As the owner of a Green Bay bakery that is organic, gluten-free, and vegan, one of my top priorities is keeping a high sense of ingredient vigilance for everything that I make. I recognize that my customers at Naturally Delightful (many of whom have food allergies, food sensitivities, or other specific dietary needs) put their confidence in me to deliver a product that is delicious, safe, and healthy. And it is my 100% commitment back to them to stock my kitchen with only the best brands that I fully trust.
Dairy has a well-deserved spot on the Mount Rushmore of balanced diets. It provides a variety of health benefits and is an optimal source of many important nutrients and vitamins. Unfortunately, there is a population of people who understand all too well that just because something is good for the average person, that does not make it good for everyone. There are between 30 and 50 million people in the United States who are lactose intolerant. And almost two percent of children under the age of four have a milk allergy.
The dairy alternatives market is steadily growing as people are recognizing that traditional and flavorful recipes are still possible to enjoy with substitute ingredients. Even people who do not experience lactose intolerance or have a dairy allergy are choosing to tap into the benefits of going dairy-free:
Of course, all of that sounds great, but the actual process of going dairy-free is a lot easier said than done, right? Well, yes and no. Change, no matter what kind it is, can always be a challenge. However, once you commit yourself and make a few minor tweaks to your grocery list, you will find that you can make almost anything equally (and often even more) delicious with a dairy alternative.  One of the most amazing things about being part of the community of small business owners is how each of us, no matter how different our businesses are, grew from the same roots: inspiration, passion, and big dreams. When my son was diagnosed with celiac disease over ten years ago, his journey became my inspiration. And since I have always had a passion for baking and a dream of opening my own business, Naturally Delightful kind of just "naturally" became a reality.
Small business recognition is near and dear to my heart for obvious reasons. As a consumer, I also make every possible effort to keep my purchases local. Supporting small businesses has a ripple effect that extends further than some people might even realize. Outlined below are just a few of the many different reasons to consider incorporating this practice into your regular shopping routine.
If you wanted to shop for organic products not that long ago, your options were typically limited to a few sparsely located natural food stores or small produce sections squeezed into your local grocery store. Fast forward to 2022, though, and what once was perceived by some people as a novelty fad has evolved into a mainstream lifestyle.
The organic market has proven that consumers are willing to extend their grocery budget a little bit in order to reap the benefits of having organic food on their plates. The organic food industry in the United States continues to boom, projected to grow almost 14% over the next five years. This would put its market value at over 125 billion dollars by 2026. There are many different ways that eating organic supports your overall health and wellness. Here are just a few. |
