You're trying to eat healthy, and you know that means choosing plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. But as you wander the aisles of your local market, checking out the fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, you realize there's another choice to make: Should you buy organic?

Advocates say organic food is safer, possibly more nutritious, and often better tasting than non-organic food. They also say organic production is better for the environment and kinder to animals.

And more and more shoppers seem convinced. Even though organic food typically costs more --sometimes a lot more -- sales are steadily increasing.

"We've had a strong 20%-a-year growth rate since 1990," says Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of the Organic Trade Association (OTA). She also says more land is going into organic production all the time -- up to 2.35 million acres in 48 states as of 2001.

But many experts say there's not enough evidence to prove any real advantage to eating organic foods.

"There's really very limited information in people on actual health outcomes with consumption of these products," says David Klurfeld, PhD, chairman of the department of Nutrition and Food Science at Wayne State University in Detroit. "We don't know enough to say that one is better than the other."

So before you decide whether organic food is worth the price of admission, let's take a look at the issues.

Before October 2002, states followed varying rules for certifying and labeling organic products. But now all organic foods are grown and processed according to strict national standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To meet these standards, organic crops must be produced without conventional pesticides (including herbicides), synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Organically raised animals must be given organic feed and kept free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Organic farm animals must have access to the outdoors, including pastureland for grazing.

If a food has a "USDA organic" label, it contains at least 95 percent organic ingredients, and a government-approved expert has inspected the farm where it was produced to make sure the farmer follows USDA requirements.

"Before the standards went into effect, you never knew what you were getting," says Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD, director of nutrition for the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic. "My comment to people always used to be, 'Buyer beware,' so I'm thrilled that now we as consumers can be confident that when we buy something organic, it really does adhere to certain established standards."

"If you're talking about pesticides, the evidence is pretty conclusive. Your chances of getting pesticide residues are much less with organic food," says John Reganold, professor of soil science at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash.

Reganold points to a large-scale study done by the Consumers Union. Researchers looked at data from more than 94,000 food samples and 20 different crops. They found that organically grown crops consistently had about one-third as many pesticide residues as the conventionally grown versions. Organic foods also were far less likely to contain residues of more than one pesticide.

Even so, the amount of man-made pesticide residues found in conventional foods is still well below the level that the Environmental Protection Agency has deemed unsafe. The real issue is whether these small doses, over years and decades, might add up to an increased health risk down the line.

"Is it going to make a difference? I don't know," says Reganold. "But it's something to think about, and we're the guinea pigs."

Man-made pesticides aren't the only threats to food safety. There is also the question of natural toxins produced by the plants themselves. In this arena, conventional foods may actually have the advantage.

Because organic production steers clear of synthetic insecticides and herbicides, organic crops usually contend with more pests and weeds than conventional crops. This means the organic plants may produce more natural toxins.

"Plants can't get up and walk away. If they're being attacked, they've got to sit there and take it. So they may resort to their own chemical warfare," explains Carl Winter, director of the FoodSafe program and an extension food toxicologist at the University of California, Davis.

These natural pesticides could be just as harmful to people -- or even more so -- than the synthetic pesticides used in conventional agriculture. One familiar example is solanine, a substance produced by potatoes as they turn green, which can make you ill if you ingest too much of it.

Another safety concern that has been raised about organic food is the issue of manure fertilizers. Some critics fear that using manure to fertilize organic crops might increase the risk of contamination by dangerous microbes like E. coli.

"The organic farmers talk about the soil being more alive on organic farms than conventional farms. That life isn't just insects and worms; it's loaded with bacteria," says Klurfeld.

But organic production standards do include strict rules on the composting and application of manure. And there's little evidence that organic food has bacterial contamination more often than conventional food.

"The organic system is the only one with agricultural standards that prohibit the use of raw manure within a certain time frame between harvests of crops for human consumption," says the Organic Trade Association's DiMatteo. She adds that bacterial contamination usually happens because of improper handling after the food has left the farm, and conventional food is just as likely to be affected.

