Natural Grocers® Even More Affordable Earth Day Specials - April 22-24, 2026

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EARTH DAY SPECIALS! AFFORDABLE EVEN MORE SM {N}POWER ® PRICING ONLY • APRIL 22-24

OFF

49 % OFF UP TO

Offers valid only for {N}power members from 4/22/26 – 4/24/26 for in-store customer purchases at participating stores and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.

Free Reusable Bag * & FREE STICKER!

wednesday 4/22 only! FREE** CONTENTED HEN ® WHITE OR BROWN FREE-RANGE EGGS when you spend $22 or more and clip coupon in the mobile app or email starting 4/21. {N}POWER ® DIGITAL OFFER

{N}POWER ® ONLY

Receive a limited edition Earth Day reusable bag with purchase.

Limit 1 dozen per {N}power account

*Limit one per {N}power customer. Valid 4/22/2026 – 4/24/2026 only while supplies last. No rainchecks. **$22 minimum purchase required. Limit 1 per {N}power account. Valid in-store only. Click to load the free dozen of Contented Hen free-range eggs offer to your account from the Natural Grocers mobile app, {N}power email or your online dashboard starting on 4/21/2026. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rainchecks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law. {N}power offers available only to registered members and are subject to program terms and conditions available at www.naturalgrocers.com/terms.

BROWSE DEALS, SWEEPSTAKES, GIVEAWAYS, & MORE!

EARTH DAY SPECIALS! AFFORDABLE EVEN MORE SM {N}POWER ® PRICING ONLY • APRIL 22-24

Ancient Nutrition GUT RECOVERY PROBIOTICS ROC - 60 CAP ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 52.55 $ 35 99 31 % OFF {N}power Price

Charcutnuvo ORGANIC BREAKFAST SAUSAGES - 8 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 6.59 $ 5 29 19 % OFF {N}power Price Mamma Chia ® ORGANIC CHIA SQUEEZE POUCHES - 3.5 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 1.99 4/ $ 5 37 % OFF {N}power Price EACH

Caboo ® TREE-FREE BATH TISSUE 12 CT ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 12.99 $ 8 39 35 % OFF {N}power Price Bitchin’ Sauce SELECT ALMOND DIPS 7-8 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.99 2/ $ 6 49 % OFF {N}power Price

29 % OFF

$ 2 59 EACH

{N}power Price

Health-Ade Kombucha ® ORGANIC KOMBUCHAS 16 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 3.69

31 % OFF

Jovial ® ORGANIC EINKORN COOKIES 8.8 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 4.99 2/ $ 7 29 % OFF {N}power Price Beyond Good ® ORGANIC PURE GROUND VANILLA - 1 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 16.65 $ 10 99 33 % OFF {N}power Price

Minor Figures ORGANIC BARISTA OAT MILKS 32 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 5.19 $ 3 39 34 % OFF {N}power Price EACH

$ 4 29 EACH

Malk™ ORGANIC COCONUT MILK CREAMERS - 16 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 6.29 {N}power Price

32 % OFF

26 % OFF

$ 3 19 EACH

$ 4 59 EACH

{N}power Price

Saffron Road ® FROZEN ENTREES 10 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 6.85

Humble ® Snacks ORGANIC POTATO CHIPS 5 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 4.35

Offers valid for registered {N}power members only from 4/22/26 - 4/24/26 for in-store customer purchases at participating stores and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.

EARTH DAY SPECIALS! AFFORDABLE EVEN MORE SM {N}POWER ® PRICING ONLY • APRIL 22-24

Oatly SELECT OAT MILKS 64 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 5.49 $ 4 69 14 % OFF {N}power Price EACH Organic India® ORGANIC TULSI TEAS 18 CT ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 5.65 $ 3 79 32 % OFF {N}power Price EACH Manitoba Harvest ® ORGANIC HEMP HEARTS 12 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 14.95 $ 10 79 27 % OFF {N}power Price Natural Grocers ® Brand BULK ORGANIC WHOLE ALMONDS - 10 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 5.99 $ 5 29 11 % OFF {N}power Price

Vita Coco ® FARMERS ORGANIC COCONUT WATER - 12 PK - 16.9 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 43.09 $ 29 29 32 % OFF {N}power Price

