woman shopping in grocery store with small handheld grocery basket in hand
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
September 28, 2023 ·  3 min read

10 Natural and Organic Brands That Are Now Owned by Huge Corporations

Natural and organic products have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many consumers seeking healthier options for their grocery and beauty routines. However, many shoppers may be surprised to learn that some of their favorite natural and organic brands are actually owned by large corporations. Here are 10 of these brands, as well as some independent alternatives. You may be disappointed to learn that your favorite brands have been bought out. That being said, if you wish to know so that you can switch things up (or at least be a conscious buyer), read on. (1, 2)

1. Burt’s Bees (Clorox)

Los Angeles, California, United States - 02-01-2023: A view of several sticks of Burt's Bees lip balm, on display at a local grocery store.
Credit: Shutterstock

Burt’s Bees is a well-known brand that produces natural personal care products like lip balm, lotion, and shampoo. However, few people know that the company was acquired by Clorox in 2007.

2. Seventh Generation (Unilever)

San Jose, CA - November 15, 2019: Bottles of Seventh Generation laundry detergent on store shelf.
Credit: Shutterstock

Seventh Generation is a popular brand of natural cleaning and laundry products. However, the company was acquired by Unilever in 2016.

3. Tom’s of Maine (Colgate-Palmolive)

Ros, CA - December 13, 2020: Tom's of Maine Children's toothpaste tubes on shelf inside Whole Foods Market.
Credit: Shutterstock

Tom’s of Maine is a brand that produces natural toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal care products. In 2006, the company was acquired by Colgate-Palmolive.

4. Naked Juice (PepsiCo)

Los Angeles, California, United States - 08-09-2019: A view of a hand holding a bottle of Naked Orange Mango juice at the grocery store.
Credit: Shutterstock

Naked Juice is a well-known brand of organic juices and smoothies. However, the company was acquired by PepsiCo in 2007.

5. Applegate (Hormel Foods)

Los Angeles, CA/USA 9/9/2019 Shopper's hand holding a package of Applegate Organics brand turkey meat Burgers blended with mushrooms for sale in a supermarket aisle
Credit: Shutterstock

Applegate is a brand that produces natural and organic meat products like hot dogs and bacon. The company was acquired by Hormel Foods in 2015.

6. Horizon Organic (Danone)

Alameda, CA - July 16, 2018: Grocery store shelf with cartons of Horizon Organics brand milk with DHA Omega-3. Supports brain health.
Credit: Shutterstock

Horizon Organic is a popular brand of organic dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, the company was acquired by Danone in 2004.

7. Annie’s Homegrown (General Mills)

ST. PAUL, MN,USA - MARCH 9, 2021 - Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese packages and trademark logo.
Credit: Shutterstock

Annie’s Homegrown produces organic and natural versions of popular packaged foods like macaroni and cheese, cereal, and snack crackers. However, the company was acquired by General Mills in 2014.

8. Odwalla (Coca-Cola)

Alameda, CA - Dec 18, 2019: Grocery store shelves with bottles of odwalla brand non GMO beverages in various flavors.
Credit: Shutterstock

Odwalla is a brand of natural fruit juices and smoothies. The company was acquired by Coca-Cola in 2001.

Read: What If Nestlé and Coke Had to Clean Up Their Own Plastic Pollution?

9. Spectrum Naturals (Hain Celestial)

DEPEW, OK, USA - January 11th, 2015: Box of Celestial Seasonings True Blueberry tea. It is a brand of The Hain Celestial Group, founded in 1993 with headquarters in Lake Success, New York, USA
Credit: Shutterstock

Spectrum Naturals produces natural and organic cooking oils, vinegars, and other pantry staples. However, the company was acquired by Hain Celestial in 2005.

10. Plum Organics (Campbell Soup Co.)

Los Angeles, CA/USA 04/03/2019 Tin cans of Campbell’s tomato soup for sale in a supermarket shelf
Credit: Shutterstock

Plum Organics is a brand of organic baby food and snacks. The company was acquired by Campbell Soup Co. in 2013.

Independent Natural and Organic Brands

While it can be disappointing to learn that some of our favorite natural and organic brands are owned by large corporations, there are still many independent brands to choose from. Here are a few examples:

  • Dr. Bronner’s: Produces natural and organic soaps, lotions, and other personal care products.
  • Badger Balm: Produces organic balms and creams for skincare and first aid.
  • RMS Beauty: Creates natural and organic makeup and skincare products.
  • Nature’s Path: Produces organic cereals, granolas, and snacks.
  • Earthbound Farm: Produces organic fruits and vegetables.
  • Eden Foods: Produces organic and non-GMO beans, grains, and other pantry staples.
  • Traditional Medicinals: Produces organic and fair trade teas.
  • Pacifica Beauty: Creates vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare products.
  • Avalon Organics: Produces natural and organic personal care products like shampoo and lotion.
  • Acure Organics: Creates natural and organic skincare and haircare products.

Overall, there are many natural and organic options to choose from, whether you prefer to support independent brands or don’t mind purchasing from larger corporations. Just because a brand is big, doesn’t mean that they will destroy the values and integrity of the smaller brand that they acquired. Still, it’s important to do your research and make informed choices based on your own values and needs.

Keep Reading: Piggy Sooy: The Transgenic Soy Bean That Contains 26% Animal Protein

Sources

  1. “Who Owns Organic.” Cornucopia
  2. “If Big Food Buys Your Favorite ‘Natural’ Food Brand, Will You Trust It?” NPR. Dan Charles. October 12, 2015.