Shop our Directory of Emerging Sustainable Food Brands Here
Every choice you make matters. A staggering 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be traced directly to the food industry and related systems. This concerning statistic highlights the urgent need for more sustainable practices across the food industry. The good news? We, as consumers, hold immense power in shaping the future of our food system. By making informed choices and supporting sustainable food brands, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.
Often times, we are told what not to buy or which brands not to purchase, but we are seldom advised on which sustainable food brands we should support. Your wallet holds the power to support a more sustainable food system. At Made to Sustain, we’ve partnered with those who are doing the most when it comes to ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing. We're here to support food that’s made to sustain you and the planet. Browse our selection of sustainable food products and support the brands that stand for something more. If you want to know what constitutes a sustainable brand, take a look at our post on How to Find Eco-friendly Products.
Discover Sustainable Food Brands to Support
Use this page as a directory for discovering emerging sustainable food brands. Many of these companies are just starting out. Your wallet holds the power to support a more sustainable food system. We vet each company that is in our directory to ensure a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Explore our directory of sustainable brands below, and learn more about why we endorse these sustainable food brands so much and Learn more about what makes a sustainable food brand below.
Sustainable Food Brands to Support
Quick Browse
Bona Furtuna
Dedicated to better production and distribution practices, Bona Furtuna offers the most sustainable Italian organic extra virgin olive oil on the market. Organic and Certified B Corp.
Farmer Foodie
Farmer foodie creates shelf stable vegan cheese to as an alternative to parmesan cheese.
Primal Kitchen
Primal Kitchen condiments and sauces are made with high-quality ingredients that make mealtime easy and delicious, and suitable for all diets.
Matriark Foods
Is sauce the solution to climate change? It just might be. Praised by chefs and approved by climate scientists, Matriark Foods upcycled sauces offer the easiest way for you to eat like an activist and fight climate change.
Renewal Mill
Renewal Mill makes baking mixes and super ingredients from the natural protein and fiber processed out of plant based foods during manufacturing.
Runamok Syrup
Runamok is a family-owned, Vermont based company that started with a foundation of premium, organic maple syrup and has expanded to an array of maple and honey-based products.
Tilden MockTails
Delicious, Ready to drink non alcoholic cocktails to create an inclusive gathering experience.
Uglies Potato Chips
Uglies® Kettle Chips are crafted from Upcycled potatoes with slight imperfections. Some might be slightly blemished, and some may just be farmer surplus, too, fighting food waste to make delicious chips.
Sustainable Personal Care Brands to Support
Activist Skincare
Activist Skincare was created from a belief in skincare that is clean, green and simply works. From ethically sourcing clean, safe ingredients and refillable packaging to ethical manufacturing, it all matters deeply to us.
Sustainable Home & Kitchen Brands to Support
BlueLand Cleaners
Blueland cleaning products offer plastic free and carbon neutral refills for everyday cleaning items like laundry detergent, dishwasher pods, and concentrated cleaning tablets to make cleaning convenient while having a low impact.
Brondell
There’s no plastic razor, or safety razor out there that’s like a Leaf Shave. By ditching your plastic razor, you'll make a real difference. Not just the money it’ll save, the plastic it cuts out, but the act of investing in a quality product that will last.
Earth Breeze
Earth Breeze is on a mission to make high quality, low-waste products. Every time you use an Earth Breeze product you are reducing single-use plastic waste, supporting the 1% for the planet, and supporting a company that believes in leaving the planet better than they found it.
Food Huggers
Food Huggers are made of 100% FDA food grade silicone, are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe, and will last you a lifetime. Say goodbye to all that wasted produce and unnecessary plastic wrap, and hello to Food Huggers!
Recap Mason Jar Covers
Put the “re” in reCAP – Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.
Inspired by a personal goal of zero-waste, founder Karen was passionate about bringing reCAP to life – in the hopes the cap would make Mason jars more useful and have a positive environmental impact. The best way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.
Silicone Kitchen
Whether you’re an occasional baker, a young child learning to love cooking, or maybe a classically trained chef, we hope The Silicone Kitchen provides you with silicone kitchen tools and accessories as beautiful and functional as your kitchen. Silicone kitchen is a woman-owned small business.
Sustainable Fashion Brands to Support
The Days Sustainable Apparel
THE DAYS SUSTAINABLE APPAREL is the 1st private label, sustainable apparel storefront in all of New Jersey! The brand encompasses a collection of consciously curated styles for the contemporary woman.
