Four Generations of Organic Pioneers
The organic movement didn't happen overnight. It took four generations of
visionaries - each building on the work of those who came before - to transform
American food from the ground up. This is their story.
The Three Pillars of Organic Food
"These three pillars—Health & Safety, Nutrition & Purity, and Ethical Impact—are not separate ideals. They are inseparable. You cannot have truly healthy food from sick soil. You cannot have pure nutrition from exploited labor. You cannot have ethical impact without protecting the health of those who eat and those who grow. The pioneers in this collection understood this truth 113 years ago, and they have spent generations proving it is possible to honor all three, every single day, in every specific product. Your choice to support them validates that this integrated vision—health for people, purity in food, ethics in practice—is not idealistic. It is essential.
The Pioneer Heritage Collection honors 33 brands across four generations (1912-2025) that built the $67 billion U.S. organic market.
These pioneers didn't just create products, they created the certification standards, supply chains, and consumer awareness that made organic food
possible for everyone.
Health & Safety
The Promise of Cleaner Choices for Your Family
For over a century, these pioneers have fought to keep harmful chemicals, synthetic pesticides, and artificial additives out of your food. Every organic product you choose is a decision to protect your family from substances that do not belong to the human body. This is not about perfection—it is about reducing exposure to toxins that accumulate over time, especially in our most vulnerable: children, pregnant mothers, and those fighting illness. Organic standards represent more than just a label. They reflect a dedication to ensuring that everything you consume has been cultivated, processed, and managed with your wellbeing as the top concern. When you choose organic, you're choosing food that works with your body, not against it.
Nutrition & Purity
The Functional Upgrade to Daily Staples, Preserving Essential Vitality
Organic food prioritizes preserving nutrients by maintaining healthy soil, allowing natural ripening, and minimizing processing. Unlike conventional options, organic foods offer higher nutrient density and fewer residues, supporting overall energy and well-being. Though labels may not show all differences, organic choices provide pure nutrition and unaltered whole foods that benefit long-term health.
Ethical Impact
Empowering Farmers, Securing Fair Trade, and Protecting the Planet
Choosing organic means supporting fair trade, healthy soil, and farming that protect both people and the environment. Organic cooperatives pay farmers fairly, help communities, and show agriculture can restore rather than harm the land. This model preserves biodiversity, reduces pollution, and values workers’ dignity, aiming to feed the world sustainably for generations.
GENERATION 1: THE FOUNDERS (1912-1978)
Proving It Could Be DoneBefore 'organic' was a word most people knew, these pioneers were already living it - proving that whole grains, pure ingredients, and sustainable farming weren't just ideals, but a better way to feed families. They laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Paul Bragg started the health food movement in America over a century ago. His apple cider vinegar and liquid aminos became staples for generations who believe food is medicine. Bragg represents the timeless truth that what you put in your body determines how you feel in your life.
View Products
Four generations of family farmers committed to organic rice cultivation and soil health. The Lundbergs proved sustainable farming isn't just possible - it's profitable and delicious. Lundberg Family Farms embodies the truth that caring for the soil means caring for generations yet to come."
View Products
Pioneered organic whole grains when 'organic' wasn't even a word most people knew. For over 60 years, they've been milling flour, cereals, and grains the way nature intended - pure and unrefined. Arrowhead Mills embodies the wisdom that the old ways are often the best ways.
View Products
R.W. Knudsen pioneered pure, organic juices when most juice was from concentrate and loaded with additives. For over 60 years, they've proven that real juice comes from real fruit - nothing added, nothing taken away. R.W. Knudsen represents the belief that nature's flavors need no improvement, only respect.
View Products
One of the oldest natural food companies in North America. Eden pioneered organic beans, grains, and traditional Japanese foods, bringing ancient wisdom to modern kitchens. Eden Foods represents the bridge between ancestral knowledge and contemporary wellness.
View Products
Pioneered organic cereals and whole grain snacks when breakfast meant sugar and artificial colors. Proved that morning nutrition could be both wholesome and delicious. Health Valley embodies the belief that the first meal sets the tone for the entire day.
