6 Easy Affordable Fair Trade Pantry Swaps for Your Kitchen
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate fair trade into your lifestyle starting with pantry swaps and food items is an easy place to begin!
Consider swapping these items you purchase regularly for fair trade brands. I’m excited to share my list of fair trade swaps I’ve made over the years as a starting place for you!
Your simple swap will make a huge difference in the lives of farmers and the environment.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
What does fair trade mean in the food industry?
Fair trades values people, economic empowerment, and the environment. Businesses, farms, and producers are able to apply for fair trade certifications which allows a third party to verify their dedication to these values and fair trade principals.
A few organizations that provide fair trade verification in include Fairtrade America, Fair Trade USA, Fair for Life, and the Fair Trade Federation.
Pin this graphic to help you remember!
You can learn more about the differences in our deep dive into fair trade labels.
Conscious consumers can look for these logos to recognize fair trade products in grocery stores.
There are A LOT of fair trade products in the food industry such as chocolate, wine, nuts, coffee, sugars, and SO many more.
Fair trade in the food industry focuses on creating fair work environments for farmers with livable wages, reasonable hours, and less chemicals.
By using less chemicals everyone is winning, the environment isn't being harmed, the air the farmers breathe is cleaner, and the food you're eating is better for your body.
By stocking your pantry with fair trade food items, you are providing farmers with a livable wage to support their families.
My List of Quick Fair Trade Swaps on a Budget
Fair trade products are a lot easier to find than you might think! You can find them at regular stores like Target, Kroger, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and more.
I also LOVE purchasing fair trade products from Thrive Market because it’s an online grocery store that matches my values! You can read my full Thrive Market review, if you want to learn more.
Here are six easy swaps you can make in your pantry to make fair trade a regular part of your purchasing without spending too much more.
Fair Trade Coffee
Fair trade coffee is easy to find and a great place to start when trying to incorporate more fair trade products into your life.
This is a product you purchase weekly or monthly and this one swap will make a huge impact. Most grocery stores carry a few fair trade brands and some stores such as Kroger even have their own fair trade store brand of coffee.
Fair trade coffee is an affordable swap for your pantry. You can typically find fair trade bags of coffee for $8-$15 depending on what you’re looking for.
I got the two bags above as new fair trade coffee brands to try! But a few of my go-to fair trade coffee brands are Fidalgo and Kicking Horse.
Fair Trade Chocolate
Whether you’re looking to swap your chocolate bars, baking chocolate, or chocolate chips, fair trade chocolate products tend to be easy to find.
I’ve had no issues finding fair trade baking supplies and chocolate bars at Kroger, QFC, Whole Foods and Thrive Market.
A few of my personal favorite fair trade chocolate brands are Theo Chocolate, Frans, and Tony’s Chocolonely.
Theo Chocolate is fair trade and organic and I was able to tour their chocolate factory when it was in Seattle!
Frans is a family owned company, also based in the pacific NW, that sells certain fair trade products. Their salted Carmel truffles and ice cream sauces are incredible and make wonderful gifts.
Tony's Chocolonely is on a mission to make, not only their chocolate, but all chocolate slave free. Tony’s Chocolonely is always coming up with new, innovative flavors of chocolate bars! You can read my Tony’s Chocolonely review to learn my favorite flavors. Plus, they always have mini chocolates for a Halloween candy option.
Check out my full list of my favorite fair trade chocolate brands!
Fair Trade Sugar
If you’re a big baker then fair trade sugar is a great swap for you! It’s easy to find on Amazon or Whole Foods.
My go-to brand is the Whole Foods store brand which is fair trade certified or Wholesome Organic Cane Sugar.
And affordable switch with fair trade sugar typically around $8 a bag and since sugar is not an item you necessarily purchase every week, this investment in high quality, fair trade items will last you a while. You can also check Costco or Sams for fair trade sugar!
Fair Trade Bananas
Bananas are probably one of the most affordable fair trade items you can purchase. They’re readily available too.
I’ve been able to find them at grocery stores such as Kroger, QFC, and Whole Foods.
Bananas are clearly marked by a fair trade sticker which makes them stand out in the fruit section.
Fair Trade Nuts
Almonds and cashews are common snacks that can easily be swapped for a fair trade brand. Equal Exchange has a product line of fair trade nuts that I encourage you to consider checking out.
Fair Trade Spices
Common spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and clove are easy to find fair trade!
I’ve always love finding Frontier Co-op spices in stores. They usually range $4-$8 a bottle.
While fair trade spices may be a bit pricey, think of how often you purchase them? Spices are purchased on occasion and last a long time.
The investment in fair trade spices makes your dollar have an impact and will last you a while.
Hopefully my guide has helped you realize how easy it is to incorporate fair trade food products in your kitchen!
More Fair Trade & Organic Food Guides:
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer and an expert in conscious consumerism. She has been in the ethical and sustainable living space for over ten years. Emily has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, finding locally grown food at the farmer’s market, & practicing slow living.
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