Whether the issue is bad bacteria or pesticide residues, experts agree that the best way to safeguard yourself is to thoroughly rinse allfruits and vegetables under running water. You should even wash items with inedible skins, like melons and citrus fruits, because cutting the rind with a knife can bring contaminants to the inside.

Right now, no one can say for sure whether organic food is any more nutritious than conventional food. A few studies have reported that organic produce has higher levels of vitamin C, certain minerals, and antioxidants -- thought to protect the body against aging, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. But the differences are so small that they probably have no impact on overall nutrition.

"So far nothing is definitive, but there really hasn't been a lot of money expended on looking at the nutritional benefits of organic products," says DiMatteo. She points out that studies done before the USDA national standard went into effect are likely to be invalid, as there were then no reliable controls on organic production methods.

There is one nutritional certainty, though. If you want to get the most from your food, eat it while it's fresh.

"Nutrients like vitamin C do oxidize over time. So even though the nutrients might be higher in organic food to begin with, if it's sitting in your refrigerator, you could lose that benefit," says Zelman.

Plus, fresh food just tastes better. This may be one reason people sometimes report that organic foods have more flavor. Because organic farms tend to be smaller operations, they often sell their products closer to the point of harvest. So don't be surprised if the organic fruits and vegetables in your market taste more "farm fresh" than the comparable conventional produce.

Whether or not organic food really is safer or more nutritious, advocates say there is one more compelling reason to go organic: The health of the environment and society as a whole.

"Toxic and persistent pesticides do accumulate. They accumulate in the soil; they accumulate in the water; they accumulate in our bodies," says DiMatteo. "So by eliminating the use of these pesticides and fertilizers in the organic production system, we are not contributing any further to this pollution."

But food experts caution that while the big picture is important, you must make the decision that makes the most sense for you. If you can manage the higher price, and you like the idea of fewer pesticides and a more environmentally friendly production system, organic food may be for you. But don't skimp on healthy conventional foods just because you think you need to save your pennies for the few organic items that you can afford.

"The best thing you can do for yourself is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and grains. And eat variety. From my perspective, it doesn't matter whether they are organic or conventional," Winter says.

If you like the idea of organic foods but aren't ready to go completely organic, you can always pick and choose. Depending on your own needs and goals, here are a few items you might want to put on your list.

If you are most interested in reducing pesticides in your food, buy organic versions of foods whose conventional forms may carry high levels of pesticide residues. These include:

Spinach

Green peas

Green beans

Green onions (scallions)

Summer and winter squash

Apples

Peaches

Pears

Strawberries

Blackberries

Raspberries

If you're most interested in promoting the growth of organic farming, buy organic foods that require large expanses of cropland and pasture, such as:

Wheat

Corn

Other grains

Dairy foods and beef

If you're interested in more natural conditions for farm animals and fewer antibiotics and hormones, buy products from organically raised livestock and poultry, such as:

Milk

Cheese

Yogurt

Eggs

Meat

WebMD Feature

SOURCES: Food Additives and Contaminants,May 2002. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2003; vol 51(5);2002; vol 50(19). Agricultural Outlook, November 2002.Katherine DiMatteo, executive director, Organic Trade Association, Greenfield,Mass. David M. Klurfeld, PhD, professor and chairman, department of nutritionand food science, Wayne State University, Detroit. Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD,WebMD Weight Loss Clinic director of nutrition. John Reganold, PhD, professor,department of crop and soil sciences, Washington State University, Pullman,Wash. Carl K. Winter, PhD, director, FoodSafe Program; extension foodtoxicologist, department of food science and technology, University ofCalifornia, Davis. U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. Council forBiotechnology Information. Howstuffworks.com. Organic Trade Association.Consumers Union. Environmental Working Group.

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Is Organic Food Better for You? - webmd.com

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SOURCES:

Libby Mills, RDN, spokesperson, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Carl Winter, PhD, extension food toxicologist; vice chair, food science and technology, University of California, Davis.

United States Department of Agriculture: Changes in Retail Organic Price Premiums from 2004 to 2010.

United States Department of Agriculture: Organic Production and Handling Standards.

Trewavas, A. Crop Protection, September 2004.

Environmental Protection Agency: Pesticides and Food.