View Products
Born on a small organic farm in Washington's Cascade Mountains, Cascadian Farm brought organic cereals and frozen fruits from the fields to America's breakfast tables. They proved that organic farming could feed families beyond the farm stand. Cascadian Farm embodies the truth that organic food belongs in every home, not just on the farm.
View Products
Started in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, this brand transformed simple organic apples into pure applesauce and fruit spreads without compromise. No added sugar, no shortcuts - just organic fruit the way nature intended. Santa Cruz Organic stands for the principle that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
View Products
Brought organic spices and seasonings to every kitchen. Proved that flavor and organic farming go hand-in-hand - from farm to bottle to your favorite recipe. Simply Organic represents the truth that the best flavors come from the purest sources.
View Products
Bob Moore believed in stone-milling whole grains the old-fashioned way. His commitment to quality, whole nutrition, and employee ownership created a company that treats people and grains with equal respect. Bob's Red Mill proves that doing right by your employees and your ingredients creates something extraordinary.
View Products
GENERATION 2: THE MOVEMENT BUILDERS (1982-1991)
Scaling Organic Without CompromiseThe 1980s brought the defining challenge: could organic go mainstream without losing its soul? These brands proved it could - bringing organic food from co-ops to every American kitchen, establishing the standards and infrastructure that made organic accessible to all, while refusing to compromise on quality or values.
Started by a group of friends passionate about whole grains and plant-based nutrition. Kashi made '7 whole grains on a mission' a breakfast revolution, long before it was trendy. Kashi stands for the belief that breakfast is your body's first promise to itself each day.
View Products
The first organic baby food company in America. Earth's Best parents believed babies deserved the purest start in life - no pesticides, no compromises, just organic nutrition from day one. Earth's Best stands for the conviction that our children deserve nothing less than the purest beginning.
View Products
A family-owned organic cereal company that never sold out - literally. Three generations committed to organic, non-GMO breakfast foods that nourish people and planet. Nature's Path represents the courage to stay independent when principles matter more than profit.
View Products
Founded on a radical idea: farmers should be paid fairly. Their worker-owned cooperative brought fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate to America, proving business can be a force for good. Equal Exchange embodies the revolutionary idea that commerce can create dignity for everyone in the chain.
View Products
Brought premium organic, fair-trade coffee from the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the world. Proved that exceptional coffee quality and ethical sourcing are inseparable. Mount Hagen represents the understanding that great coffee starts with respecting the land and the farmers.
View Products
Revolutionized cooking oils with organic, expeller-pressed options. Made healthy fats accessible and delicious, long before 'good fats' became nutrition gospel. Spectrum Naturals embodies the understanding that how we extract matters as much as what we extract.
View Products
Born in a California kitchen when Amy's parents couldn't find organic, vegetarian convenience foods. Today, Amy's proves that frozen meals can be made with love, organic ingredients, and no shortcuts - just like homemade. Amy's Kitchen represents the truth that convenience never has to mean compromise.
View Products
Started in Oregon with a simple mission: make organic broths and soups that taste homemade. Their shelf-stable cartons brought organic convenience without sacrificing flavor. Pacific Foods embodies the belief that nourishment shouldn't require hours in the kitchen.
View Products
Named for the Iroquois philosophy of considering seven generations ahead. Pioneered plant-based household products that clean your home without harming the planet. Seventh Generation stands for the responsibility we hold to those who will inherit what we leave behind.
View Products
Started by Annie Withey, who believed kids deserved mac & cheese without artificial anything. Her bunny-shaped crackers and organic pasta changed what 'kid food' could be - wholesome, fun, and real. Annie's Homegrown stands for the belief that what we feed our children shapes their future.
View Products
Annie didn't stop at mac & cheese. Her salad dressings and condiments brought organic flavor to every meal, proving that what you pour on your salad matters just as much as what's in it. Annie's Naturals represents the principle that every ingredient counts, even the ones we drizzle.
