cheddar Cheese Popcorn. These lactose-friendly kernels are popped without salt in healthy coconut oil, and they have no artificial preservatives or flavors.
Simple Ingredients: Simply Smart Bar Cranberry Pumpkin Seed
The simple things in life – say, real food made from real ingredients – can be difficult to come by. With its delectably minimalist snacks, Simply Smart Bar feels like a breath of fresh air. This down-to-earth brand is on a mission to give you energy without excess baggage like chemicals, preservatives, and fillers. But simplicity isn’t just good for your body – it’s also good for the planet.
Just take a look at the ingredient list on Simply Smart Bar’s Cranberry Pumpkin Seed. Shelled pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries lead a lineup of edibles you won’t need to Google.
Non-GMO: Redd Mint Chocolate Superfood Energy Bar
A funny thing happened to Redd Superfood founder Alden Please.
Fed up with fake food, he wandered into a health food store and tossed a bunch of nutrient-dense ingredients into a bag. He found his seemingly random concoction gave him way more energy than your typical potato chip aisle snacks, and the seed for Redd’s bars was planted. Alden wanted to share his recipe for clean, sustained energy with the world, and he knew he could only accomplish that with the absolute best-of-the-best ingredients.
Commitment to pristine ingredients drives Redd to this day. They refuse to compromise quality to cut costs and are devoted to sourcing only non-GMO ingredients. After all, a Redd bar with funky, unhealthy, or genetically modified ingredients just wouldn’t be a Redd bar.
What’s the big deal, you ask? Try the Mint Chocolate Superfood Energy Bar to find out. Made from 11 phenomenal superfoods, the bar has 10 grams of protein. And if that doesn’t get your motor running, then the invigorating minty flavor will surely do the trick.
Family Owned and Operated: J&M Foods Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
There’s nothing in the world like homemade cookies, especially when they’ve been made from a beloved family recipe. That’s just one reason we love J&M Foods, a family-owned brand that serves customers packaged baked goods with the fresh-from-the-oven appeal you thought you could only get at Grandma’s house. The owners channel their mother, the company’s founder, in every decision they make, so their products burst with wholesome ingredients and heaps of love.
You’re sure to taste the care J&M puts into all of its products when you bite into their Soft-Baked Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies. The individual wrappers make these treats perfect for sharing or unwrapping (like a little present!). And since each cookie packs just 120 calories, you don’t have to feel guilty about having seconds…or thirds.
Social Impact: Betty Lou’s Vegan Protein Plus Chocolate Hazelnut Ball
The Betty Lou of Betty Lou’sTM loves to provide delicious and nutritious treats. Her company sprung to life because she wanted to share treats that made her sons and their friends feel good. As her brand grew from a small kitchen “bakeathon” into a thriving business, Betty never let go of the spirit of sharing that sparked her company. Betty Lou’s donates mass quantities of energizing snacks to the Oregon Food Bank. In a way, Betty still bakes for her neighbors, but now they’re just scattered across the entire state of Oregon.
To share Betty’s good vibes, all you need to do is enjoy one of her tasty creations, such as the Protein Plus Chocolate Hazelnut Balls. These goodies are not just for dessert. They’re packed with Betty’s vegan protein blend to give you serious energy.
Now you know just where to look next time you’re craving a snack that makes you feel good inside and out. Happy snacking, and cheers to a bright future!