United States Department of Agriculture: Organic Labeling Standards, Organic Agriculture, "Organic Market Overview, Labeling Organic Product.

Environmental Working Group: EWGs Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce, FDA Bans Three Toxic Chemicals.

Winter, C. Journal of Toxicology, May 2011.

North Carolina State University: Strawberry Disease and Their Control.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station: Removal of Trace Residues from Produce.

Krol, W. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, October 2000.

National Potato Commission: US Per Capita Utilization of Potatoes.

Srednicka-Tober, D. British Journal of Nutrition, March 2016.

American Cancer Society: Teflon and PFOA.

Crop Protection: A critical assessment of organic farming-and-food assertions with particular respect to the UK and the potential benefits of no-till agriculture.

Journal of Agromedicine: Pesticide/Environmental Exposures and Parkinsons Disease in East Texas.

PLOS: Choosing Organic Pesticides over Synthetic Pesticides May Not Effectively Mitigate Environmental Risk in Soybeans

Colorado State University: Pesticides: Natural Isnt Always Best.

British Journal of Nutrition: Composition differences between organic and conventional meet; A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

PBS: USA to propose standard for organic seafood raised in U.S.

Food Standards Agency: Pesticides.

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Organic Food - webmd.com

Why does organic cost more?

While organic food is sometimes more expensive than non-organic, there are ways to keep costs down. In an ideal world, organic wouldnt need to be more expensive. A big part of the problem is that the true cost of our food isnt reflected in the price, both the positives and the negatives. So food that is produced in ways that may contaminate our water, or lead to antibiotic resistance in people, may seem cheap in the store, but the real cost can be very high indeed.

Where there is a price difference, you are paying for the special care organic farmers place on protecting the environment andimproving animal welfare.As the costs of farming with oil-based fertilisers and chemicals increase, the price gap between organic and non-organic is closing.

Going organic is easier than youd think. Food, health, beauty and textile products that hold the Soil Association organic symbol have been produced to the highest possible animal welfare and environmental standards. Look for the logo!

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organic food - Soil Association

The Organic Food Federation

The Organic Food Federation is at the forefront of promoting organic methods and maintaining high standards and best practice within the sector.New exciting opportunities for the UKs organic producers, processors, traders and importers have been created due to the rising demand for organic products.

If you are involved in any way with the production, processing, warehousing / storage, trading or importing of organic produce we can help. Our services will enable you to achieve official organic certification status for your product, safe in the knowledge that our dedicated team will guide you through the process.

This site is full of information including an introduction to our service, benefits of registration and a great download centre where useful free guidance is available.When you have finished browsing these pages, if you require further assistance, please call us and we will be happy to help.

31 Turbine Way, Eco Tech Business Park, Swaffham, Norfolk, United Kingdom, PE37 7XD Tel +44(0)1760 720444 Fax +44(0)1760 720790 info@orgfoodfed.com

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Organic Food Federation | Food Federation

Organic Grains offers shoppers one of the largest selections of organic whole grains to be sold online, plus the first ever milled-to-order flour on the market

DENVER, Aug.29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Organic Grains, LLC, a healthy, grain-centric food start-up, announces the launch of Organicgrains.com. Every product on their site is organic, making them a one-stop-shop for grains and flours. Organicgrains.com boasts one of the largest catalogs of organic grains on the web and offers products ranging from 1 lb. to 5 lbs. in size. The site also includes a myriad of recipes.

"We are committed to providing healthy, organic grains and organic flours to our customers. Grains are the unsung heroes of the past and of the future, and we want to get their story out there. Most people aren't familiar with all the grains that have been staples around the world for millennia, many of which are high in protein, fiber and even omega 3s. It's time all those grains were brought together in one place." Tim Devey, Director of Organic Grains.

MILL-TO-ORDER: Doing what no other company has done before!

Traditional flour bought in grocery stores has typically been sitting on shelves for months, sometimes up to a year, before it reaches a consumer. Organic Grains' flours are the only flours on the market that are custom milled-to-order and delivered within days. Because of this process, Organic Grains produces some of the freshest organic flours.

