We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series. Read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Fig Food makes delicious soup. If you’ve tasted it, you may already know this — but did you know that in every batch of organic, kosher soup, someone has thought about how to pack in the most organic plants possible? “The choices we made around being kosher, being organic, using a new package; it all comes from my own personal passion and wanting to leave a legacy of making the world a better place,” says Joel Henry, founder and owner of Fig Food.
Every choice that Henry has made can be traced to this philosophy, from the seasoning of their soup, the decision to go organic to naming the soups after the areas from which they draw flavor inspiration. (Tuscan White Bean, Yucatan Black Bean and Umbrian Lentil are a few examples.) “Part of making the world a better place is about reconnection; connecting to the farmer, connecting to other people,” says Henry. “I thought if we named the soups with cool names, people would explore the regions to see what they stood for.”
When Henry made the decision to go organic, he asked himself, “ ‘Is it more important to get more people access to plant-based foods and be conventional, or be organic?’ To me, organic growing practices are all about a better environment, and so if I have healthier people in an environment that’s declining, that didn’t sit well.” And so it was. Their lightly salted soups are organic, plant-based and tasty.
Have you ever considered all of the thought that goes into the soup you’re eating? Let us know about your thoughts on Henry’s soup philosophy. Watch the slideshow above and leave a comment with your answer by October 25th. One comment will be chosen at random to win a $50 gift card to our stores.
I like that soups are made just like if you made them at home.
10/13/2011 12:36:24 AM CDT
Patti Bailey says ...
I can personally state that a better diet will make a hughe difference in health in a short while. Now I not only watch what I eat but the quality of the food as well.
10/13/2011 6:29:56 AM CDT
Amy Stong says ...
Fig Food Soup is one brand of organic natural soup that I must try! Sounds like something I would whip up in my own kitchen! Organic and natural ingredients with lots of love!
10/13/2011 9:43:50 AM CDT
Dennis Trinkle says ...
Few foods are as satisfying and comforting as a good soup. Few cooking experiences are as satisfying as those that require you know where the food is coming from and that you've thought about what you're putting together. This seems like an ideal combination.
10/13/2011 10:04:45 AM CDT
Lisa G says ...
I have recently begun to choose organic fruits and vegetables after learning how many different pesticides can be on their conventional counterparts. Organic and plant-based soups? Yes, please! This is right up my alley, Fig Foods!
10/13/2011 10:22:57 AM CDT
carole says ...
The perfect solution during the week when I can't cook. It has the quality of my own soup, but ready when I get home.
10/14/2011 11:33:49 AM CDT
Chelsea says ...
i like the fact that they use less salt, always trying to keep track of my family's sodium intake.
10/14/2011 1:54:13 PM CDT
flamingogurl says ...
I have not yet tried it, but certainly will now! That's why I love WF's website - I am always learning about new products to try :-) And of course, they are always great!
10/14/2011 3:16:00 PM CDT
Susan Sokoloski says ...
We loved Joel's delicious soups which we first had when we were visiting our daughter and her family in NYC.
10/14/2011 3:45:13 PM CDT
RH says ...
For someone who has to carefully monitor sodium intake, my favorite thing about Fig Food is that their soups are truly low sodium.
10/12/2011 6:39:33 PM CDT
Laura J says ...
Love the concept of have foods dense with plant ingredients. I'm trying to live a clean eating lifestyle which encourages lots of real food and none of that commercial artificial chemical gunk!!!
10/12/2011 6:40:57 PM CDT
Lanie says ...
I hadn't thought of all the hard work that does into making soups. These soups sound delicious and I have a new appreciation of them. I can't wait to try some :)
10/12/2011 6:41:01 PM CDT
Lauren G. says ...
I love that they use local, fresh ingredients.
10/12/2011 6:48:01 PM CDT
Gina B says ...
I do not usually think about the people or intentions behind the food I buy. It's great to be reminded of the companies, people, and mission statements that are centered around the quality of food put into the products, and focused on healthy eating and healthy environmental practices.
10/12/2011 6:48:31 PM CDT
Sarah says ...
The idea of producing farmer's market quality food for a mass audience is wonderful.
10/12/2011 6:48:39 PM CDT
Rebecca says ...
I always had a hard time finding decent prepared/packaged soups. Once I made my own sous at home, I realized what was missing--the thought and care that home-cooks put into their food that is lacking in mass production (not to name anyone but I am sure everyone who ate canned soup as a kid knows. . . ). I have found that the smaller companies and organic producers tend to have better products. I trust them more, too. It is refreshing to read Henry's soup philosophy and know that other people have similar opinions to mine when it comes to food. Food should not only taste good, but also nourishing, nurturing, sustainable, and ethical.
10/12/2011 6:48:52 PM CDT
RandiB says ...
Im very into soup and organic is the only way to go for me. Whenever I make a soup I start from scratch stock and all so I know exactly how much salt us going in. Fig and co soup keep me very happy with the organic low sodium option.
10/12/2011 6:50:31 PM CDT
Angela Clark says ...
I really like that they have thought about the whole package. They seem to encompass all parts of their philosophy in the soups.
10/12/2011 6:50:38 PM CDT
Robin says ...
His philosophy should be commended and celebrated.
10/12/2011 6:51:20 PM CDT
BookishCook says ...
Sounds delicious and good for the planet!
10/12/2011 6:54:09 PM CDT
Beth Ianacone says ...
Henry believes the same thing I do - fresh ingredients, layering flavors and slow cooking. Your soups are the next best thing to my own!
Thank you!
10/12/2011 6:56:18 PM CDT
Adrienne says ...
It's so hard to find good low sodium soups - I also like that they're both kosher and organic!
10/12/2011 6:56:29 PM CDT
Mary says ...
I hadn't heard of Fig Food yet. Seeing his holistic consideration of all that goes into his soups, and the healthy ingredients he chooses, makes me eager to try them. Thanks for sharing.
10/12/2011 6:57:35 PM CDT
Lisa says ...
I have thought about all the preservitives in can soup and totally agree soup should have only ingredents everyone knows.
10/12/2011 6:58:01 PM CDT
Jennifer Sproha says ...
I am excited to read about a new product I have yet to try. I will buy some of your soup for my husband this week as he has a bad tooth ache. Great to hear organic is important as it is to me as well.
Welcome to Whole Story, the official blog of Whole Foods Market. Don't know us? In a nutshell, we are the world’s leading natural and organic grocer and we’re passionate about healthy food and a healthy planet. Learn more about us.
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