Newmans Own Organics Review!

Here is a little about the company first- what an inspiring story!!

NEWMAN’S OWN® ORGANICS GOES BEYOND SNACK FOODS When Nell Newman and business partner Peter Meehan started Newman’s Own® Organics: The Second Generation in 1993, they were sure there was a market for organic snack foods, but they couldn’t have anticipated just how fast the demand for their products would grow. What started with pretzels and grew to include other snack foods has now expanded to many other organic items: coffee, tea, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, organic dried fruit, and pet food. The partners anticipate adding a number of new items each year in all these areas. Nell approached her father in 1992 about the possibility of an organic division. He offered to cover one year’s expenses for Nell and Peter to determine the feasibility of an organic product line under the Newman name. The one stipulation was that, once established, they would return the seed money, so that it could be added to his charity money. They not only managed to do this within a short period of time, but also became an independent company in late 2000. This had been the goal from the beginning. They were, though, committed to following the philanthropic role of Paul Newman and bringing out products that he was proud to have his name associated with. “Great tasting products that happen to be organic is our slogan,” says Nell. “It really says a lot about us. We’ve seen in recent years that people want to know more about the food they eat, not just how many calories a product contains. It’s becoming more important to them how ingredients are grown and processed on the way to their grocers' shelf. Once people see how much organic foods have improved since the early days of packaged `health' foods, we feel they'll seek them out.” When it comes to choosing what products are produced, personal preference comes into play. Through the year of research, Nell and Peter discovered that national pretzel sales were booming, but there were few organic pretzels available. It was “Pa” Newman’s love for pretzels that made them a perfect first choice when they launched the pretzels in fall, 1993. The pretzel line has expanded to thirteen varieties. "We focus on the kinds of products we loved as kids, but take them one step further by using the highest quality of available organic ingredients," says Meehan. "Our pretzels fast became the top sellers in the natural food industry." Nell's love of chocolate was a deciding factor in choosing organic chocolate bars, as the next product. The company was a pioneer in the natural food industry when it offered its first line of organic chocolate bars in 1995. In 2009 the company took their commitment to a better chocolate bar to the next level with its Signature Chocolate line, which carries the USDA Organic and RainForest Alliance Certified ™ seals. It wasn’t long before other chocolate items joined the bars: Champion Chip Cookies in several varieties; Newman-O’s, a crème filled chocolate cookie in six varieties; Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Mint Cups and Chocolate Carmel Cups. "What’s great about the chocolate line is that since the first bars, the cacao was and is grown in the ancient way so that no rain forests need be destroyed. We want to encourage this method by supporting the farmers economically," says Nell. The popular Fig Newman’s ™ came into being, thanks to “Pa” approaching the president of Nabisco (now Kraft) and the corporation’s cooperation. The name is being used under license from them. This was the first fig bar with organic figs, organic sugar, organic flour, and without hydrogenated oils. The line includes fat-free and low-fat versions, and, responding to consumers’ requests, a wheat-free, dairy free bar. Other pleasers in the cookie line are Alphabet Cookies in three varieties, Ginger-O’s, a ginger crème filled cookie, and Hermits, an old-fashioned spicy, chewy cookie in three flavors. The cookie line uses palm shortening. “People initially confused this ingredient with palm kernel oil,” say Nell. “Palm kernel oil is extracted from a nut and is generally solvent extracted and must be refined before use. Palm oil is extracted only from the fruit, like olive and avocado oil, and is not refined, only filtered and deodorized. Unlike butter, palm shortening is plant derived, so it has no cholesterol and is lower in saturated fat than butter. Although palm shortening has more saturated fat than partially hydrogenated shortening, it contains no trans-fatty acids. It makes an excellent tasting product and replaces a non-organic ingredient, conventional butter, while maintaining reasonable retail cost. We use palm oil that comes from large co-ops in Colombia. Our supplier, who is certified according to the standards of ProForest, is also participating in Alliance for Peace, funded by the U.S. Government to help small farmers who are supported by larger partners who supply them with seed, technical assistance and a market for their products.” “We couldn’t resist bringing out organic popcorn in dad’s honor,” says Nell. Pop’s Corn comes in three varieties. “We feel our popcorn is terrific on its own, but it’s fun to add favorite ingredients. We enjoy doing this in our family.” A line of organic mints was added recently to the candy line. They are available both in tins with colorful animal covers illustrating the flavors and four rolls in a bag with the familiar logo. Both lines come in Wintergreen, Cinnamon, Ginger, and Peppermint flavors. Soy Crisps, one the company’s newest items, come in four flavors and are a nice change from chips. Besides a tasty snack, they can be used in various recipes to add some crunch. In late 2002 Green Mountain Coffee, Inc., a leader in the specialty coffee industry, and Newman’s Own Organics signed an agreement for the coffee company to be the exclusive roaster, seller, and distributor of Newman’s Own Organics Fair Trade Certified™ coffees. Six original coffees have been created and are available in supermarkets, through the company’s catalog, and their e-store, http://www.greenmountaincoffee.com/. Through an alliance with 650 McDonald’s restaurants in the Northeast many new customers have had their first taste of the company’s fair trade coffee. Organic balsamic vinegar and organic olive oil joined the product line in 2003. “We know how many people enjoy making their own salad dressing once in awhile -- and use Pop’s the rest of the time,” comments Nell. “There are also many other uses for both the vinegar and oil in cooking and we wanted to offer an organic choice.” In 2004 a line of 100% organic dried fruits starring Raisins, Cranberries, Pitted Prunes, Apples, Apricots, and Berry Mix was added. Dried fruits are being used for multiple purposes from snack food to adding a special flavor to today’s ethnic recipes and family favorites, as well as a staple for bakers. Late in 2007 Nell and “Pa” Newman turned in their American Gothic garb for regal robes and scepter for their new distinctive packages for Newman’s Own Organics’ Royal Tea line. “We wanted to add tea to our product line for quite some time, but needed to find a company who has the experience to source and blend the high quality of organic tea we desired for our customers,” says Nell. “We’re delighted to have found the Harris Tea Company. A family run company for the past 67 years, the Harris Tea Company has over 200 years of tea procuring and blending experience. They know the tea plantations that our tea is sourced from, so we are able to offer quality organic tea to our consumers at reasonable costs.” There are three current organic offering in double chamber tea bags: Black Tea, Green Tea, and Family Size Black Tea Bags, perfect for preparing pitchers of iced tea. Nell and Peter have turned their attention to cats and dogs with the addition of their line of premium pet foods. “Pets have always been a part of our family life,” says Nell, who grew up with dogs, cats, birds, and an occasional snake. She currently has three pampered chickens, who follow her around. “We recognize that like the food we choose for ourselves, the food we chose for our pets will have a strong impact on their health. We are using the same quality of ingredients and careful manufacturing process that is used in our human food line,” she continues. The charity money generated by the sale of the pet food will help organizations that support animals’ well-being. The company’s growth process hasn’t been without its problems. An organic product is more expensive to produce. “We are constantly dealing with trying to keep our products competitive in the market, says Meehan. “We do, though, want to give consumers a viable alternative in the marketplace and are always searching for organic ingredients that can be cost-effective.” Packaging is another area that had to be addressed. The products are easily identified with the distinctive, eye-catching photo of an American Gothic "Pa" Newman and daughter Nell. Because the products are organic, consumers also expect them to be in completely recyclable packages. “We are regularly looking for materials that will keep our products fresh, allow for shipping, since so many are perishable, and meet consumer expectations,” states Meehan. “It can be a frustrating process as this can raise the price of products and then people won’t buy them.” Newman’s Own® Organics' products meet all the requirements of the USDA’s National Organic Program. Ingredients have been grown on farms that have not used artificial fertilizers or pesticides for three years or more. The farms and processors have also met the USDA’s organic standards. The products are sold nationwide in a number of mainstream supermarkets and in a large number of stores featuring natural and health foods. The pet foods are sold in specialty pet stores as well as many of the other outlets. The Newman’s Own® Organics Guide to the Good Life: Simple Measures that Benefit You and the Place You Live (Villard) written by Nell with Joseph D’Agnese was published in spring, 2003. It is filled with practical advice for improving the quality of one’s life and the environment without drastically altering one’s life. Packed with facts, anecdotes, humor, and a heavy dose of sanity, it is organized around the way people actually live, allowing readers to easily identify what areas of change are viable for them. The sale of Newman’s Own Organics products generates money for the Newman’s Own Foundation to give away. Since 1982 Paul Newman and the Newman’s Own Foundation have donated more than $250 million dollars to educational and charitable organizations worldwide.