Zero Waste MVMT
Activist Skincare was created from a belief in skincare that is clean, green and simply works. From ethically sourcing clean, safe ingredients and refillable packaging to ethical manufacturing, it all matters deeply to us.
Things that make a sustainable food company sustainable
Beyond the environmental benefits, sustainable food brands can mean many different things. They prioritize ethical sourcing and fair labor practices through sustainable farming practices. They ensure that the supply chain and the food we consume are produced with respect for both people and the planet. Many position themselves as agents for positive change in the first against climate change for future generations.
Sustainable food brands often employ practices that promote animal welfare, reduce food waste, and use regenerative farming practices. These practices align with the growing consumer desire for the humane treatment of livestock. Finally, these brands are frequently at the forefront of innovation, developing delicious and nutritious food options that cater to dietary preferences and health goals while minimizing their environmental impact. In essence, choosing sustainable food brands empowers consumers to make informed decisions that align with their values and contribute to a more responsible food system. When looking for a sustainable brand, we assess the following: environmental benefits, social responsibility, and also look at their certifications.
Environmental Benefits
While environmental benefits can mean a number of things, here are a few characteristics that can promote environmental benefits:
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Of course carbon emissions are a huge concern in the world of Sustainable food brands often employ practices like regenerative agriculture, which not only sustain but regenerate the health of our soil. Brands that actively seek out regenerative farming practices are sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through their agricultural practices. This can also come from using renewable energy sources for transportation or manufacturing purposes.
Improved Soil Health and Biodiversity: Embracing organic farming methods are just one way to show a commitment to nurturing healthy soil ecosystems. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, they foster environments rich in beneficial microbes and insects, which are crucial for sustainable agriculture. Healthy soils create nutrient-dense food.
Water Conservation: Brands use less water can be considered more sustainable. A few ways they can do this is through championing water-saving irrigation techniques on farm, or shipping items without water.
Using Locally Sourced Ingredients: Companies that support local farmers and protect local farmers that have immense pride for natural resources used are a great place to start to look out for sustainable food brands.
Opting for responsible Packaging: CPG companies have the opportunity to make an impact by reducing the amount of single-use plastics in their products. Alternatively, they can use compostable materials or items that can be reused. Even opting for recyclable packaging shows a step towards a more sustainable food system.
Social Responsibility
Fair Wages and Working Conditions: Certified by Fair Trade International, brands like Equal Exchange ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their labor. This certification guarantees not only equitable pay but also safe and humane working conditions for agricultural workers worldwide. Look for the Fair Trade Certfication on products that have known human rights challenges like coffee, chocolate, and others.
Supporting Local Communities: By sourcing ingredients locally, brands like Clif Bar reduce their carbon footprint while bolstering local economies. This approach not only benefits regional farmers but also promotes community resilience and reduces transportation-related emissions.
Look for Certifications and Ecolabels
It's important to note that some of these certifications cost money for companies. You can learn more about ecolabels here!
USDA Organic: This certification guarantees that foods are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, promoting healthier ecosystems and reducing chemical runoff into waterways. However, organic doesn't always mean better. It's a step in the right direction, but it does not always mean healthier.
Regenerative Organic Certified: Also known as ROC, Regenerative organic certified is a newer certification that ensures organic ingredients were grown using regenerative practices.
Fair Trade: Ensures that farmers in developing countries receive fair prices for their crops, empowering communities and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Rainforest Alliance: Promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use practices, protecting vital ecosystems like rainforests and wildlife habitats.
B Corporation (B Corp): Certified B Corps meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, ensuring they balance profit with purpose.
Some of these brands listed use affiliate links, which help support the site through commissions. By supporting these brands, you are supporting Made to Sustain.
Have a sustainable food brand you'd like to see on here? Let us know!
Meet Kelly D'Amico, MBS
Hi there! I'm Kelly D'Amico, and welcome to my sustainable food blog, Made to Sustain. With over ten years of experience in the food industry, I started Made to Sustain to help support a more sustainable food system. Here, I create and share recipes and food brands that are good for people and good for the planet. I have a Master's in Global Food Technology and a BS in Food Science and Nutrition from Rutgers University. I've also taken several sustainability certifications, including Sustainability and Circularity Strategies, from the University of Cambridge. I'm eager to help you learn more about how your plate impacts your health and the planet!
