Over the course of this investigation, we’ve uncovered a number of details about how the private-label food business works, not least of which is information about who makes what for which stores. We’re working on uncovering more information about Wal-Mart and CostCo, so please drop us a line at investigations@thefastertimes.com if you happen to know anything about how either of those stores sources food, or want to help us find out more.
In the meantime, we’ve put together a decent guide to Trader Joe’s products, pasted below. If any of you would like a pdf to print out at home, just email us and we’ll send you one. And of course, please feel free to leave a comment here or email us with any additions to the guide.
One bit of news: This morning reader Amy Carson wrote to give us a heads-up on a bit of Trader Joe’s trivia that’s very important for those on a raw food diet. Apparently, whether products in Trader Joe’s stores are labeled raw or not, they are pasteurized, which makes them off-limits for those on a raw food diet. This includes all of the stores’ nuts and its “raw” almond butter as well. In Trader Joe’s defense, this is probably part of an effort to protect itself from any liability incurred by people eating unpasteurized items, getting sick and then suing the store, but nonetheless the labeling should match the product. Amy pointed us to this site for more information.
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And now, the guide:
Amy Westervelt
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3FingersBrown says:
If you're on a raw food diet, you need to realize that man harnessed the power of fire for a reason.
dave smith says:
Like the chart. It's actually a good sign for Trader Joes, I think, that they are using good brands.
sam says:
I've read that a human being can live for almost a month on a raw food diet.
patrick says:
I love this series. Keep up the good work.
christina says:
I've often wondered about this so thank you for doing this work for us all.
John O says:
If Trader Joe's Spring Water = Poland Springs, check it out further. Poland Springs is owned by Nestle, and Nestle's practices have been extremely problematical in the past. Water contaminated with VOCs, for example, and you may remember Nestle's infant formula sales in Africa and the disastrous consequences.
Ron says:
Very interesting article and info. I don't believe that Il Fornaio produces their doughballs any longer, although they used to along with most of their artisan breads.
Ginni says:
Very informative - especially about the not-so-raw raw foods.
Tom Bradbury says:
I saw a warewolf at trader Joe's his hair was perfect.
Stacey says:
I live in one of the towns where Poland Spring water is taken (Fryeburg, ME) and no nothing about the water being contaminated with VOCs.
HDC1066 says:
In New England TJ's anadama bread and six-grain pumpkin seed bread (maybe others ?) are 'When Pigs Fly' brand. Yummy.
Nooyawka says:
Within the guidelines of your raw food diet how many hours of exposure to electricity and stray rays from computer monitors is permissible?
Martin says:
At least here in California, TJ's carries a "Trader Jose" beer, which according to the label is manufactured by Tecate. Pretty decent beer, too.
Hunter says:
Stacy's is owned by Frito-Lay. You won't find that on the "Stacy's" website but it is on the Frito-Lay site. Note the Texas contact for Stacy's is identical to Frito-Lay.
Kris says:
This was a great article. I would love a copy of the PDF please. I am happy to see so many great companies that are behind Trader Joe's branded products.
I am just starting to eat more raw foods, and have found that it is best to make stuff at home(like Raw Green Smoothies) in my Vita Mix- so I know all the ingredients etc.. Thanks again- Kris
Kate says:
Amy -
Do you know who makes their almond butters?
Tamara Guyton says:
Who makes their semi-sweet chocolate chips? I am a Culinary Arts student in Seattle trying to write a report on food labeling and any help would be appreciated!!!!
gucci bags says:
"Joe, Miss?" Side of the voice is magnetic, like a radio anchor gentle, "I'm Xu Gaylord."
What is really afraid of anything. Joanne some scalp tingling, emboldened to speak also some shortcomings: "I'm sorry Mr. Xu, I am busy dizzy, I am so sorry. You ... ... still? I'll be right there."
"I'm downstairs in your company." Xu Gaylord if not angry, "You're easy out? Is not convenient, we take a gucci handbags."
Molly says:
Where does their organic milk come from though? I don't drink a lot of milk, but I put very little in my coffee every morning. I went on http://www.whereismymilkfrom.com to track where Trader Joe's Organic lowfat milk comes from. When the results came up it was from a company called Guida milk in Connecticut. I went on Guida's website and found NOTHING about organic! To be honest, I'm horrified of drinking milk which isn't organic & I never would. So is Trader Joe's scamming me? They label their milk with USDA approved and the organic label. I'm very interested in this because milk is so terribly altered in this country to the point that it doesn't even taste like milk and the cows are terribly mistreated by these big corporations.
Melissa says:
Do you know who makes Trader Joe's Dietary Supplements? I would like to know. Like their Trader Joe's Cranberry Concentrate, Trader Joe's Natural Papaya and Pineapple Enzymes and Trader Joe's Women's Formula Multivitamin.
John says:
Who makes TJ's Cookie Dunkers?
Anne says:
Tj's Soy Milk products are made by Pacific Natural Foods. Excellent company with solid core values.
Does anyone know who produces their shampoos and body wash? Hand lotion?