Organic Grains is committed to making organics affordable. Shipping is a flat rate of $4.99. Whether you order one bag of grain or fifty bags, it is still $4.99 shipping anywhere in the contiguous USA.

In the coming months, Organicgrains.com will deploy an aggressive growth plan. A sneak peek of things in the works includes gluten-free options and a subscription service that will introduce customers to grains from around the world.

To learn more about Organic Grains, LLC. visit Organicgrains.com or follow them on Facebook.

About Organic Grains, LLCOrganic Grains, LLC was started by leaders in the grain manufacturing industry. They noticed that consumers had to bounce from store to store to find organic grains. Thus, they came up with organicgrains.com, a one-stop-shop for grains and flours.

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-online-organic-food-company-is-the-first-of-its-kind-300510447.html

SOURCE Organic Grains, LLC

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New online organic food company is the first of its kind! - The Daily Meal

The first location of Shannon Allens organic fast-casual concept Grown hadnt been open for more than three months before members from Walmarts development team came in asking for her. They wanted to know more about the Miami-based restaurants mission and how Allen and her husband, two-time NBA champion Ray Allen, were able to produce certified organic meals in under five minutes. They were apparently impressed with the popularity of the restaurant, which had lines stretching out the door.

Then they said this magic sentence: Can you do this in a Walmart? Allen says. And for me it was really overwhelming.

Allen wasnt sure if she wanted to expand so quickly, or with such a powerhouse like Walmart. But after some time she decided that a Walmart location could be a way to get her organic food in front of everyday people. The concept, now with six locations, opened in a Walmart Supercenter in Orlando this August, and could be just the first in a series of changes Walmart will implement to boost its status in a rapidly changing industry.

With digital behemoth Amazon plowing through every food retail space it can, from restaurant delivery to grocery stores, many retailers are scrambling to keep up or reinvent themselves. Walmart, for instance, acquired online market and grocer Jet in early August amid rumors of Amazons impending purchase of Whole Foods. In its partnership with Grown, Walmart is trying to push the notion that it is the largest seller of organic food in the country, despite Amazon's Whole Foods takeover.

In a statement sent to Eater, a Walmart spokesperson said the retailer, which caters to consumers seeking an affordable price point, is aiming to make organic food more accessible and affordable to its shoppers. That happens to be what Allen set out to accomplish with Grown, she said expose people (not just Whole Foods shoppers) to prepared organic meals, even if said meals are more expensive than traditional fast food. At Grown, cold pressed juices go for $9. There is also a $6 avocado toast, while sandwiches, salads, and wraps go for $11 without protein (an additional $4 to $7). Allen points out that the childrens menu is sold at much lower prices ($5 to $7 per kids meal) and that she hopes to make options more affordable with the addition of half portions.

On Walmarts end, it doesnt hurt that Allen and her husband are notable figures, says grocery marketing expert Phil Lempert. Shannon recently hosted a cooking show, The Pre-Game Meal, dedicated to healthy food cooked by celebrities and athletes. And her husband Ray, a basketball Olympic gold medalist, is known for having one of the best free-throw shots in the NBA.

What it does is it really broadens the scope of organics, Lempert says. Its not Gwyneth Paltrow, its not some fussy celebrity who eats nuts and berries, who people cant relate to. People can relate to Ray and Shannon.

This would be a contrast to Whole Foods, infamously dubbed Whole Paycheck by critics and consumers who balk at its prices, which for years have been higher than other mainstream grocers. Amazon lowered Whole Foods prices earlier this week and also made a promise to make healthy and organic food affordable to everyone.

But If Whole Foods is attempting to steal Walmarts shoppers, it will be a struggle for them, Lempert says. I dont think [Amazon and Whole Foods] want the Walmart shopper; and they shouldnt, Lempert says. The space is big enough where to go and fight Walmart on food, neck and neck, is going to be tough, because that Walmart shopper is really focused on price.

In many other ways, the Amazon/Whole Food acquisition will change the supermarket and retail game forever. Meanwhile, stocks for traditional grocers are dropping as Amazon spikes with each new Whole Foods merger update.

