Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (2024)

RatingMeijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (1)
Farm/Brand HeadquartersGrand Rapids, MI
ProductsFluid milk
Websitewww.meijer.com
Market AreaMidwest
Total Score0

Store brands include organic milk that has been privately labeled by grocery chains. Typically, these businesses buy products wholesale and then market those finished or packaged products with their own labels.

The inherent problem with private labels is that they lack transparency. Store brands may get their milk from highly rated producers, but they may also source from factory-scale dairies. Grocery chains or distributors typically offer low prices for store brands because they source the cheapest products available on the market at any given time. This variability in product sourcing makes it difficult, sometimes impossible, for consumers to determine where and how the products was produced.

Meijer is known to have purchased milk from Natural Prairie Dairy, one of the largest “organic” dairies in the country. Cornucopia has filed multiple legal complaints with the USDA against Natural Prairie Dairy and its certifier, the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Cornucopia recommends caution with store brands like this one. Invested consumers can contact stores to confirm who is supplying their private-label milk and encourage them to be completely transparent about their sourcing—even when it changes.

CriteriaPointsComment
TOTAL (possible score is 1600 plus extra credit) 0

1-Cow Rating | Poor

Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (2)
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (3)

Farmstead dairies earn the most points. Corporations that have a history of skirting the organic rules receive the fewest.

Ownership structure
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (4)

Farms that produce 100% of their milk receive the most points. Milk from "open market" or known confinement dairies receive the fewest.

Milk Supply
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (5)

100% organic farms receive the most points. Split operations with conventional dairy on the same property receive the fewest.

Organic Production
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (6)

Farms that completed the survey in detail received the most points.

Disclosure of Information for Verification
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (7)

Points determined by integrity of the brand’s organic certifier.

Organic Certification
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (8)

Animal Welfare Approved and Biodynamic certifications receive the most bonus points. Producers are not penalized for not having additional certifications beyond organic.

Other Labels/Standards
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (9)

100% grass-fed with independent verification of standards

Grass-fed
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (10)

No points are given for this but the information may be useful to certain consumers looking to avoid soy.

Soy Free Ration?
No answer. Soy is likely used in feed.
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (11)

Sliding scale based on policies, enforcement, acreage/cow, days/year on pasture, and permissible exemption.

Pasture
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (12)

One time/day receives the most points. Two times per day is standard.

Times Milked
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (13)

Lower cull rate scores better, with under 10% receiving the most points.

Cull/death Rate
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (14)

Farms with closed herds receive the most points. Farms that sell organic calves and buy conventional replacements receive the fewest.

Replacements
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (15)

Standard practice is removing calves shortly after birth, with extra points given for unique ways of managing calves

Calves
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (16)

Farms that prohibit antibiotics receive the most points. Farms that allow young stock to receive antibiotics (under one year), receive the fewest.

Antibiotic Use
0No answer; animals given antibiotics may be introduced back into food stream after withdrawal times.
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (17)

No hormones is the standard, however some farms do use oxytocin for therapeutic purposes.

Hormone Usage
0No answer; hormones may be used therapeutically
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (18)

Farmstead dairies (owner lives on-site) receive the most points. Fewer points are given as oversight declines.

Farm Support
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (19)

All ingredients sourced from inside the organization or on the farm receives the highest points. Ingredients from confinement factory farms and/or imported ingredients receive the fewest.

Procurement of Ingredients
0No answer
Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (20)

Various levels of extra credit given for 1) providing full organic systems plan, 2) providing details on all farms (multi-farm brands, details on largest five required), and 3) sourcing feed on-farm or domestically.

Extra Credit
0None

Cornucopia's scorecards were made possible by generous gifts from Dr. Rebecca and Mr. Laird Malamed and donors like you. Stand up for good food and farming, donate today!

Meijer Organics (Meijer) - Cornucopia Institute (2024)

FAQs

What is true goodness by Meijer? ›

honest to goodness

Fill up on wholesome, organic, and full-flavored foods the way nature intended. True Goodness by Meijer® is free from artificial flavors and preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and over a hundred more chemicals and additives.

