Here are some of the most honest, science-based food companies that do not mislead consumers and do an excellent job supporting farmers.
1. Culver’s
Shut up and take my money! Culver’s has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the FFA (Future Farmers of America), donated money and youth scholarships to farm related students, and everything about their marketing is about thanking the farmer. They are so committed to supporting America’s farmers that they have painted some barns across the Midwest with giant blue and white letters saying “Thank You Farmers,” while working with the hashtag #thankyoufarmers.
2. Land O’Lakes
Land O’Lakes’ ties to agriculture run deep, and as a farmer-owned business since 1921, they offer tools, support, own other ag businesses, and overall shine a positive light on the great farmers of our nation. Thank you Land O’Lakes! Make sure you check out their heartfelt commercial, which was played during some college football bowl games this winter. It’s beautiful.
3. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza deserves a round of applause for standing up to animal-rights activists for claiming cheese and meat is cruel. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and PETA have launched campaigns against the popular pizza chain, but their goal is not to help animal welfare, it is to eliminate all meat and cheese products, period. Domino’s spokespeople have made statements basically saying they trust farmers and animal welfare experts to do their jobs.
4. Wendy’s
In a world where a lot of food companies make claims that they source antibiotic free meats, Wendy’s doesn’t shy away from the fact that antibiotics are an important tool in livestock care and didn’t cave to activists’ demands. They also only source fresh beef from right here in the U.S. and take a science-based approach to animal welfare by working with animal-handling experts like Temple Grandin.
5. Sanderson Farms Chicken
One of my absolute favorites. Sanderson Farms gives consumers 100 percent transparency and honesty, while educating them about hormones and antibiotics. So many food companies try to capitalize on “no added hormones” wording on chicken labels, but if you look closely and read the asterisks and fine print, it says, “Federal law strictly prohibits the use of hormones or steroids.” It does not even exist! Sanderson Farms shares this information with consumers with their clever videos featuring Bob and Dale, and the city slicker “marketing guru” trying to sell a product with silly labels like “gluten free.”
6. McDonald’s
McDonalds deserves props for showcasing the farmers who produce their food on their website, while building long term relationships with their suppliers right here in the USA. They focus a lot on quality without all the marketing gimmicks and are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve and create new products by working with chefs and top dietitians.
7. Weight Watchers
Always a pro-science weight-management company! They take a healthy approach to losing weight by teaching healthy eating habits on a “points” system. On their website they educate consumers on topics like growth hormones, organic, and debunk other marketing labels from a scientific standpoint. No crazy meal plans, no marketing gimmicks … just eat less, move more.
8. Soylent
Soy and plant based products where they proudly announce the fact that they use GMOs! This is a very science-based company, which focuses on helping the environment with the facts and isn’t afraid to educate consumers on the safety and benefits of GMOs as seen on their website here.
