Does your favorite food pass the 'whole foods test'?

Additives and preservatives, oh my! With this constantly shifting definition of what’s considered “healthy” and “natural”, it’s hard to keep track of what’s good for you, what’s not, and what’s the latest superfood you need to try.

Wouldn’t it be great if someone did the research for you and gave you a shortlist of products without bad-for-you ingredients?

Luckily for us, Whole Foods Market has. Every item sold in the store must pass the company’s rigorous quality standards. But if your favorite food isn’t at Whole Foods, does that mean it’s bad for you?

We talked to the team at Whole Foods and a nutritionist to get the scoop behind what it means when products pass (or don’t pass!) the Whole Foods test.

The Whole Foods Test

Whole Foods has specific quality standards for produce, meat and poultry, seafoods, dietary supplements, and body care that apply across the board at every store. “We do the homework so our customers can come into the store and trust that the products we sell have been carefully vetted,” says Joe Dickson, global quality standards coordinator for Whole Foods Market.

In fact, there’s a small team at the company’s headquarters in Austin, TX responsible for regularly reviewing new scientific and regulatory research on everything from additives to antibiotics to sustainability to sourcing and updating the quality standards as necessary. Based on this research, they’ve developed a list of unacceptable food ingredients. Top of the list: hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors, flavors, preservations, or sweeteners. Whole Foods says a hard no to any product with these ingredients.

The quality standards can be a blessing for those of us who don’t have a degree in nutrition. “It’s my business to know what’s up with food ingredients, says Jessica Cording, registered dietitian. “For someone who doesn’t have the time to research, Whole Foods does make it easier."

Not Whole Foods-Worthy?

However, if your must-have snack isn’t on the shelf at Whole Foods, don’t freak out. It really depends on how often you indulge in your fave food. “If it’s something that you’re only going to eat once in a while—once a month or a few times a year—it doesn’t matter as much,” says Cording. But because there's so much we don't know about the long-term impact of food additives and preservatives, she says it's better to limit your exposure. So if it’s something that you eat every day, Cording says you may want to find an alternative that's organic or additive free.

You should also keep in mind that that not every product that passes the Whole Foods test will make it onto the store shelves. There are tons of products that contain healthy ingredients but don’t make it to the market for a variety of reasons that don’t have to do with quality (such as product branding). Plus, there are some things sold at Whole Foods that still aren't super nutritious. A Whole Foods cookie is still a cookie, after all...

Shop Like A Whole Foods Expert

If you don’t live near a Whole Foods, don’t fret. Cording shares her top three tips for shopping in a non-Whole Foods store. “When you have the knowledge and ability to make your own decision in whatever store you’re shopping in, you can make an educated choice,” says Cording.

1. Identify your priorities

Committed to organic poultry and your local market doesn’t carry it? Be flexible and have some alternate options in mind. “If they don’t carry organic poultry but have organic eggs, I might use eggs in my meal instead or maybe that will be my meatless night,” says Cording.

2. Don't forget the freezer section

Cording says that the produce section is where many of her clients run into trouble. If your grocery stores doesn’t carry organic produce (or the selection doesn’t look great), buy frozen organic produce. “Frozen produce is frozen at its peak freshness,” says Cording. “It’s a great way to save money while still getting a quality product.”

3. Delegate your shopping

You don’t have to do all of your shopping at one store. Instead, play to your local store’s strengths. For example, if your local stores doesn’t carry organic produce, poultry or meat, stock up on grains and bulk foods instead, suggests Cording. Visit your weekly farmer’s market for your organic needs.