Who owns true goodness? ›

True Goodness by Meijer – less really can be more. This is what our customers can expect from our True Goodness products: No high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

Is Meijer true goodness organic? ›

All True Goodness by Meijer Organic products are USDA certified Organic, meaning they are made with non-GMO ingredients.

What is the lawsuit against Meijer? ›

Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. announced on Wednesday that the county received more than $6 million in a settlement agreement with Meijer, Inc. Montgomery County has received more than $6.3 million in an opioid lawsuit settlement with Meijer, Inc., according to the county prosecutor's office.

What makes Meijer different? ›

What makes Meijer different from other stores? Meijer stores offer all the convenience and value you'd expect from the company that pioneered the supercenter concept, along with the fresh, high-quality food and friendliness you'd want from your local hometown grocer.

Who makes true goodness cat food? ›

Goodness Cat Products - Canidae.

Is Aldi actually organic? ›

Our products are either USDA Certified Organic or are being independently vetted for Non-GMO ingredients and can be spotted by their organic seal.

What is Kroger organic brand name? ›

At Simple Truth®, our natural and organic foods are free from artificial preservatives, free from GMOs and free from things you can't pronounce. Our foods are sourced responsibly and free from high prices, too.

Is Kroger simple truth really organic? ›

Simple Truth Organic® provides easy-to-read ingredient statements, and Simple Truth Organic products are USDA organic certified. You'll find Simple Truth Organic in the produce section, of course — but also look for Simple Truth Organic in dairy, meat, snacks and many other aisles in the Kroger Co.

What company has had the biggest lawsuit? ›

The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement is also the biggest civil litigation settlement in US history. At USD246 billion, it is unlikely to be beaten any time soon. The case was brought against all the major tobacco companies by more than 40 US states.

Is Meijer better than Walmart? ›

For quality, Meijer scored better than other large chains.

Although not stellar, Meijer's quality ratings were considerably higher than those for Jewel-Osco, Target, and Walmart.

Who currently owns Meijer? ›

Hank and Doug Meijer own the Meijer.

The two brothers took the company over from their father in 1990. Meijer is a Michigan-based supermarket chain that was started by Hank and Doug's grandfather, Hendrick, in 1934.

What did Meijer used to be called? ›

The Michigan Historical Commission recognized Meijer for making history on the site of its original “Thrifty Acres” store with a historical marker on the site of the nation's first supercenter.

Who are Meijers biggest competitors? ›

Meijer main competitors are Vudu, Texaco, and CITGO Petroleum. Competitor Summary. See how Meijer compares to its main competitors: Walmart has the most employees (2,300,000).

Is Meijer more expensive than Target? ›

Kroger and Target are comparable in the mid-range of cost and Meijer has the second highest everyday prices.

Who makes the Costco cat food? ›

Q: Where are the Kirkland Signature Pet Foods made? A: All of the dry foods are made by Diamond Pet Foods in five company owned manufacturing facilities, all in the United States.

What cat food is not made in China? ›

Halo pet food for dogs and cats is manufactured in the USA and made from ingredients sourced worldwide. None of the ingredients found in Halo products are sourced from China. Halo products are GMO-free and contain no meat meals. Vegan pet food options are available.

Who makes Amazon's cat food? ›

Product information
Item Weight‎5.3 pounds
ManufacturerAmazon.com Services, Inc.
Number of Items‎24
Package Information‎Can
Item Weight‎5.3 Pounds
14 more rows

Is any food truly organic? ›

Is anything really organic? In food, yes. That's because the USDA requires companies to follow certain agricultural practices before getting verified. But in other types of products, that's not necessarily the case.

Is Trader Joe's all organic? ›

Trader Joe's isn't all organic, but many of their products are gourmet. Trader Joe's doesn't market themselves as a Whole Foods or a gourmet market, but it kind of is.

Does Trader Joe's sell organic produce? ›

Trader Joe's is a longstanding carrier of organic produce. First opening in 1958, the nationwide chain often carries organic bananas, tomatoes, salad greens and apples. The website features a handy FAQ that talks through its standards and various organic food terminology.