View Products
Made organic milk available nationwide for the first time, bringing organic dairy from specialty stores to every American family's refrigerator. Horizon's founders were instrumental in developing the USDA organic standards and seal. Horizon Organic represents the belief that every family deserves access to organic dairy, not just those who can afford specialty stores.
View Products
Building on Paul Newman's 'give it all away' philosophy, Newman's Own Organics brought certified organic cookies, snacks, pet food, and tea to market with 100% of profits going to charity. Quality organic products with a greater purpose. Newman's Own Organics proves that every organic purchase can be an act of generosity.
View Products
GENERATION 3: THE INNOVATORS (2003-2012)
Science Meets TraditionAs organic became mainstream, these pioneers brought fresh innovation to the movement - proving that organic could embrace both ancient wisdom and modern science. From superfoods to bean-to-bar transparency to regenerative agriculture, they showed that the movement still had new frontiers to explore.
Pioneered the superfood movement, bringing ancient nutrient-dense foods like chia, cacao, and goji berries to mainstream America. Made 'superfoods' a household word. Navitas Naturals stands for the discovery that the most powerful foods have been here all along.
View Products
Created the first organic, gluten-free crackers made from whole grains when gluten-free meant cardboard taste. Proved that dietary restrictions don't require flavor compromises. Mary's Gone Crackers represents the belief that everyone deserves delicious, wholesome food - no exceptions.
View Products
America's first organic, fair-trade chocolate maker from bean to bar. Theo traveled to the source, paid farmers fairly, and brought transparency to an industry built on exploitation. Theo Chocolate represents the conviction that how chocolate is made matters as much as how it tastes.
View Products
When the outdoor company known for environmental activism entered food, they brought the same uncompromising standards. Patagonia Provisions sources regeneratively grown grains, wild-caught salmon, and organic ingredients that restore the planet while feeding people. Patagonia Provisions proves that every meal is an opportunity to heal the earth.
View Products
Proved that chocolate could be both indulgent and aligned with ancestral nutrition principles. Their grain-free, refined sugar-free approach created a new category where ancient wisdom meets modern cravings. Eating Evolved represents the marriage of ancestral wisdom and modern nutrition science.
View Products
GENERATION 4: THE FUTURE VISIONARIES (2013-2025)
Emerging Innovations in NutritionThe organic movement didn't stop evolving. This generation of pioneers brought breakthrough innovations in nutrition science - from plant-based proteins and infant health advances to protein-forward whole grains and plastic-free products. They prove the movement is alive, constantly pushing boundaries, and redefining what's possible in every aisle of the store.
Achieved what others couldn't - goat milk formula with the same whey: casein ratio as human breast milk. Innovation meets nature to give parents a gentle, digestible option for their babies. Kabrita represents the power of science and nature working together to solve what matters most.
View Products
Transformed the pancake category from empty carbs to protein-packed whole grain nutrition - 14g of protein per serving. Proved that comfort food can fuel your body, not just satisfy cravings. Kodiak Cakes represents the belief that breakfast should build strength, not just fill you up."
View Products
Created the first plastic-free, natural gum made from chicle tree sap instead of synthetic polymers. Revived traditional gum-making methods and proved that even the smallest choices can honor the planet. Simply Gum stands for the principle that even what we chew matters - nothing is too small to do right.
View Products
Brought paleo and clean eating principles to everyday condiments - proving that what you put ON your food matters as much as the food itself. Avocado oil mayo and sugar-free dressings without compromise. Primal Kitchen embodies the belief that every ingredient deserves scrutiny, even in a bottle of mayo.
View Products
Revolutionized baby food by creating savory, veggie-forward meals with healthy fats instead of sweet fruit purees. Challenged the industry standard that baby food must be sweet, proving infants can start with nutrient-dense whole foods. Serenity Kids represents the understanding that our children's first foods shape their palates and health for life.
View Products
Pioneers Brands Toolkit
All the pioneer brands, side by side, ready to explore and shop with purpose.
Paul Bragg started the health food movement in America over a century ago. His apple cider vinegar and liquid aminos became staples for generations who believe food is medicine. Bragg represents the timeless truth that what you put in your body determines how you feel in your life.
