Navigating the Produce Aisle for Apeel-Free Options
For many health-conscious consumers, knowing what's on their food is a top priority. Apeel, a plant-derived edible coating designed to extend the shelf life of produce, has become a focal point for those seeking ingredient transparency. While Apeel Technologies maintains its product's safety, some shoppers prefer to avoid it for various reasons, including concerns over full ingredient disclosure and processing methods. Fortunately, a significant number of retailers and brands are listening to this customer feedback and have committed to not stocking produce treated with Apeel.
Grocery Stores Committing to Apeel-Free Produce
Several well-known grocery stores have taken a public stance or implemented internal policies against carrying Apeel-coated products. These retailers offer a reliable destination for consumers looking to purchase produce without the coating.
- Natural Grocers: Has made a corporate statement that they do not carry any produce or items treated with Apeel.
- Costco: While having a previous relationship, Costco's customer service has stated they are not currently purchasing items with Apeel. Their corporate produce department reportedly has no plans to sell it again.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: This chain has publicly confirmed its decision not to carry produce treated with Apeel.
- Trader Joe's: Reports indicate that Trader Joe's no longer sources produce treated with Apeel coatings.
- Publix: The company will not purchase produce that has been treated with Apeel's coatings.
- H-E-B and Central Market: H-E-B does not use Apeel on their manufactured products and does not actively seek out produce treated with it. This policy also applies to its Texas-based gourmet subsidiary, Central Market.
- Jimbo's: This San Diego organic grocery chain publicly confirms it does not carry or accept produce treated with Apeel.
- Azure Standard: The online and delivery service states it does not use or carry any products containing Apeel.
- Fresh Thyme: Fresh Thyme does not source any produce treated with Apeel.
- Erewhon: This specialty market chain does not source produce treated with Apeel.
- Wegman's: Reportedly does not source any produce treated with Apeel.
- Independent Co-ops: Many smaller food co-ops, like New Pioneer and Bozeman Co-op, have made strong commitments to transparency and do not carry Apeel-treated produce.
Produce Brands That Don't Use Apeel
Beyond specific retailers, some produce brands and growers have also made it clear that they do not use Apeel on their products. When you see these names on packaged goods or signs in the produce aisle, you can be more certain about their coating-free status.
- Chelan Fresh: This fruit company, along with its associated brands like Rockit, Joyfully Grown, and SugarBee, explicitly states they do not use Apeel on any of their fruit.
- Rainier Fruit Company: This company has confirmed it does not use Apeel on its fruit.
- Driscoll's: The popular berry brand does not use Apeel to treat its fruit.
- Misfits Market: The subscription box service states they do not use Apeel on their produce.
- Bragg: Bragg does not use Apeel on the apples it sources.
- Wish Farms: This berry grower confirms that none of its fruit is treated with Apeel.
- Domex Superfresh Growers: This grower does not use Apeel and has no plans to do so in the future.
- Happy Dirt: This company, focused on organic produce, explicitly states it does not buy, sell, or distribute products treated with Apeel.
Comparison Table: Store Policies on Apeel
| Store | Stance on Apeel-Treated Produce | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Grocers | Explicitly prohibits | Public corporate statement confirming no Apeel. |
| Costco | Not currently purchasing | Confirmed policy change to not buy items with Apeel. |
| Sprouts Farmers Market | Explicitly prohibits | Made an official decision not to carry Apeel-treated produce. |
| H-E-B / Central Market | Does not actively seek | Suppliers are asked to adhere, but no 100% guarantee. |
| Kroger | Varies by brand | Own-label produce is Apeel-free, but cannot confirm other brands. |
| Whole Foods | Varies by store | Global purchasing team avoids Apeel, but local procurement may differ. |
| Walmart | Varies by brand | Walmart brand items are Apeel-free, but not other brands. |
How to Identify Produce Without Apeel
Beyond relying on store or brand-specific policies, there are other strategies for avoiding Apeel-coated produce:
- Shop at Farmers Markets: Produce from local farmers is far less likely to be treated with Apeel, as the coating is primarily used by large commercial growers and distributors. Building relationships with local farmers allows for direct questions about their practices.
- Look for Clear Labeling: While not all Apeel-treated items are explicitly labeled, some stores that prioritize transparency will have signage or packaging that indicates whether produce is coated or not.
- Purchase Certified Organic in the UK: In the United Kingdom, produce with Apeel is not permitted under Soil Association organic regulations, though this does not apply to the USDA organic certification in the U.S.. In the US, some organic certifiers do allow Apeel, so caution is still advised.
- Ask Your Grocer: If you are unsure about a store's policy, talk to the produce manager. They can provide more specific information about where the produce is sourced and if any post-harvest coatings are used.
The Rise of Apeel Alternatives
For those in the industry looking to extend shelf life without Apeel, a number of competitors and alternative solutions are emerging. These companies aim to provide similar benefits using different technologies or ingredients.
- Mori: Specializes in silk-based protective layers for food preservation.
- Ryp Labs: Offers packaging solutions that extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
- GreenPod Labs: Utilizes active packaging sachets to activate natural defense mechanisms in fruits and vegetables.
- Hazel Technologies: Provides modified atmosphere packaging that regulates gas flow to slow decay.
- AgroSustain: Offers natural and organic pre-harvest and post-harvest solutions for plant protection.
Conclusion
For consumers concerned about food additives and coatings like Apeel, exercising caution and seeking out retailers and brands with clear policies is the best approach. While major supermarkets may carry a mix of products, several stores like Natural Grocers, Sprouts, and Costco have made firm commitments to providing Apeel-free produce. Additionally, shopping at farmers markets or with brands like Chelan Fresh and Driscoll's offers a reliable way to avoid the coating. As demand for transparency continues to grow, consumers can feel more empowered to make informed choices about what ends up on their plates. My Health Forward provides extensive lists and research on this topic.