Organic India ® ORGANIC WHOLE HUSK PSYLLIUM - 12 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 19.29 $ 14 49 24 % OFF {N}power Price C2O ® ORGANIC COCONUT WATER - 16.9 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 3.29 $ 2 59 21 % OFF {N}power Price Natural Grocers ® Brand BULK ORGANIC WHOLE CASHEWS - 10 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 5.99 $ 4 79 20 % OFF {N}power Price Alter Eco ® ORGANIC CHOCOLATE BARS 2.65 - 2.82 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 4.99 $ 3 59 EACH {N}power Price 28 % OFF

Organic India ® ORGANIC MORINGA 90 VEG ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 22.25 $ 16 79 24 % OFF {N}power Price

Steaz® ORGANIC ANTIOXIDANT BREWS 12 PK - 16 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 26.89 $ 18 99 29 % OFF {N}power Price EACH

Patagonia Provisions™ ORGANIC CRACKERS 4.4 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 5.65 2/ $ 8 {N}power Price 29 % OFF

EARTH DAY SPECIALS! AFFORDABLE EVEN MORE SM {N}POWER ® PRICING ONLY • APRIL 22-24 *

28 % OFF

25 % OFF

30 % OFF

Aura Cacia ® SELECT ESSENTIAL OILS 0.5 OZ ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 3.69-30.99

Upcircle™ SELECT FACIAL CARE

Stasher ALL STASHER PRODUCTS

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 9.99- $ 25.99

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 12.49- $ 27.29

PLEDGE TODAY AND WE’LL DONATE ** $ 1 PER PLEDGE TO RODALE INSTITUTE! HELP US REACH OUR $100,000 GOAL!

They may seem insignificant at best and pests at worst, but insects play a crucial role in the stability of our food supply and their decline cannot be ignored! This Earth Day, Natural Grocers ® is celebrating our 9 TH year of Ladybug Love—our way of championing creatures that we sometimes take for granted: insects. You can pledge for the first time or renew your commitment to protecting beneficial insects every year with the Ladybug Love Pledge. *Offers valid for registered {N}power members only from 4/22/26 - 4/24/26 for in-store customer purchases at participating stores and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law. ** Pledge must be made between 4/1/26 – 4/30/26 at naturalgrocers.com/ladybuglove to qualify for matching donation following the pledge period. Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets Inc. will make a single matching donation of up to $25,000.

pledge all month long!

PLEDGE TODAY

buy 3, get 1 free! {N}POWER ® SPECIAL OFFERS APRIL 22 - 24 ONLY!

FREE!

Clean Cause ® ORGANIC MATE DRINKS 15.5-16 OZ

Bob’s Red Mill ® SELECT OATMEAL CUPS 1.81-2.36 OZ

De La Calle ® ORGANIC TEPACHES / 12 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 2.29

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 2.95- $ 2.99

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 2.49

FREE!

Essentia ® IONIZED WATER BOTTLES & CASES / 33.8 OZ OR 12 PK - 33.8OZ *EXCLUDES FRISCO, CO LOCATION

Fishwife ALBACORE TUNA / 3.2 OZ (EXCLUDES SPICY TUNA)

Gimme ® ORGANIC SEAWEED SNACKS .14 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 2.45- $ 26.46

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 7.45

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 1.25

JOIN OUR FREE REWARDS PROGRAM & GET $2 OFF!

FREE!

Scan the QR code to download the mobile app or visit NaturalGrocers.com/npower

Good Belly ® ORGANIC PROBIOTIC JUICE QUARTS / 32 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 4.99

Valid for {N}power members only. Must purchase four products to get one free for each offer. Discount will be applied to equal or lesser value of the lowest priced item in the qualifying purchase. Valid for in store customer purchases only; be sure to present your phone number at checkout to redeem your discount.

buy 3, get 1 free! {N}POWER ® SPECIAL OFFERS APRIL 22 - 24 ONLY!

FREE!

Jennies ® MACAROONS & COCONUT BITES 5.25-8 OZ

Gomacro ® MACROBARS & CASES 2-2.4 OZ OR 12 PK - 2-2.4 OZ

GT’s Living Foods ® SYNERGY KOMBUCHAS / 16 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 3.25- $ 35.10

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 3.79

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 4.39

FREE!

