Private label, or store-brand, companies in the one-bean category did not participate in the project, but through our research we were able to determine that at least some of the soybeans used in Pathmark organic soymilk are sourced from North American organic family farmers.

Organic consumers are often interested in knowing the story behind their food – where the food was grown, how it was processed – but store brand products are inherently anonymous. The store contracts with a manufacturer to produce the private label foods, and often the manufacturer relies on additional middlemen. Tracing the soybeans to the source is therefore often a difficult endeavor. Direct relationships between the brand and the organic farmers are non-existent.

By virtue of the fact that these companies are operating in a secretive manner, consumers should be very dubious in terms of the quality and sourcing of their raw materials. If you are a loyal customer of these grocery chains, we would encourage you to contact the management and express your displeasure.