How Do I Know if Apeel Is on My Produce? Your Guide to Identification

According to Apeel Sciences, their invisible, plant-based coating helps extend the shelf life of fresh produce by reducing moisture loss and oxidation. For consumers prioritizing transparency and natural food, knowing how to know if Apeel is on my produce has become a critical question when navigating the grocery store aisles.

Quick Summary

Identify produce with Apeel by checking for specific stickers or signage, consulting PLU codes, and researching store sourcing policies, as visual cues are often undetectable.

Key Points

• Check for Apeel Stickers: Look for an oval-shaped, green-and-white sticker with the Apeel logo on individual produce items.

• Inquire About In-Store Signage: Some bulk produce displays may have signs disclosing the use of coatings, though this can be inconsistent across retailers.

• Decode PLU Codes: An organic produce item with a 5-digit PLU code starting with '6' may indicate a processed, coated product, including those with Apeel.

• Focus on Common Items: Apeel is most frequently applied to avocados, citrus fruits, apples, and English cucumbers.

• Research Retailer Policies: Some grocery chains explicitly state whether they carry Apeel-coated produce, so checking their website or customer service can be helpful.

• Note Appearance and Texture: While subjective, an unnaturally shiny or slick feel can sometimes indicate the presence of a coating.

• Ask Directly at the Counter: Inquiring with the produce department staff about sourcing and coatings can provide clarity.

What is Apeel and Why is Identification Challenging?

Apeel is an edible, plant-derived coating applied to the surface of many fruits and vegetables to slow down the natural spoilage process. The coating is made primarily from mono- and diglycerides, which are fats found in the peels, seeds, and pulp of fruits and vegetables. The company produces two main versions: Edipeel for conventional produce and Organipeel for organic produce. While the company maintains that the coating is safe and a tool for reducing food waste, a significant challenge for consumers is that it is virtually invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making detection without proper labeling extremely difficult.

The Consumer's Guide to Identification

Given the lack of obvious visual cues, shoppers must rely on a combination of official labeling, store information, and unofficial indicators to determine if produce has been treated with Apeel.

Official and Retailer Clues

Look for the Apeel Sticker

Some produce treated with Apeel will have a small, oval-shaped sticker with the "Apeel" logo on it. This is the most direct method of identification, but it is not consistently applied across all products or retailers. The presence of this sticker indicates that the product has been treated, while its absence does not guarantee it hasn't, especially for bulk produce.

Check In-Store Signage

For loose bulk produce, federal regulations require retailers to provide a sign or counter card indicating if a wax or coating has been applied. However, retailers' adherence to this rule can vary, and employees may not always be aware of or trained on these specific details. Consumers should look for signage near the display of bulk avocados, citrus, or cucumbers for disclosure information.

Research Store Policies

Some grocery store chains have publicly committed to not stocking Apeel-coated produce, while others are known to carry it. For example, retailers like Natural Grocers and Trader Joe's have opted out, while others like Kroger, Walmart, and Costco have carried Apeel-coated items. Consumers can look up a store's sourcing policy online or check with a store's customer service or produce department for clarity.

Unofficial Identification Methods

Decipher PLU Codes

Some reports, particularly regarding organic produce, suggest an unofficial method involving PLU (Price Look-Up) codes. Typically, conventional produce has a four-digit PLU code, while organic produce uses a five-digit code starting with a '9'. There have been instances where organic produce treated with Apeel has been observed with a five-digit PLU code beginning with a '6', a number generally reserved for processed items. This is not an official indicator and may not be consistently accurate, but it has been reported by vigilant consumers.

Common Produce Items

While Apeel can be applied to many types of produce, some are more common than others. Avocados are one of the most frequently treated items, along with certain citrus fruits (limes, lemons, mandarins) and cucumbers. Organic apples from certain distributors have also been treated. Focusing your inspection on these items might yield a higher chance of finding a label or clue.

Comparison Table: Apeel-Coated vs. Untreated Produce

Feature	Apeel-Coated Produce	Untreated Produce
Appearance	May have a noticeably shinier, waxy finish that appears unnaturally fresh for its age.	Has a more natural, matte, or slightly dull finish; appearance reflects its true age and ripening stage.
Ripening	Exhibits a slower, more controlled ripening process, staying at peak ripeness longer.	Follows a more variable and often quicker natural ripening curve.
Feel	Can feel slightly slick or slippery, particularly on produce with naturally smoother skins.	Possesses a natural, non-slick texture.
Shelf Life	Significantly extended, sometimes doubling the time before spoilage becomes visible.	Shorter, with visible signs of aging appearing sooner.
Labeling	May have a specific Apeel sticker, or potentially an unofficial '6'-prefixed PLU for organic.	Follows standard PLU conventions (4-digit for conventional, '9'-prefix for organic).

Other Considerations for Informed Shopping

Ask the Store Employee

One of the most effective ways to get reliable information is simply to ask a store employee in the produce section or a manager. Though some employees may be unaware, many are knowledgeable about sourcing policies and can clarify if Apeel is used on specific products.

Consider the Source

For shoppers who want to avoid Apeel, sourcing produce from local farmers' markets or growing your own is a guaranteed way to avoid any commercial coatings. Local farmers are often very transparent about their cultivation and post-harvest handling practices.

The Inability to Wash Off Apeel

Unlike simple waxes, Apeel is a micro-thin coating that is difficult, if not impossible, to completely wash off. The company's own website states it can be removed by rinsing and gently scrubbing, but critics note that it’s unlikely to remove all of it, and it is intended to be consumed with the produce. For those who prefer to avoid it, peeling or seeking alternative sources is the best option.

Conclusion

While Apeel is promoted as a tool for reducing food waste, the inconsistent labeling and invisible nature of the coating pose a challenge for consumers who prioritize full ingredient and sourcing transparency. The most reliable ways to know if Apeel is on your produce are to check for the official sticker, look for retail signage, and investigate specific store policies. unofficial methods like observing PLU codes can be a useful, though less certain, indicator. Ultimately, informed consumer choices, aided by direct questioning and supporting transparent retailers or local growers, remain the most effective strategy for managing your fresh food selections.

For more information on produce coatings and food safety, you can explore resources from organizations like the Cornucopia Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apeel used on organic produce?

Yes, Apeel has an organic-certified version called Organipeel that is approved for use on USDA organic fruits and vegetables in the U.S..

Can Apeel be completely washed off produce?

No, Apeel's micro-thin coating is designed to be eaten and is very difficult to remove completely through normal washing and scrubbing, although some can be removed.

Does all produce in a grocery store have Apeel?

No, the use of Apeel varies by store, supplier, and region. Many growers and retailers do not use it, especially in the organic market.

Which produce items are most commonly treated with Apeel?

Avocados, citrus fruits (limes, lemons), apples, English cucumbers, and sometimes asparagus and mangoes are frequently coated with Apeel.

What is the difference between Edipeel and Organipeel?

Edipeel is Apeel's coating for conventional produce, while Organipeel is the version approved for use on certified organic produce.

Does Apeel affect the taste or texture of produce?

Apeel is marketed as tasteless and odorless and should not alter the flavor or aroma of the produce, but it can make the surface feel slightly different.

Is there a list of stores that do not sell Apeel produce?

Yes, some stores like Natural Grocers, Trader Joe's, and Erewhon have publicly stated policies against carrying Apeel-coated produce, while others carry it.