NELL NEWMAN Nell Newman launched Newman's Own™ Organics: The Second Generation® with business partner Peter Meehan in 1993. Great tasting products that happen to be organic is the company's motto. She is the President of the company, which started as a division of Newman’s Own and has been an independent company since 2000. Nell’s responsibilities are in the areas of product development and marketing. The daughter of actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Nell had an early introduction to natural foods at their rural Connecticut home. The family had a garden, raised chickens, and Nell was taught to cook by her mother, as well as spending many hours fishing with her father. While in college, she continued to experiment in the kitchen, and is still the designated chef when home for family holiday dinners. Nell attended the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, graduating with a B.S. in human ecology. She worked briefly at the Environmental Defense Fund in New York, but, preferring a more rural environment, moved to Northern California. She was the Executive Director of the Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary, which was working to reestablish the bald eagle in central California. After two and a half years, she left Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary and began fundraising for the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group. Nell's commitment to organic foods and sustainable agriculture led her to convince her father to let her establish an organic division of Newman's Own. She won him over by creating a completely organic Thanksgiving dinner, and then suggesting organic food products for the Newman's Own line. "All of Newman's Own products are ones that Dad enjoyed, so we chose ones that he really loved," states Nell. She credits her parents, too, with teaching her by example to be socially responsible, politically involved, and philanthropic. An ardent supporter of sustainable agriculture, Nell has participated as a featured speaker and as a panel member talking about her commitment to organic products and producing snacks that appeal to the general public. "I have great expectations for our company" says Nell. "By utilizing organic ingredients, we’re supporting the environment through the growth of organic agriculture." Nell’s thoughts on how to make a difference are highlighted in her book, The Newman’s Own Organics Guide to a Good Life: Simple Measures That Benefit You and the Place You Live (Villard, 2003), written with science writer Joseph D’Agnese. It is filled with realistic, practical advice on why living a more environmentally conscious life helps us all.