Which is best organic brand? ›

Best Organic Brands In India In 2023
  • SOSE. Name of Company: Suryan Organic. ...
  • Terra Greens Organic. Name of Company: Terra Firma Projects Private Limited. ...
  • Elworld Organic. Name of Company: Elworld Agro & Organic Foods Pvt Ltd. ...
  • GIR. Name of Company: Bansi Gir Gauveda. ...
  • Induz Organic. ...
  • Just Organik. ...
  • Farm Organic. ...
  • Geo-Fresh Organic.
Jan 17, 2023

What is the most popular organic brand? ›

Leading organic food brands ranked by brand awareness in the United States in 2022
CharacteristicShare of respondents
Organic Valley57%
Simply Nature55%
Stonyfield Organic42%
365 by Whole Foods Market40%
9 more rows
May 22, 2023

What is the largest organic brand? ›

Some of the largest organic food producers in the United States include:
  • WhiteWave Foods Company.
  • General Mills.
  • Globel Copacking LLC.
Jul 2, 2022

What organic brands can you trust? ›

Have a look at the 10 best international organic food brands you should think of buying:
  • Whole Foods Market: ...
  • Urban Organics: ...
  • Earth's Best Organics: ...
  • Wildwood: ...
  • Mary's Gone Crackers: ...
  • Amy's Kitchen: ...
  • Green And Black's: ...
  • 365 Everyday Value:
May 24, 2023

What is the Simple Truth controversy? ›

The “Simple Truth” chicken products were packaged with labeling that stated the animals were raised “in a humane environment” and “cage free,” according to the lawsuit. However, standard industry practice for broiler chickens is to house them inside large buildings, not cages, according to industry experts.

Can you trust organic labels? ›

So, can you trust the USDA organic certification? For the most part, yes. Every time we reach for something with the USDA Certified Organic label, we can feel good about it being backed by a rigorous certification process that will only continue to improve over time.

What is HBC Meijer? ›

Health and Beauty Care (HBC) / Health and Beauty Aids (HBA)

toothpaste, toothbrushes.

What is the southern most Meijer store? ›

Southernmost - Bowling Green, Kentucky

Located at 36.95 degrees North, the Meijer location that is furthest south is in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

What are Meijer brand values? ›

Our growth and innovation remain focused on our core values: Customers, Competition, Freshness, Family, and Health and Safety. As a family-owned company, we're grounded in the philosophy of Fred Meijer, "...

Which company food is best for cats? ›

Here are some of the most nutritionally balanced, highly-rated recipes approved by our experts that are found online and in most major retailers.
  • Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Probiotic Chicken & Rice Formula. ...
  • Purina Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food. ...
  • Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care.

Is Meijer more expensive than Walmart? ›

If you are going by the everyday low prices at the store, the clear winner to the cheapest grocery store in 2023 is Aldi. Walmart is a runner up, with Meijer and Kroger trailing behind.

What does Meijer stand for? ›

Meijer is a Dutch surname. It refers to a profession similar to a bailiff or steward. It originates from the Latin word maior and is often rendered Meyer abroad. Meijer.

What is the oldest Meijer? ›

In 1962 Meijer launched its modern format with a store at the corner of 28th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue in Grand Rapids. At a size of 180,000 square feet (17,000 m2), it combined grocery shopping and department store shopping in a single large store.

Where is the oldest Meijer? ›

The first Meijer supercenter, identified internally as Store 011, was created when an 80,000-square foot addition was made to a supermarket at the corner of 28th Street and Kalamazoo Ave, in Grand Rapids.

What is the motto of Meijer? ›

Fred Meijer always said, "Customers don't need us, we need them." At Meijer, we focus on our customers and thrive by meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations.

What company owns Meijer? ›

Who owns Meijer brand? ›

2022 Billionaires Net Worth. Brothers Hank and Doug Meijer together own Michigan-based supermarket chain Meijer, which has 230 stores in the Midwest. The brothers took over the company from their father Frederik in 1990; they stepped down as co-CEOs in 2017.

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