View Products
Four generations of family farmers committed to organic rice cultivation and soil health. The Lundbergs proved sustainable farming isn't just possible - it's profitable and delicious. Lundberg Family Farms embodies the truth that caring for the soil means caring for generations yet to come."
View Products
Pioneered organic whole grains when 'organic' wasn't even a word most people knew. For over 60 years, they've been milling flour, cereals, and grains the way nature intended - pure and unrefined. Arrowhead Mills embodies the wisdom that the old ways are often the best ways.
View Products
R.W. Knudsen pioneered pure, organic juices when most juice was from concentrate and loaded with additives. For over 60 years, they've proven that real juice comes from real fruit - nothing added, nothing taken away. R.W. Knudsen represents the belief that nature's flavors need no improvement, only respect.
View Products
One of the oldest natural food companies in North America. Eden pioneered organic beans, grains, and traditional Japanese foods, bringing ancient wisdom to modern kitchens. Eden Foods represents the bridge between ancestral knowledge and contemporary wellness.
View Products
Pioneered organic cereals and whole grain snacks when breakfast meant sugar and artificial colors. Proved that morning nutrition could be both wholesome and delicious. Health Valley embodies the belief that the first meal sets the tone for the entire day.
View Products
Born on a small organic farm in Washington's Cascade Mountains, Cascadian Farm brought organic cereals and frozen fruits from the fields to America's breakfast tables. They proved that organic farming could feed families beyond the farm stand. Cascadian Farm embodies the truth that organic food belongs in every home, not just on the farm.
View Products
Started in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, this brand transformed simple organic apples into pure applesauce and fruit spreads without compromise. No added sugar, no shortcuts - just organic fruit the way nature intended. Santa Cruz Organic stands for the principle that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
View Products
Brought organic spices and seasonings to every kitchen. Proved that flavor and organic farming go hand-in-hand - from farm to bottle to your favorite recipe. Simply Organic represents the truth that the best flavors come from the purest sources.
View Products
Bob Moore believed in stone-milling whole grains the old-fashioned way. His commitment to quality, whole nutrition, and employee ownership created a company that treats people and grains with equal respect. Bob's Red Mill proves that doing right by your employees and your ingredients creates something extraordinary.
View Products
Started by a group of friends passionate about whole grains and plant-based nutrition. Kashi made '7 whole grains on a mission' a breakfast revolution, long before it was trendy. Kashi stands for the belief that breakfast is your body's first promise to itself each day.
View Products
The first organic baby food company in America. Earth's Best parents believed babies deserved the purest start in life - no pesticides, no compromises, just organic nutrition from day one. Earth's Best stands for the conviction that our children deserve nothing less than the purest beginning.
View Products
A family-owned organic cereal company that never sold out - literally. Three generations committed to organic, non-GMO breakfast foods that nourish people and planet. Nature's Path represents the courage to stay independent when principles matter more than profit.
View Products
Founded on a radical idea: farmers should be paid fairly. Their worker-owned cooperative brought fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate to America, proving business can be a force for good. Equal Exchange embodies the revolutionary idea that commerce can create dignity for everyone in the chain.
View Products
Brought premium organic, fair-trade coffee from the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the world. Proved that exceptional coffee quality and ethical sourcing are inseparable. Mount Hagen represents the understanding that great coffee starts with respecting the land and the farmers.
View Products
Revolutionized cooking oils with organic, expeller-pressed options. Made healthy fats accessible and delicious, long before 'good fats' became nutrition gospel. Spectrum Naturals embodies the understanding that how we extract matters as much as what we extract.
View Products
Born in a California kitchen when Amy's parents couldn't find organic, vegetarian convenience foods. Today, Amy's proves that frozen meals can be made with love, organic ingredients, and no shortcuts - just like homemade. Amy's Kitchen represents the truth that convenience never has to mean compromise.