So, finally my review- Sally from Newman's Own sent me a huge load of goodies to try out- thanks Sally!! I loved EVERY ONE of the products that I tried! The white cheddar soy crisps were awesome! I could easily replace these instead of chips and it would save me tons of calories- they totally satisfied my chip cravings! They are also gluten-free for those with gluten intolerance. Did I mention I ate the entire bag? oops..I will have to get some more- Reggie would have loved these with a nice wrap or sandwich.

White Cheddar Ingredients: Organic Low Fat Soy Flour, Organic Rice Flour, Salt, Seasoning (cheddar cheese [cultured milk, salt, enzymes], whey buttermilk, salt, disodium phosphate), Sunflower Oil. Serving Size: 1 oz, Calories per Serving: 120, Calories from fat: 35, Total Fat: 4g (saturated fat: .5gm, trans fat: 0g), Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 290mg, Total Carbohydrates: 13g (dietary fiber: 3g, sugars: 1g), Protein: 8g

I have eaten all but 2 hermits out of the 2 packs (Original and Ginger Hermits) Nell sent to me -they are sooo addictive but healthy- Ingredients for the ginger include organic Unbleached Wheat Flour, Organic Raisins, Organic Molasses, Organic Sugar, Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Oats, Organic Figs, Raisin Paste, Leavening (baking soda, monocalcium phosphate), Ginger and other Spices, Salt, Rice Bran Extract. Ginger: Serving Size: 1 cookie (22g), Calories per Serving: 80, Calories from fat: 15, Total Fat: 1.5g (saturated fat: 1gm), Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 65mg, Total Carbohydrates: 16g (dietary fiber less than 1g, sugars: 10g), Protein: 1g . They come in Original, Cinnamon and Ginger. They go great with coffee and I love eating them as a dessert. I also tried the Original and they are just as addictive- the ingredients are the same as the ginger with the ginger excluded. Serving Size: 1 cookie (22g), Calories per Serving: 80, Calories from fat: 15, Total Fat: 1.5g (saturated fat: 1gm), Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 65mg, Total Carbohydrates: 16g (dietary fiber less than 1g, sugars: 10g), Protein: 1g.

I plan on trying the Cinnamon next, I love cinnamon- I bet I could make a healthy icing to pour over a warmed cinnamon hermit and it could be my new healthy version of a cinnamon roll!

The Peanut Butter Newman O's are pretty much gone-I think there are 3 cookies left- We all loved these! Reggie and Roscoe included-Roscoe (our doggie) kept begging for these so we gave him a little bite as you can see in the picture he really enjoyed it hehe.

Ingredients: Organic Unbleached Wheat Flour, Organic Sugar, Canola Oil (Expeller Pressed), Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Roasted Peanuts, Organic Palm Oil, Salt), Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Organic Cocoa, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Salt, Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Natural Flavor, Organic Corn Starch, Baking Soda, Soy Lecithin (an Emulsifier). Serving Size-2 cookies -Calories 120 (calories from fat 50), Total Fat 5 g (saturated fat 1.5 g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 140m, Total Carbohydrates 18g (dietary fiber 1g, sugars 10g), Protein 2g

Orginal Newman-O's- these are my favorites, they replaced my oreos since they are so much healthier! Original Ingredients: Organic Unbleached Flour, Organic Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Organic Palm Oil, Canola Oil (Expeller Pressed), Organic Cocoa, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin, (an Emulsifier) Based on 2 cookies- Calories 130 (calories from fat 40), Total Fat 4.5g (saturated fat 1.5g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 85m, Total Carbohydrates 20g (dietary fiber 1g, sugar 10g), Protein 2g

I have to say I really love Newmans Own Organic Products-I even made my sister and her family an Easter Surprise Basket with lots of Newmans own products and she loved it! I plan on letting my Mom try some fig newtons and some other cookies to snack on for her plane trip coming up-she is going to see her Mom in California. Anywho, I still have more products to sample-I will update more later as I, my hubby and my family munch through all of these yummy goodies. Thanks Nell Newman!!