Easy Fair Trade Food Swaps
Give a damn about fair trade? Fair trades values people, economic empowerment, and the environment. Businesses, farms, and producers are able to apply for fair trade certification which allows a third party to verify their dedication to these values and fair trade principals. A few organizations that provide fair trade verification in include Fairtrade America, Fair Trade USA, Fair for Life, and the Fair Trade Federation. Consumers can look for their logos to recognize fair trade products in grocery stores. There are A LOT of fair trade products in the food industry such as chocolate, wine, nuts, coffee, sugars, and SO many more. As an easy, affordable starting place consider swapping these four items you purchase regularly for fair trade brands.
1) Fair Trade Chocolate
Whether you’re looking to swap your chocolate bars, baking chocolate, or chocolate chips, fair trade chocolate products are easy to find. I’ve had no issues finding fair trade baking supplies and chocolate bars at Kroger, QFC, and Whole Foods. One of my personal favorite brands is Theo Chocolate....yes, we sell it at Give a Damn Goods so maybe I'm a bit bias, but I’ve been able to tour their chocolate factory here in Seattle! They’re doing awesome work on not only creating fair trade, organic chocolate, but educating customers too. Theo Chocolate is fair trade and organic bean to bar company which means they're able to make sure the whole supply chain is ethical.
2) Fair Trade Bananas
Bananas are probably one of the most affordable fair trade swaps! Customers can get a bunch for a few dollars. They’re readily available too. I’ve been able to find them at grocery stores such as Kroger, QFC, and Whole Foods. Bananas are clearly marked by a fair trade sticker which makes them stand out in the fruit section.
3)Fair Trade Coffee
Your swap to purchase fair trade coffee can have a huge social impact. Think how often people drink coffee? If that money is being invested into fair trade farming and developing countries that can really ignite positive change. Most grocery stores carry a few fair trade brands and some stores such as Kroger even have their own fair trade store brand of coffee. Fair trade coffee is an affordable swap for your pantry. You can typically find fair trade bags of fair trade coffee for $8-$15 depending on what you’re looking for.
My personal favorite fair trade coffee brand is Singing Rooster’s Vienna Medium Dark Roast. Yes, we do sell it. It’s the perfect amount of bold for me AND I LOVE that they have recyclable k-cups too! Fair trade for me and the farmers & eco-friendly for the planet, it’s a win, win, win!
4) Fair Trade Sugar
If you’re a big baker then fair trade sugar is a great swap for you! It’s easy to find on Amazon or Whole Foods. My go-to brand is the Whole Foods store brand which is fair trade certified or Wholesome Organic Cane Sugar. And affordable switch with fair trade sugar typically around $8 a bag and since sugar is not an item you necessarily purchase every week, this investment in high quality, fair trade items will last you a while.
A Few Fair Trade Items
Medium-Dark Vienna Coffee
Medium-Dark Vienna Coffee
