Over the last year or so, I’ve been slowly losing confidence in the integrity of Whole Foods Market. Their product ingredients are gradually becoming more and more similar to the Big Food ingredients that a lot of us are trying to avoid.
Today I noticed the ingredients in their low sodium chicken stock. When did chicken stock become such a complicated recipe?
- Organic chicken stock (filtered water, concentrated organic chicken stock)
- Contains less than 2% of the following:
- Organic cane sugar
- Organic chicken flavor (organic chicken, sea salt, organic gum arabic)
- Organic vegetable stock (organic carrot, organic onion, organic celery, sea salt)
- Yeast extract
- Salt
- Organic turmeric
Were these always the ingredients in their chicken stock? A few months ago, I might not have noticed or thought twice about any of them, but I guess I’ve become more fussy about what I consider a “whole food” — I don’t believe sugar, gums and yeast extract (hidden MSG) belong in my chicken soup. sigh.
It’s become more important than ever to scrutinize ALL labels and ingredients, especially when shopping at Whole Foods Market. Gone are the idealistic days of blind trust, assuming they have our backs when it comes to natural wholesome foods.
Thankfully I try to make my own stocks, but it’s nice to keep a carton in the pantry; this time, I left it on the shelf!
Other links:
It was so funny to find this 2008 article from the WF web site: “Myths and Misconceptions: MSG” where they contradict the critics that state certain ingredients like yeast extract are hidden instances of MSG. It’s even more interesting to read the comments from some of their shoppers.