Little Secrets ® CANDY BARS & CRISPY WAFERS 1.4-1.8 OZ

Jonny Pops ® ORGANIC POPS / 8 PK - 14.8 OZ

Lesser Evil ® ORGANIC POPCORN / 4.6 - 6.4 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 6.65

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 3.99

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 2.49- $ 3.19

FREE!

Norr Organic SKYR YOGURTS / 4.4 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 2.39

buy 3, get 1 free! {N}POWER ® SPECIAL OFFERS APRIL 22 - 24 ONLY!

FREE!

Perfect Bar ® PROTEIN BARS & CASES 1.94-2.5 OZ OR 8 PK - 1.94-2.5 OZ (EXCLUDES SNACK SIZE BARS)

Nick’s Sticks ® MEAT STICKS / 1.7 OZ

Sweetwood Smokehouse ® SMOKED MEAT STICKS / 2 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 3.79

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 3.35- $ 24.12

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 3.69

FREE!

Unreal ® SELECT CHOCOLATE CANDIES 3.2-5 OZ FREE! +

FREE!

The Good Crisp Company™ SELECT POTATO CHIPS & CHEESE BALLS / 2.75-5.5 OZ

Tree Hugger ® GUMBALLS / 1.6 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 6.45

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 3.79

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 2.99

JOIN OUR FREE REWARDS PROGRAM & GET $2 OFF!

Scan the QR code to download the mobile app or visit NaturalGrocers.com/npower

FREE!

Zack’s Mighty ® TORTILLA CHIPS / 7.5 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE $ 5.55

{N}POWER ® ONLY $ 5 Friday FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH ONLY!

2/ $ 5

$ 5

Bobo’s ® Oat Bars OAT BARS 3 OZ 2/ $ 5

Crofter’s ® ORGANIC FRUIT SPREADS 10 OZ $ 5 EACH

EACH

Applegate Farms ® SELECT BREAKFAST PATTIES & SAUSAGE LINKS / 7 OZ

Annie’s ® SELECT MAC & CHEESE SINGLE CUPS / 2.01 OZ

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 2.69

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.59

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 2.79

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.29

Evol Foods ® SELECT FROZEN ENTREES 8-9 OZ $ 5 EACH

Hail Merry ® BITES AND TARTS 3-3.5 OZ $ 5

Honey Mama’s ® CHOCOLATE FUDGE BARS 2.5 OZ $ 5 EACH

Firehook ® BAKED CRACKERS 5.5 OZ $ 5 EACH

EACH

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.55

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.29

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.45

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.79 Muir Glen ® ORGANIC SALSAS 16 OZ $ 5

Natural Grocers ® Brand ORGANIC POPCORN 4 OZ 2/ $ 5

Natural Grocers ® Brand BULK SESAME STICKS 1 LB $ 5 EACH

Santa Cruz ® ORGANIC LEMONADES 16 OZ 2/ $ 5

EACH

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 2.59

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.39

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 2.69

Sappo Hill ® SOAP BARS 3.5 OZ 2/ $ 5

Siete ® GRAIN FREE & MAIZ CORN TORTILLA CHIPS / 5-7.5 OZ $ 5 EACH

Tasty Bite ® SELECT MEAL POUCHES 10 OZ $ 5 EACH

Wild Planet ® READY-TO-EAT TUNA SALADS 5.6 OZ $ 5 EACH

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.25

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.49

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 5.39- $ 5.65

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM $ 2.79

Valid for {N}power members only. Valid 4/24/26 only. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Terms and conditions apply. See store for details.

EARTH DAY SPECIALS! AFFORDABLE EVEN MORE SM

APRIL 22-24

{N}POWER ® ONLY

LIMITED EDITION

Receive a limited edition Earth Day reusable bag with purchase. Free Reusable Bag * & FREE STICKER! GIFT CARD sweepstakes ENTER IN STORE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! **

Natural Grocers ® Gift Card One Winner Company Wide $ 500

$ 100 One Winner Per Store Natural Grocers Gift Card

Wednesday, 4/22 ONLY! {N}POWER ® DIGITAL OFFER FREE *** CONTENTED HEN ® WHITE OR BROWN FREE-RANGE EGGS when you spend $22 or more and clip coupon in the mobile app or email starting 4/21.