This is where restaurants can possibly save the day for retailers like Walmart. Adding restaurants to retail and grocery businesses expands or promotes the larger brand, Lempert says. What they really want is to be all food, all the time to all people, Lempert says. In Walmarts case, organic food service drives home their pitch that they are one of the largest sellers of organics, and are affordable on top of that. So what this does is really gives them a badge, Lempert says.

Retailers have been introducing fast-casual restaurant concepts into their stores for some time now. In 2015, Target launched a push toward healthier, higher-quality eateries beyond the typical Pizza Hut or Subway counters commonly found there. Many Macys locations have hosted food courts and full-service restaurants for years, while the owners of clothing brand Urban Outfitters purchased Pizzeria Vetri and its sister restaurants in early 2016, stationing some locations in or near the apparel stores.

Walmart has been late to the game, but is set to make up for it. In February, a Chobanis Cafe opened in a Walmart in Tomball, Texas near Houston. And depending on how well Grown does in Orlando, Walmart shoppers could see more higher-end, health-focused concepts in their stores. They wont necessarily be Grown locations, though Walmart is testing Grown in Orlando, but no other deals have been confirmed.

If this works, I wouldnt be surprised to see this roll out very, very quickly nationwide, Lempert says.

If not in Walmart stores, future Grown locations might be in large venues with captive audiences, Allen says. Two of them are already housed in the Miami Dolphins Hard Rock stadium, and there is one in a university bookstore.

I really believe captive audience spaces are the places where we should live, Allen says. And if Walmart says theres more opportunity for us to make organic and prepared meals available to more people in this country, and it makes sense for us, and we have a team in place to do that, then our answer would be a resounding yes.

Customers probably wont have to wait long before a Walmart Grown or similar fast-casual location comes to a store near them. As grocery stores evolve, the grocerant and retailerant concept will become more prevalent. Whole Foods is already dominating the field, and with Amazons purchase could up the ante. In this new age of retail, people who once felt detached from organic or fast-casual fare will have better access to it, Lempert says. And thanks to its reach, Walmart could be a major player in that shift.

Whats great about this, Lempert says, is unlike putting [Grown] in Whole Foods or somewhere else, this is great food for the masses.

Vince Dixon is Eaters Data Visualization Reporter.Editor: Daniela Galarza

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Will $6 Avocado Toast Help Walmart Compete With Amazon's Whole Foods? - Eater

LUTZ (FOX 13) - A Lutz farmers market didnt always sell organic fresh food.

The family who owns and operates Cheyennes Country Thangs used to own a construction company, but back when the economy took a dive, they began spending more and more time in their backyard gardens.

They eventually started selling what they were growing, teamed up with other growers and their new business took off.

Market members can get great deals on meat and vegetables, and its also open to the public.

One of the owners said she had been gardening since the age of five. Her knowledge was passed down to her from her Native American grandfather. The business was named after her granddaughter, Cheyenne.

Charley paid a visit to learn more about what the market had to offer.

Cheyennes Country Thangs21405 County Line RoadLutz, FL 33548Phone: 813-527-6471

Market Hours -Tuesday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: http://www.cheyennescountrythangsinc.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/cheyennesorganicmarket

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Local organic food market has Native American roots - FOX 13 News, Tampa Bay

We've all seen the stories about how expensive it is to buy Organic, but this isn't necessary always the case.

It's often seen as the most expensive option in supermarkets, but this month to celebrate Organic September there are a number of discounts available on healthy, organic food.

For Organic September, Soil Association, the UK's leading food and farming charity and organic certification body, have put together a huge list of deals on some of their biggest and well known organic products to help you kick start a new healthy lifestyle.

These discounts are only available throughout the month of September, so use them now before it's too late.

The healthy food box company are offering 10 off when you spend 20 on their food boxes. Who said healthy cooking had to be hard?

Visit their website and enter ABELCOLE10 at the checkout. Excludes 1.25 delivery. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Fancy something a bit different? Clearspring stocks organic and premium quality Japanese and European foods skillfully prepared by artisan and professional producers. There's 25% off the entire range online. Just use the code ORGANICSEP25, there's one offer available per person during September, and you can't use it with any other offer.

