We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series. Read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Fig Food makes delicious soup. If you’ve tasted it, you may already know this — but did you know that in every batch of organic, kosher soup, someone has thought about how to pack in the most organic plants possible? “The choices we made around being kosher, being organic, using a new package; it all comes from my own personal passion and wanting to leave a legacy of making the world a better place,” says Joel Henry, founder and owner of Fig Food.
Every choice that Henry has made can be traced to this philosophy, from the seasoning of their soup, the decision to go organic to naming the soups after the areas from which they draw flavor inspiration. (Tuscan White Bean, Yucatan Black Bean and Umbrian Lentil are a few examples.) “Part of making the world a better place is about reconnection; connecting to the farmer, connecting to other people,” says Henry. “I thought if we named the soups with cool names, people would explore the regions to see what they stood for.”
When Henry made the decision to go organic, he asked himself, “ ‘Is it more important to get more people access to plant-based foods and be conventional, or be organic?’ To me, organic growing practices are all about a better environment, and so if I have healthier people in an environment that’s declining, that didn’t sit well.” And so it was. Their lightly salted soups are organic, plant-based and tasty.
Have you ever considered all of the thought that goes into the soup you’re eating? Let us know about your thoughts on Henry’s soup philosophy. Watch the slideshow above and leave a comment with your answer by October 25th. One comment will be chosen at random to win a $50 gift card to our stores.
The veggies in the slideshow look fantastic, makes me want to try some of Fig Food's soups. I'll look for them at my local store on my next trip.
10/16/2011 3:18:05 AM CDT
Susan Navidad says ...
Will look for these next time I'm in Whole Foods!
10/16/2011 5:08:36 AM CDT
Sandra says ...
Must say..never heard of this soup. Maybe company can be called 'Fig' but different brand name for soup-line would work better.
10/16/2011 8:04:22 AM CDT
Alison says ...
Haven't tried it yet, sounds good. I love that a company can take the thought of providing the best product for the environment, as well as the consumer, and still succeed!
10/16/2011 8:16:43 AM CDT
AnnaS says ...
Never heard of this brand, but I like their philosophy about using wholesome organic ingredients. You know, I never buy soup because I cannot recognize many of the ingredients. However, next time I am at Whole Foods, I will buy some & give it a try. It sounds wholesome & yummy.
10/16/2011 8:41:02 AM CDT
Carmen says ...
Love figs period, have not tried the soup, but will do so the next time I am in the store..
10/16/2011 9:59:22 AM CDT
katherine says ...
I'm keeping an eye out for this on my next trip to WF! I love supporting businesses with such strong beliefs in improving quality of life for its customers!
10/16/2011 11:48:59 AM CDT
Linda says ...
I have never heard of this soup, but I will make sure to look for it on my next shopping trip. I wish there were more people like Joel.
10/16/2011 11:56:48 AM CDT
Nancy says ...
trying to make more fresh soup this fall and winter. This sounds good!
10/16/2011 12:02:45 PM CDT
Laura Royal says ...
I make soup for my family all of the time and only use the freshest organic ingredients..it's always a hit. Maybe I'll take some down time and try of this soup though
10/16/2011 12:16:33 PM CDT
Aejin H says ...
It sounds wonderful! Sounds better than soups packed in aluminum cans.
10/16/2011 12:47:28 PM CDT
Anna says ...
Buy your soups at my Whole Foods in NC...
The flavors you developed are wonderful...looking forward to
buying more as the weather turns colder.
Love your soups !
10/16/2011 2:34:04 PM CDT
Jayna M says ...
It's always nice to buy from companies (and people) who are trying to improve the world around them - even better when the product is so good!
10/16/2011 2:46:35 PM CDT
Donna says ...
I CAN'T WAIT TO TRY IT.FRESH,WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS SHOULD MAKE A BIG IMPACT ON FLAVOR.
10/16/2011 7:35:20 PM CDT
Colleen Walsh says ...
MMMMMMm...sounds so yummy
10/16/2011 7:39:05 PM CDT
Marybeth McCarthy says ...
I love Whole Foods for giving small producers a chance to get their products into a market. Great.
10/16/2011 7:51:43 PM CDT
Carl says ...
I tried this originally when it was on sale or there was a coupon, and I was just admiring the packaging last week, realizing it's been awhile and that I'd like to have some more. Thanks for the reminder!
10/16/2011 8:18:13 PM CDT
Sona Nanaiya says ...
The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts!! Soup is a great analogy to life, and what better way to showcase a personal philosophy than through their creation. I can totally relate!!
10/16/2011 9:25:00 PM CDT
Jaimie says ...
I appreciate Henry's intention to create a beautiful soup with a conscience. Hearing his philosophy was great "food for thought."
10/17/2011 2:00:48 AM CDT
Madonna says ...
I love Henry's philosophy on making soup--I think soup is one of the "good for soul, good for body" foods, and it is refreshing to find someone who makes this product a reality!! For the times I can't make my own soup, I will definitely try this brand!!
10/17/2011 8:50:20 AM CDT
Margie Kairis says ...
Sounds like a great company, I'm impressed at Fig Food's packaging since if I'm not mistaken those are Tetra Pak containers and they are BPA free. I tend to usually buy Amy's brand canned soups but maybe I'll try a Fig Food soup sometime.
10/17/2011 9:52:41 AM CDT
Amanda says ...
Thanks for sharing the information about this brand. Its an inspiring story with a great message. I usually eat Amy's brand soups but I'm gonna give Fig Food a go!
10/17/2011 11:32:48 AM CDT
Regina says ...
There's nothing better than eating something you know is good for you & is going to have a positive impact from the ingredients it takes to make it to the producers of the product. Your soup sounds amazing and seems to follow the lifestyle I am living, can't wait to try it!
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