Thursday, 4/23 ONLY! First 75 customers get a FREE **** TRIAL-SIZE SIZE NATURAL GROCERS GROCERS ® BRAND ORGANIC LAUNDRY DETERGENT

pledge all month long! Take the 9 th Annual Ladybug Love Pledge All Month Long!

Limit 1 per customer

PLEDGE TODAY

Limit 1 dozen per {N}power account

*Limit one per {N}power customer. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. **NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents, 18 years or older, of the following states: AZ, AR, CO, ID, IA, KA, LA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, AND WY. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts on 4/22/2026 and ends on 4/24/2026. Natural Grocers employ ees, including members of their households, are not eligible for this offer. For official rules and complete details, visit www.naturalgrocers.com/ sweepstakes. Sponsor: Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc. ***$22 minimum purchase required. Limit 1 per {N}power account. Valid in-store only. Click to load the free dozen of Contented Hen free-range eggs offer to your account from the Natural Grocers mobile app, {N}power email or your online dashboard starting on 4/21/2026. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rainchecks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law. {N}power offers available only to registered members and are subject to program terms and conditions available at www.naturalgrocers.com/terms. ****Limit one per customer. While supplies last. No rainchecks.

*Offers valid only from 4/22/25 – 4/24/25 for in-store customer purchases at participating stores and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.

During the month of April, we invite our customers to donate to Rodale Institute at all Natural Grocers ® locations to help support the next generation of regenerative organic farmers. HELP US RAISE $100,000 TO SUPPORT REGENERATIVE ORGANIC FARMING IN AMERICA [ $ 10 ] DONATE TODAY AT THE REGISTER! [ $ 1 ] [ $ 5 ]

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PARTNERSHIP

$ 2 99 EACH

LADYBUG LOVE SM ZIP POUCH For every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold, Natural Grocers ® will DONATE $2 to RODALE INSTITUTE TM

Offer valid 4/1/26 to 4/30/26 at participating Natural Grocers stores. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. We reserve the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law. Prices subject to change without notice.

“Eating is an agricultural act.” –Wendell Berry

Five Ways Your Food Choices Impact Health— Yours and the Planet’s 1 Biodiversity: the heartbeat of sustainable food production Monocultures, synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and habitat destruction are now standard farming practices worldwide—accelerating biodiversity loss. As farmers’ focus has narrowed to a handful of high-yield crops, around 75% of plant genetic diversity has vanished over the last century. And an estimated 40% of insects face extinction in the coming decades. Organic farms, by contrast, need biodiversity to thrive. They trade monocultures for diversified crop rota tions, abstain from synthetic pesticides, and cultivate habitats to attract beneficial predators like birds, bats, and insects. The organic difference in data: • Organically farmed regions have 30% more species richness and 50% greater organism abundance on average than conventionally farmed areas, according to global meta-analyses. • Studies have found 90% more pollinator abundance, 38% more beneficial insects, and 55% more rare arthropods on organic farms. 2 Soil Health: the foundation of nutritious food Monocultures, synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and habitat destruction are now standard farming practices Experts warn that 95% of the world’s fertile land could be degraded by 2050 if current intensive farming trends continue. And, a 2021 review found that agricultural pesticides—the hallmark of intensive farming— negatively impact soil invertebrates in 71% of cases. Yet, these creatures are essential for soil health. Organic farming prohibits synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and uses practices such as diversified crop rotations, cover crops, composting, and manure to improve soil health. The soil health advantage: • Organic farming significantly improves soil health over time, according to a nine-year study comparing organic pasture and cropping systems with a conventional corn-soybean system. The organic systems improved key soil health metrics and maintained or increased soil organic carbon while the conventional steadily lost it. • Healthy soil builds climate resilience. In the long-running Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, organic plots generate 30% higher yields during periods of extreme weather than conventional plots. Here’s a powerful truth residing in the gap between our values and actions: eating healthy is good for the planet, too. The food production practices that protect soil, water, and biodiversity are the same ones that reduce our exposure to synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and artificial additives, while yielding more nutrient-dense foods. So, here’s a friendly challenge this Earth Month—let’s wield the power of our grocery lists and own the connection between our food choices and the land that produces them. Most of us aren’t farmers, policymakers, or food industry leaders. But with every bite we take, we are active participants in the food system. Our dietary choices connect us to farmers, decision makers, and the environmental impact of food production—an issue we care about in theory. The 2024 Sustainable Food Barometer survey found 74% of respondents view sustainable food positively. Yet only 27% listed environmental impact among their top five grocery shopping priorities. Nutritional value ranked higher at 50%.