Looking for a new morning blend? There's 20% off all orders at Clipper teas this month. There's one use per customer and shipping is not included, check out the range here .

Your first cup of coffee a day is important, get it right with organic roasts. Here's how to get 5 off your first order online. Just use the code: ORGANIC-CRU.

Gin fans here's one for you, here's how to get 20% off purchases over 40. Order online with the code ORGANIC17.

The countryside farm and restaurant has 10% off goodies online. Use the code organicseptember10 online for 10% off.

Us Brits love tea, so stock up 20% of their Top 5 tea products on Amazon . The offers available on:

Looking for some healthy farm food that's easy to order, try Eversefield, and get 20% off online this month. Enter the code ORGANICSEPT at checkout online. The discount is not available on items already on promotional offer and is only valid for use on one order per customer.

Everyone loves chocolate, so treat yourself to some organic goodies. Use the code GBSOIL10 for 10% off all chocolate and gifts online. The discount excludes to delivery costs.

Stock up on organic healthcare with 10% off all products in store and online at Jan de Vries. Offer available during Organic September in all Jan de Vries stores and online with the code ORGANIC10. Cannot be used with any other promotion.

Use the code GQORNX17. Redeemable during Organic September on any Organix or Organix Goodies foods at Waitrose this month, there's one redemption per customer.

No code needed for this one - there's 20% off all products online and 0.50 off Nut M*lks in store.

Cooks will love this offer, there's 10% off Bart ingredients and organic spices online with code BARTORGSEPT. There's one use per customer but shipping isn't included. The offer is only valid on organic products.

This one's great for date night! Enjoy 50 off a River Cottage Cookery Course or 15 off a River Cottage Dining event with the code ORGANIC SEPTEMBER.

Cider fans you're in luck, there's 15% off Wyld Wood Organic Cider this month on 500ml bottles and bags in boxes.

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Organic food doesn't always mean big prices - here's how you can save money this September on brands such as Abel ... - Mirror.co.uk

Amazon.com's acquisition of Whole Foods is coming at just the right time for Frito-Lay, the snack giant known for Doritos, Ruffles and Funyuns.

The PepsiCo division has versions of 11 core chip brands without artificial ingredients -- including Lay's, Tostitos and Cheetos -- and aims to break out of the traditional snack aisle and get into organic grocery stores. The lineup, marketed under the name "Simply," meets all the criteria needed to be sold in Whole Foods, according to PepsiCo executive Jonathan McIntyre.

It's all part of a push to build a more healthful reputation for Frito-Lay brands, a significant undertaking at a company famous for bright-orange cheese powder. Natural products are the biggest source of growth for the industry right now, said McIntyre, who oversees research and development for PepsiCo's snacks. And Frito-Lay sees an opportunity to reach new customers -- and charge higher prices -- by targeting organic-food shoppers.

There's also more pressure to get a foothold at Whole Foods during a time when Amazon is threatening to upend the supermarket industry. The e-commerce site is using the grocery chain to support its food-delivery business and looks to take market share by cutting prices and integrating online and offline operations. But the big enticement at Whole Foods remains the promise of healthful and wholesome products.

"The notion of clean and simple is very important to a segment of consumers," Frito-Lay Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Saenz said in an interview at the division's headquarters in Plano, Texas. "They're searching for that."

The main question is whether Whole Foods will be an ally in helping Frito-Lay establish good-for-you credibility. So far, the chain hasn't shown signs of embracing Doritos and similar brands, which some shoppers consider junk food. But Amazon's takeover of the grocery chain could bring an opportunity to make inroads.

The e-commerce behemoth already sells Frito-Lay's Simply line on its website, and it's clearly willing to make changes at Whole Foods. When the acquisition closed on Monday, Amazon immediately slashed prices on many products and began stacking its Echo devices next to groceries.

The old Whole Foods might have turned up its nose at big makers of consumer-packaged goods, but Amazon could have different ideas -- especially because smaller suppliers may not be able to meet its more ambitious demands, said Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst Ali Dibadj.

