HONEST

Introduction

Honest is a vibrant brand that takes pride in its commitment to providing wholesome and delicious snacks, particularly organic gummies made with real fruit juice. Founded under the auspices of The Hershey Company, Honest's roots lie in the growing need for healthier snack options without compromising on taste. The company's approach to developing its products strives to meet the preferences of health-conscious consumers while catering to families looking for nutritious treats for themselves and their children.

At the heart of Honest's philosophy is the belief that transparency and integrity in ingredients matter. This brand emphasizes the importance of using USDA-certified organic fruit juice and does not incorporate high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners in its recipes. By fostering a genuine connection with its customers, Honest promotes the idea that enjoying tasty snacks doesn't have to come at a cost to health and wellness. This philosophy has helped position the brand as a thoughtful choice among parents and snack enthusiasts alike.

What sets Honest apart lies in its unique flavor combinations and dedication to quality ingredients that consumers can trust. Each product is crafted with care, prioritizing taste and nutrition, ensuring that customers feel good about what they are consuming. The brand's thoughtful approach to product development and its focus on using clean, organic ingredients contribute to a growing loyal customer base that appreciates both the flavor and the commitment to health-conscious choices.

Signature Products

Honest products are thoughtfully designed to encapsulate the brand's values of integrity and flavor. They offer an array of wholesome options that not only taste great but also align with the health needs of consumers.

• Honest™ Mixed Fruit Flavor Organic Gummies : A delicious blend of organic fruit flavors made with real juice, perfect for enjoyable snacking.
• Honest™ Tropical Medley Flavor Organic Gummies : Capturing the essence of tropical fruits, these gummies provide a refreshing taste experience made with USDA organic ingredients.

Materials and Ingredients Used by HONEST

• Xanthan Gum : Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the fermentation of sugars by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. In Honest™ organic gummies, it is used to improve texture and provide the desired chewiness, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Butter : Butter is a dairy product made from churning cream, resulting in a rich fat used to add flavor and moisture. Honest™ utilizes butter in some of its recipes for its creamy texture and natural taste, contributing to a more indulgent flavor profile.
• Potassium Sorbate : Potassium sorbate is a common preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast in food products. Honest™ incorporates potassium sorbate in its gummies to maintain freshness and extend shelf life without compromising the quality of the ingredients.
• Sugar : Sugar is a sweetener derived from sugarcane or sugar beets. Honest™ uses sugar to enhance the sweetness of its organic gummies, making them appealing to consumers looking for a flavorful treat without artificial sweeteners.
• Salt : Salt is a mineral used to enhance flavor and balance sweetness in food products. In Honest™ gummies, a small amount of salt is added to improve the overall taste experience and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Benzoate : Benzoate, often in the form of sodium benzoate, is used as a preservative to prevent spoilage. Honest™ includes this ingredient to ensure the gummies remain safe and tasty for consumers over time.
• Milk : Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammals, offering a source of calcium and protein. Honest™ may use milk in certain recipes to impart creaminess and enhance the flavor profile of its products.
• Sunflower : Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds and is often used for its light flavor and versatility. Honest™ includes sunflower oil as an ingredient to improve texture while keeping the gummies free from artificial fats.
• Corn : Corn can be used in various forms, such as corn syrup or corn starch, as a sweetener and thickening agent. Honest™ uses corn-derived ingredients to achieve the right consistency and sweetness in their organic gummies.
• Water : Water is a fundamental ingredient, often used as a solvent. Honest™ incorporates water to dissolve other ingredients and create the right mixture for their gummies, ensuring a smooth product.
• Polysorbate 60 : Polysorbate 60 is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients that typically don’t mix well. Honest™ uses this ingredient to maintain a consistent texture and improve stability in their gummy formulation.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is derived from cacao beans and provides a rich chocolate flavor. Honest™ uses cocoa in certain gummy flavors to add depth and a beloved taste, connecting with consumers' preferences for chocolate.
• Sodium Benzoate : Sodium benzoate is a widely used food preservative that helps prevent microbial growth. Honest™ employs sodium benzoate for its effective preservation properties, ensuring that the gummies remain safe and enjoyable for consumers without compromising on quality.
• Citric Acid : Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits, used to add tartness and enhance flavors. Honest™ includes citric acid in their gummies to provide a zesty taste that balances the sweetness, contributing to a pleasant flavor profile.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From HONEST

Water Usage:

The production of many ingredients, notably xanthan gum, butter, and sunflowers, requires significant water resources. For example, xanthan gum production involves fermentation processes that consume large amounts of water. The excess demand on water resources contributes to shortages in regions already facing water scarcity. In agriculture, such as sunflower and butter production, substantial water is needed for crop growth and livestock, impacting water availability for local communities and ecosystems. This issue is especially pronounced in areas like California, where water resources are already under significant stress due to climate change and agriculture.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Ingredients like butter and milk are associated with high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential significantly higher than CO2. Dairy cattle produce large amounts of methane during digestion, and manure management can also lead to emissions. For instance, New Zealand, a major dairy producer, attributes roughly half of its greenhouse gas emissions to agriculture. Such emissions contribute significantly to climate change, thereby impacting ecosystems and communities worldwide.

Deforestation:

The production of ingredients like sugar and cocoa can drive deforestation, especially in tropical regions. For sugar, land is cleared to cultivate sugarcane, and for cocoa, forests are often cut down to make space for plantations, particularly in West Africa. This loss of trees not only contributes to carbon emissions but also threatens biodiversity, resulting in habitat loss for numerous species and impacting ecological balance. Furthermore, deforestation undermines the livelihoods of indigenous people who rely on forest resources.

Energy Consumption:

The production of various ingredients, such as sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and polysorbate 60, often demands substantial energy. Chemical processing and fermentation processes are notably energy-intensive, contributing to carbon footprints. For example, the creation of preservatives like potassium sorbate involves synthesized processes that rely heavily on energy, often derived from fossil fuels, further exacerbating global warming.

Pesticide Use:

Corn and sunflower production often rely on significant pesticide application to protect crops from pests and diseases. However, pesticides can have drastic environmental impacts, including soil and water contamination and harming non-target species such as pollinators. The pervasive use of pesticides in regions like the US Corn Belt has led to concerns about biodiversity loss and water quality, affecting aquatic life and potentially human health.

Labor Rights:

The cultivation of sugar and cocoa can be linked to labor rights issues, including child labor and poor working conditions. For example, the cocoa industry in Ivory Coast and Ghana has been scrutinized for child labor practices, with children involved in the hazardous task of harvesting cocoa beans. Ensuring fair labor practices and supporting cooperatives that provide fair wages and conditions are crucial steps in addressing these social sustainability issues.