3 Clean Water: protecting a vital resource A study of four American agricultural watersheds found that every rainfall sample contained the herbicides atrazine and metolachlor. And all 50 states have a nutrient pollution problem of excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water. Agriculture is a major contributor through runoff of chemical fertilizers and animal manure. Organic farming focuses on soil health and doesn’t use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic standards also require pasture access for ruminants. Studies show that these practices help reduce the • Healthy soil acts like both a filter and a sponge—trapping sediment and pollutants before they reach groundwater or streams while storing water for drier times. Just a 1% increase in soil organic matter increases water storage potential by over 20,000 gallons per acre. • A recent U.S. Midwest study found that nitrate leaching in organically managed pasture was reduced by 93% and in organic cropland by 50% over four years compared to the conventional crop system. 4 Pesticides: from toxic chemicals to natural pest control Over a billion pounds of pesticides are used in the U.S. annually, with hundreds of millions of those destined for crops. And pesticides don’t just stay where they’re sprayed—they can drift far and wide, leaving residues in soil, water, and food. Organic farming works with nature’s processes, cultivating healthy soil to grow pest-resilient plants and encouraging the presence of natural enemies to maintain pest control, among other practices. Farms can thrive without pesticides: • Organic practices are a win for greenhouse tomato growers, according to a recent study. Beneficial insects were 97% more prevalent, and the pest-to-predator ratio was 9:1 versus 38:1 in conventional. • A 2021 study of tropical sugarcane farms found that within 1-2 years of transitioning to organic, saprophagous insects—vital for soil fertility in tropical systems—increased by 234%. 5 Organic is the gold standard for your health, too Research continues to show that choosing organic foods offers many health benefits. • Every 5% increase in organic food intake was linked to a 3% decrease in diabetes risk, according to a 2025 study, and the highest organic consumers had 35% less risk than the lowest consumers. Reduced pesticide exposure, improved omega fatty acid profiles, and higher antioxidant levels may be factors, according to the researchers. • A 2025 study found an association between organic food consumption and significantly lower inflammation markers. • Healthy soil produces healthier food: crops contain higher levels of micronutrients and phytochemicals, while pasture-grazed meat and dairy have healthier omega-3 to omega-6 ratios. So, where do you start if you want to make a more sustainable impact with your grocery list? Look for Certified Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified labels - the gold standard for the lifecycle of food and your health. And shop with retailers whose standards reflect the connection between planetary and human health. At Natural Grocers, our standards include 100% organic produce, 100% pasture-based dairy, 100% free-range eggs, 100% non GMO bulk, 50% organic across all products, and much more. leaching of nitrates and other chemicals into water. Soil health and water quality go hand in hand:

Let’s eat for the earth we want to inhabit.

