Tofutti, Dump the Hydrogenated Oils Already
I'm failing in my ongoing crusade to get my local Trader Joe's and other grocery stores to carry the healthier non-hydrogenated Tofutti cream cheese (in the yellow container). This is frustrating because the only local store that carries this version of this product is Whole Foods, and they don't always have it in stock either. So we tend to buy three or four containers when the stars are in alignment and WF has it in stock. Personally, I don't understand why this is even an issue. Most of the consumers who purchase "alternative" products do so for health reasons. Shouldn't it follow then that the healthier version of the product would be the better seller? The regular Tofutti contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil (partially hydrogenated oils are BAD!!!!), and it appears to be the same price. And why is Tofutti still making most of their cream cheese alternatives with partially hydrogenated oils anyway? (Must dash off consumer correspondence to Tofutti!!!)
In the past, Jane has even cleaned out a few of the empties and we've brought them in to our local store managers. You'd think that would illustrate our desire for them to carry this product. We've even suggested that Whole Foods is getting business that these other stores would get if they carried the non-hydrogenated Tofutti, which is true to some extent. We don't use WF as our "regular" grocery store. We shop there for specialty items since they have a much more extensive selection of vegan products.
If I sound a little off-balance here, it's just that this is one of those products that really works as a vegan alternative. You can feed it to your omni friends and they'll never know the difference, unless they read the label. Tofutti, it's time to dump the partially hydrogenated oils!
Related Information:
In general it sucks that so many vegan alternatives to animal products contain a lot of “junk”. Partially hydrogenated oils, often carrageenan (which is a possible carcinogen, I think some Tofutti products have it too, at least some mock meats do) and stuff like that. It’s hard to tell people it’s healthier than the normal alternative, if you’re not sure it really is.
In a few years transfats will probably be banned in most of the Western world, so I’m surprised more companies aren’t already taking action.
Although I love bagels and cream cheese I’ve learned some things you just have to give up, especially when their ingredient list is way too artificial. Being vegetarian and dairy free you have to really watch those lists. Great highlight on such a common problem
the only local store that carries this version of this product is Whole Foods, and they don’t always have it in stock either. So we tend to buy three or four containers when the stars are in alignment and WF has it in stock.
If you use enough, you might want to try special ordering a case from Whole Foods/Wild Oats. The store closest to us is teeny-tiny, so we usually have to go that route, especially with items we use frequently. They’re generally pretty happy to accommodate us…
Hi Maija,
Yes, finding these ingredients in your food does make it difficult to eat healthier. It makes avoiding convenience foods even more important.
Hi Rockaroo,
I still find myself eating things I like, even if the ingredient list is too long and scary. Generally, we avoid things that are “junk” foods, but sometimes…
You’re a better person than I am.
Hi Kelly,
Hmmm. Interesting. I’ll have to check into that. Thanks for the suggestion. Especially for this product, which has a longer shelf life.
Amen! We can usually find the nonhydrogenated stuff at Whole Foods too, but a locally owned natural foods place that I love to support carries only the icky stuff. Like you, I just don’t understand the reasoning.
Hi Stephanie,
We haven’t gotten an answer, and Jane’s actually gone back and asked the managers. Well, hopefully Maija’s right and these ingredients will be banned in all food. California has banned transfats in restaurants as well as NY. It’s inconsistent that they’d be allowed in supermarket foods.
Kinda like the plastic bag thing. Stores won’t be able to give them out anymore but Hefty and Ziploc, who make bags that are even less biodegradable, can continue to make their products and will see an increase in sales as grocery bags are often used for trash and pet refuse collection.
I guess I’m a little late getting to this, but I only just discovered Tofutti cream cheese, and thought it was fantastic… at least, until I found out that the one I bought was full of unhealthy oils, etc.. Now I’m just wondering why it is that the Tofutti company even bothers making the unhealthy one in the first place — do they taste different, and maybe the unhealthy (white container) one is more popular?
Same here, I live in Monterey CA, and the only non partially hidrogenated tofutti is in Whole Foods..