"Amazon's acquisition makes it much more likely that Whole Foods will carry these better-for-you brands, even if they're made by large incumbent CPG players," he said. "The smaller brands just can't keep up with the spending and velocity required from Amazon anymore. We expect Whole Foods to carry more -- and more big brands too."

PepsiCo declined to discuss its relationship with retailers, but it's working on several fronts to reach the type of shoppers who frequent Whole Foods. Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi has emphasized the importance of better-for-you products and laid out health targets for its food and beverage portfolio.

Along the way, the Purchase, New York-based company is creating new brands, reformulating existing products and acquiring upstart businesses. PepsiCo released an organic version of Gatorade last year to appeal to the natural-food set. Frito-Lay introduced Simply Organic Doritos and Simply Cheetos Puffs White Cheddar Jalapeno this year, and the snack maker plans to continue adding brands to the Simply lineup moving forward.

One of the most daunting challenges is changing Frito-Lay's reputation. Most people don't associate its main snack brands with words like natural or organic, Saenz said. That's why Frito-Lay introduced the Simply name.

On the packaging, the "Simply" appears in capital letters above the brand logos, and labels prominently spell out the lack of artificial ingredients. The company found that shoppers often needed some convincing, Saenz said.

"Some of the feedback we hear often is, 'An organic Dorito? Really?"' she said. "We want to make sure that the credibility is coming through loud and clear."

Frito-Lay needs to push into premium products because its core business is getting squeezed, Bernstein's Dibadj said. Private-label products are stealing customers at the low end, and the natural brands are attracting well-heeled shoppers.

"All consumer companies right now are trying to figure out how to get into the natural shelf space and the natural home's pantry," Dibadj said.

PepsiCo isn't the only food giant burnishing its nutrition panels.

Mondelez International Inc. developed a line of crackers and snack bars, called Vea, that have no artificial ingredients or genetically modified organisms. Campbell Soup Co. agreed to pay $700 million for an organic soup and broth company in July. And Kraft Heinz Foods Co. is working to clean up its hot dogs.

PepsiCo's chief beverage rival, Coca-Cola, is reformulating more than 200 products to reduce the sugar in its drinks.

Acquisitions are another way to reach organic shoppers. In 2006, PepsiCo bought Stacy's Pita Chips, whose products are already in Whole Foods. But until the Simply line came out, the company's core snacks never met the grocer's requirements. Frito-Lay has been gradually releasing products under the new banner.

Whole Foods didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

"The challenge is, will Cheetos ever connote 'good for you'? That's a difficult premise to work on," Dibadj said. "But perhaps Cheetos Simply can connote 'better for you,' and that might be enough for some consumers."

With assistance from Craig Giammona

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Organic Doritos offer a way into Whole Foods for Frito-Lay - Chicago Tribune

As geopolitical tensions with North Korearise, shares of Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN) are all over the place. First up 1.6%, to $41.25, now down 0.12% Tuesday. Shares are off their early morning highs, though, opening near $43 after the company beat on earnings per share and revenue expectations.

Hain stock had been on a tear, but accounting issues derailed the stock over the last few years. Those issues are in the past and Hain is now doing OK, TheStreet's founder Jim Cramer, who also manages the Action Alerts PLUS charitable trust portfolio, said on CNBC's "Mad Dash" segment.

The big concern is Whole Foods Market (WFM) . The natural and organic food trend is still very much alive, which plays right into Whole Foods' wheelhouse. However, now that Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) is running Whole Foods, there are questions as to what role Hain will play and whether it will lose pricing power as a result.

Taking a broader look at consumer packaged food companies and retailers in general, Cramer pointed out that their "dividend is not protecting [them] anymore."

Expanding on that thought, he explained that investors are so unsure of the operating environment and what disruptions Amazon may introduce -- which can also be a negative for Amazon -- that the dividend yield is no longer enticing enough. Even though many of these dividend yields continue to rise, investors aren't taking the bait.

Getting back to Hain, the company is doing OK, but there are a few question marks remaining, Cramer concluded.

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The New Amazon Whole Foods Monster Means You Should Avoid Organic Food Stock - TheStreet.com