As concerns about food additives and preservatives continue to grow, many consumers are paying closer attention to what goes into their produce. One such additive that has sparked debate is Apeel, a plant-based coating designed to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Apeel’s coatings, Edipeel for conventional produce and Organipeel for organic produce, are derived from natural sources and are tasteless, odorless, and colorless.
While some grocery stores have embraced this technology as a way to reduce food waste and improve the longevity of their produce, others have taken a strong stance against it, citing concerns about transparency and the desire to offer customers the most natural, unadulterated products possible. In this article, we’ll break down the positions of major grocery chains on the use of Apeel, so you can make informed decisions about where to shop for your fresh fruits and veggies.
What is Apeel?
Apeel is a plant-derived coating that is applied to the surface of fruits and vegetables to slow down water loss and oxidation, thereby extending their shelf life. The company behind Apeel, Apeel Sciences, has developed two main products: Edipeel for conventionally grown produce and Organipeel for organic produce. These tasteless, odorless, and colorless coatings are made from lipids and glycerolipids extracted from the seeds and peels of various plants, including strawberries, lemons, and grapefruits.
Is Apeel Safe?
The safety of Apeel has been a topic of much discussion among consumers and experts alike. Apeel Sciences maintains that its coatings are safe for human consumption and have been rigorously tested. The company claims that the ingredients used in Apeel are commonly found in many foods we already eat and that the coatings have been approved by the FDA as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). However, some critics argue that more independent, long-term studies are needed to fully understand the potential health impacts of consuming Apeel-treated produce.
Costco
Costco, the well-known membership-based warehouse club, has taken a firm stance against the use of Apeel in its produce. Despite having partnered with Apeel in the past, Costco’s corporate produce department has confirmed that they have no plans to sell Apeel-treated fruits and vegetables in the future.
Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers, a health food store chain that specializes in organic and natural products, has made its position on Apeel clear. The company has publicly stated that it does not carry any produce or items treated with Apeel’s food coatings.
Sprouts Farmers Markets
Sprouts Farmers Markets, another grocery chain known for its focus on natural and organic products, has recently decided to stop carrying produce treated with Apeel. While the company has communicated this decision internally to its employees, it has not yet made a public statement regarding its new policy.
Publix
Publix, a popular supermarket chain in the southeastern United States, has also taken a stand against Apeel. The company has stated that it will not purchase any produce that has been treated with Apeel’s food coatings. This decision reflects Publix’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its desire to provide shoppers with the highest quality, most natural products available.
H-E-B and Central Market
H-E-B, a beloved Texas-based grocery chain, and its gourmet subsidiary, Central Market, have both addressed the Apeel issue. These companies have stated that they do not use any Apeel-treated items in the products they manufacture. However, they cannot provide a 100% guarantee that all products they carry are Apeel-free, as the ultimate responsibility lies with their suppliers.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods, a leading natural and organic grocery chain, has not provided a clear, straightforward answer regarding its stance on Apeel. Despite multiple inquiries, the company has not issued a definitive statement on whether it sources Apeel-treated produce. One corporate office did indicate that Apeel’s coatings meet Whole Foods’ safety standards, but the company’s overall position remains ambiguous.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s, a popular grocery chain known for its unique and high-quality products, has confirmed that it no longer sources any produce treated with Apeel’s food coatings. Although the company has not released a public statement, its decision to move away from Apeel-treated produce demonstrates its commitment to offering customers the most natural options available.
ALDI
ALDI, a discount grocery chain, does not have a clear policy on the use of Apeel in its produce. The company has not made any public statements regarding Apeel, and its employees are not authorized to comment on the matter. While ALDI does source produce from brands that use Apeel, such as West Pak and Limoneira, it is unclear whether the specific items carried by ALDI are treated with the coating.
Kroger
Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, has stated that produce sold under its own label is not treated with Apeel’s food coatings. However, the company cannot verify whether other brands it carries use Apeel. This policy applies to all Kroger locations and subsidiaries, including Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Super Markets, Pick’n, Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, and Smith’s Food and Drug.
Target
Target, a popular retail chain that also sells groceries, is known to carry produce treated with Apeel. This includes items such as avocados, apples, cucumbers, asparagus, and citrus fruits. If you are looking to avoid Apeel-treated produce, it may be best to shop for these items elsewhere or carefully read labels when shopping at Target.
Walmart
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has stated that it does not use Apeel on any of its own brand products. However, the company cannot certify whether other brands sold in its stores use the coating. Some consumers have reported finding Apeel-treated produce at Walmart locations, so it is important to be vigilant and read labels carefully when shopping there.
Albertsons
Albertsons, a major supermarket chain, is known to carry some produce items treated with Apeel. If you are looking to avoid these products, it may be best to shop at one of the other grocery chains that have taken a stronger stance against the use of Apeel in their produce.
Stay Informed
As the debate surrounding Apeel continues, it is important for consumers to stay informed about the policies and practices of their preferred grocery stores. By understanding which chains have rejected Apeel, which ones embrace it, and which ones have unclear or mixed policies, shoppers can make choices that align with their values and preferences. While the decision to purchase or avoid Apeel-treated produce ultimately lies with the individual, the information provided in this article aims to empower consumers to navigate this complex issue with confidence.