View Products
Started in Oregon with a simple mission: make organic broths and soups that taste homemade. Their shelf-stable cartons brought organic convenience without sacrificing flavor. Pacific Foods embodies the belief that nourishment shouldn't require hours in the kitchen.
View Products
Named for the Iroquois philosophy of considering seven generations ahead. Pioneered plant-based household products that clean your home without harming the planet. Seventh Generation stands for the responsibility we hold to those who will inherit what we leave behind.
View Products
Started by Annie Withey, who believed kids deserved mac & cheese without artificial anything. Her bunny-shaped crackers and organic pasta changed what 'kid food' could be - wholesome, fun, and real. Annie's Homegrown stands for the belief that what we feed our children shapes their future.
View Products
Annie didn't stop at mac & cheese. Her salad dressings and condiments brought organic flavor to every meal, proving that what you pour on your salad matters just as much as what's in it. Annie's Naturals represents the principle that every ingredient counts, even the ones we drizzle.
View Products
Made organic milk available nationwide for the first time, bringing organic dairy from specialty stores to every American family's refrigerator. Horizon's founders were instrumental in developing the USDA organic standards and seal. Horizon Organic represents the belief that every family deserves access to organic dairy, not just those who can afford specialty stores.
View Products
Pioneered the superfood movement, bringing ancient nutrient-dense foods like chia, cacao, and goji berries to mainstream America. Made 'superfoods' a household word. Navitas Naturals stands for the discovery that the most powerful foods have been here all along.
View Products
Created the first organic, gluten-free crackers made from whole grains when gluten-free meant cardboard taste. Proved that dietary restrictions don't require flavor compromises. Mary's Gone Crackers represents the belief that everyone deserves delicious, wholesome food - no exceptions.
View Products
America's first organic, fair-trade chocolate maker from bean to bar. Theo traveled to the source, paid farmers fairly, and brought transparency to an industry built on exploitation. Theo Chocolate represents the conviction that how chocolate is made matters as much as how it tastes.
View Products
When the outdoor company known for environmental activism entered food, they brought the same uncompromising standards. Patagonia Provisions sources regeneratively grown grains, wild-caught salmon, and organic ingredients that restore the planet while feeding people. Patagonia Provisions proves that every meal is an opportunity to heal the earth.
View Products
Proved that chocolate could be both indulgent and aligned with ancestral nutrition principles. Their grain-free, refined sugar-free approach created a new category where ancient wisdom meets modern cravings. Eating Evolved represents the marriage of ancestral wisdom and modern nutrition science.
View Products
Building on Paul Newman's 'give it all away' philosophy, Newman's Own Organics brought certified organic cookies, snacks, pet food, and tea to market with 100% of profits going to charity. Quality organic products with a greater purpose. Newman's Own Organics proves that every organic purchase can be an act of generosity.
View Products
Achieved what others couldn't - goat milk formula with the same whey: casein ratio as human breast milk. Innovation meets nature to give parents a gentle, digestible option for their babies. Kabrita represents the power of science and nature working together to solve what matters most.
View Products
Transformed the pancake category from empty carbs to protein-packed whole grain nutrition - 14g of protein per serving. Proved that comfort food can fuel your body, not just satisfy cravings. Kodiak Cakes represents the belief that breakfast should build strength, not just fill you up."
View Products
Created the first plastic-free, natural gum made from chicle tree sap instead of synthetic polymers. Revived traditional gum-making methods and proved that even the smallest choices can honor the planet. Simply Gum stands for the principle that even what we chew matters - nothing is too small to do right.
View Products
Brought paleo and clean eating principles to everyday condiments - proving that what you put ON your food matters as much as the food itself. Avocado oil mayo and sugar-free dressings without compromise. Primal Kitchen embodies the belief that every ingredient deserves scrutiny, even in a bottle of mayo.
View Products
Revolutionized baby food by creating savory, veggie-forward meals with healthy fats instead of sweet fruit purees. Challenged the industry standard that baby food must be sweet, proving infants can start with nutrient-dense whole foods. Serenity Kids represents the understanding that our children's first foods shape their palates and health for life.
View Products