NOT ON OUR WATCH: “Anything you put on your body, take, or consume should be made with the purpose of enhancing your health and wellbeing—not detracting from it. That’s our philosophy, and there isn’t a product on our shelves I wouldn’t endorse.” —Heather Isely, Executive Vice President, Natural Grocers The Ingredients Natural Grocers® Will Never Carry Your neighborhood grocery store is meant to be a place where you can stock up on everything from avocados to milk to body wash. The Natural Grocers difference is this: you’ll find organic avocados, 100% pasture-based milk , and synthetic-fragrance-free body wash—but you won’t find their conventional counterparts. We supply all the good4u staples, while excluding products crafted with processes or ingredients that the evidence shows are problematic for human health, animal welfare, and the planet. That’s why we’ve banned 500+ ingredients throughout our stores. Read on for a snapshot of banned ingredients and unique standards that reveal how what isn’t on our shelves matters as much as what is! Grocery—because food should be nourishing, not artificial! In 2025, the FDA finally banned the synthetic dye—Red 3—from food, beverages, oral drugs, and supplements because it causes cancer in animal studies. We have never allowed it! We also prohibit artificial preservatives, flavors, and sweeteners, synthetic colors, hydrogenated oils, and other dubious additives. Banned Ingredient Spotlight: High Fructose Corn Syrup Manufacturers don’t use high-fructose corn syrup to improve food quality—you can count on that. One reason they love it? It’s a cheaper way to sweeten foods and beverages. But we humans don’t metabolize fructose the way we do the simple sugar glucose. It’s primarily processed in the liver, leading to new fat formation and an increase in circulating triglycerides. And recent studies show it may increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by damaging the intestinal barrier. More Stand-Out Grocery Standards • GMOs: We don’t allow GMOs in new grocery products, and we trace high-risk ingredients back to their origin— checking crop sources and processing methods. • Glyphosate: Products with key ingredients (equaling 25% or more of dry weight) that are at high risk of glyphosate contamination—like oats—must be Certified Organic or third-party certified glyphosate residue free. • Natural Flavors: Unnatural substances, like propylene glycol, are often used to manufacture natural flavors. We require natural flavors to meet the same standard as organic flavors, which prohibits these substances. Meat & Seafood—humanely raised and sustainably sourced, period. We don’t just ban hormones and antibiotics and call it a day. We identify and prohibit a range of drugs currently allowed in conventional meat production, including ionophores and beta-agonist drugs like ractopamine. And we don’t stock fish or seafood that isn’t certified sustainable. Banned “Ingredient” Spotlight: Ractopamine The FDA has approved this drug as a feed additive in pork, beef, and turkey production, despite at least 160 countries worldwide banning it due to animal welfare concerns and potential human health risks. Its sole purpose in animal feed is not to improve meat quality, but to increase muscle growth and feed efficiency—benefiting producers’ bottom lines. The Center for Food Safety reports that it has caused more harm to pigs than any other animal drug used in pork production and has been linked to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, reproductive, and other health issues in animals.

Household Cleaning—transparency is key. We prohibit over 100 problematic ingredients commonly found in household cleaning products and require full ingredient disclosure on packaging. The only exception to complete transparency is proprietary fragrance and

enzyme blends; however, we confirm that these blends meet our standards. Banned Ingredient Spotlight: Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs)

“We examine food ingredients through this lens—is the purpose of this ingredient only intended to benefit the manufacturer of the food? If it’s only meant to benefit the manufacturer, we don’t allow it.”—Heather Isely • 100% Free-Range Eggs. We’re the only national chain that has made this commitment, as far as we’re aware. And our standards go the extra acre—beyond USDA requirements for “free range.” • 100% Non-GMO Bulk. Our bulk products are Non-GMO, and our bulk herbs are Certified Organic. • Only Organic Produce. We’ve always been committed to selling exclusively organic produce, and we’re USDA-certified organic handlers to ensure organic integrity all the way to your table. • 100% Pasture-Based Dairy. Our motto is “let them graze,” and, to our knowledge, we’re the only national chain with this dairy standard. Do you want stubbornly persistent chemicals that contribute to antibiotic resistance in your cleaning closet? We don’t either, which is why we’ve banned QACs. Studies show that bacteria exposed to commonly used QACs, in both short and long-term settings, can develop cross-resistance to more than one antibiotic. Body Care—it should be as natural as you! We say— not on our watch —to parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, chemical sunscreens, and other questionable ingredients commonly found in cosmetics. Banned Ingredient Spotlight: Synthetic Fragrances Petroleum and natural gas are the opposite of delightful aromas—yet, dozens of chemicals, including many derived from these substances, can hide beneath the term “fragrance.” Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose fragrance chemicals, but many carry potential health risks, including links to fertility and hormone issues. We only allow fragrances from natural sources and require full disclosure from vendors for any “fragrance” containing products. Dietary Supplements—artificial flavors & sweeteners, and synthetic colors need not apply. We hold a magnifying glass to ingredient labels, banning artificial flavors and sweeteners, synthetic colors, questionable fillers, and more. All supplements we carry must comply with the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). Most brands, including Natural Grocers Brand Supplements, go above and beyond by manufacturing their products in third-party GMP-certified facilities. Banned Ingredient Spotlight: Talc Supplement manufacturers sometimes use talc as a flow agent to prevent ingredients from clumping and sticking to machinery. However, talc can be contaminated with asbestos—a known carcinogen. And in 2024, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) gave talc a “Group 2A” classification, which is “the second highest level of certainty that a substance can cause cancer.” More Standards That Make Natural Grocers® Not Your Average Grocery Store!

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