The Core Distinction: "Natural" vs. "Vegan"
For consumers asking, "Are natural grocers vegan?", understanding the difference between the terms "natural" and "vegan" is crucial. While often used interchangeably, they represent two distinct standards for products.
Natural Doesn't Automatically Mean Vegan
- No Legal Standard: The term "natural" lacks a standardized, legal definition across many product categories, allowing for varying interpretations by manufacturers.
- Animal By-products: Many products labeled as natural can still contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products. For instance, some cosmetics or foods might contain beeswax or honey, both of which are not vegan.
- Quality Over Exclusion: Natural Grocers’ emphasis is on sourcing high-quality, organic, and conscientiously raised products, rather than excluding all animal products.
Vegan Doesn't Automatically Mean Natural
- Exclusion of Animal Ingredients: By definition, a vegan product contains no animal ingredients or by-products whatsoever.
- Potential for Synthetics: However, being vegan does not guarantee a product is natural. Many vegan products, especially processed foods, may contain synthetic ingredients to achieve desired textures or flavors.
What You Will Find at Natural Grocers
Despite not being an exclusively vegan store, Natural Grocers is an excellent destination for those following a vegan diet due to its high standards and extensive range of plant-based options. However, it is essential to be aware of the animal products they carry.
Non-Vegan Products at Natural Grocers
- Meats: The store stocks conscientiously and humanely raised meats, including poultry like chicken.
- Dairy: The dairy section includes organic, 100% pasture-based milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and kefir.
- Eggs: The store offers free-range eggs that adhere to its quality standards.
- Prepared Foods: Certain prepared foods, such as quiche or salads with chicken or tuna, contain animal ingredients.
Vegan-Friendly Products at Natural Grocers
- Fresh Produce: All produce is 100% organic and, by nature, vegan.
- Vegan Alternatives: The store has a large selection of vegan substitutes for dairy, including nut- and seed-based milks, cheeses, yogurts, and the Natural Grocers® brand of organic plant-based butter.
- Frozen Foods: The freezer section contains many vegan options, including pizzas and other frozen meals.
- Vegan Recipes and Prepared Foods: The website features numerous vegan recipes, such as vegan mushroom paella and cheezy broccoli quinoa.
- Personal Care: The Natural Grocers® brand includes a line of vegan skincare products.
- Pantry Items: Vegan-friendly pantry staples like lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, and a variety of condiments are plentiful.
Comparison: Shopping at Natural Grocers vs. Conventional Supermarket
| Feature | Natural Grocers | Conventional Supermarket |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Options | Extensive, with clearly marked vegan alternatives in nearly every department. | Often limited, with a smaller selection and less consistent labeling. |
| Animal Product Standards | High standards for humane sourcing, grass-fed dairy, and free-range eggs. | Varies widely, with many products sourced from conventional, non-pasture-based systems. |
| Ingredient Quality | All produce is 100% organic. Strictly avoids artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils. | May offer a limited organic section, but most products contain artificial additives. |
| Price | Affordable prices within the natural and organic sector, often competing well with larger chains. | Varies, but may seem cheaper at first glance due to lower quality ingredients. |
Tips for Shopping Vegan at Natural Grocers
- Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list, especially for products labeled as “natural” that are not explicitly marked as vegan, to avoid hidden animal ingredients.
- Look for Explicit Vegan Labels: The store and its private label products often clearly state if an item is vegan, simplifying the shopping process.
- Explore the Website: Use Natural Grocers' online resources to find vegan recipes and new products before you shop.
- Use Staff Expertise: The Nutritional Health Coaches and knowledgeable crew can often provide guidance and information on vegan products.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "are natural grocers vegan?" is no, the stores are not exclusively vegan. However, they are highly vegan-friendly and offer a much broader and often higher-quality selection of plant-based options compared to most conventional supermarkets. By understanding the distinction between natural and vegan products and being diligent about reading labels, vegans can confidently navigate Natural Grocers and take full advantage of its impressive product range.
For more inspiration and a look at their plant-based offerings, visit the official Natural Grocers website's vegan section: Natural Grocers Vegan
