Why do people think they have to drink crappy, poisonous apple juice from China?

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

It's called CHOICE, that word and concept so many love to promote. I hear people on here dissing Whole Foods for their prices but one thing they have is a house brand that has high-quality products that are often lower than my mainstream grocery. And no HFCS, no MSG, and apple juice that tastes like HEAVEN!

[Texasgal]

1. If there were better

more affordable choices maybe people would choose the healthy alternative???

The issue is that there are not enough choices! Go to any grocery aisle and you can see that there are maybe a few "healthy" juices, and really not everyone can afford Whole Foods.

The question should be " why must we so much juice imported from China?"

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

3. Trust me, I watch my money...Always have.

The house brand of Whole Foods is more wholesome and probably less expensive than a typical grocery. In any case, drinking apple juice on a regular basis isn't a good idea. It's better to EAT APPLES and even organic ones are pretty reasonable at Trader Joe's.

[Texasgal]

8. Again... the issue

really is that affordable healthy alternatives at a reasonable price should be widely available.

I don't drink juice really. I am a coffee and water person I may have some OJ on occasion. I will say this, if I were a heavy juice drinker I certainly wouldn't be driving to Whole Foods just for juice. That makes zero sense.

Oh, and we don't have a trader joe's here.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

13. You can buy many things from WF. And the prices are right.

And don't drive; ride a bike. I mean, holy Mary, Mother of God, why do people jump in their cars at the drop of a hat?

[Texasgal]

18. Oh gee, maybe because

the Whole Foods is ten miles FURTHER away then my local grocery store?

I am so glad that you live in some sort of utopia where you can do price checking and multiple grocery stops.

Why can't we stop importing all this crap? Why can't we have healthy organic alternatives for the average people?

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

21. LOL- Utopia? Naw, just a suburb and yeah, I do price-checking.

I know what stuff is good to get from Aldi's, what stuff WF sells that is within my budget, what decent products Trader Joe's has...That happens when you live without a car for decades and don't even want to spend money on a bus. You walk. You bike. You make it work.

So you don't live near a WF. What about an ethnic produce market? I am sure in TX there are Hispanic stores with fresh produce. Do you have Internet service at home? I don't. High-speed is $30 a month at least, if not $50. Do I need 24/7 access? Nope. So I use libraries. It's all about CHOICE. Even where you live. If you live out in the boondocks, perhaps it's too inconvenient for a healthy lifestyle.

[Texasgal]

28. I have no idea how you made

the leap between ME not eating healthy and others. I just told you that I do not have the time to price check for Whole Foods. Plus, it is not an affordable choice for me.

I have a local grocer that sells plenty of nice produce. I do price checking at my local grocer as well and do alot of shopping at my local farmers market. I cannot afford Whole Foods period. I am glad that you can price compare I am glad that you can go to several places to get a good deal. I am happy for you, You have the time and the ability to do so. Many average Americans do not have that ability. They are freaking lucky to get a pound of round and some beans!

You are arguing a mute point. The issue should really be that this crap from China should not be widely available for cheap to the masses.

Organic meats and veggies should be affordable to people. Apple juice made in the USA without all the crap in it should be available, not just at Whole Foods or for only the wealthy.

Is my point hard or difficult to understand?

BTW- I am a vegitarian. Have been for years.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

31. What's a vegitarian?

(Just kidding...) EFF "round!" That is the crux of the problem! If you are really, really on a budget, nix all animal products! They are very expensive and unnecessary! Or stick with free-range eggs @ $3.39 a dozen, if you want something like that. Yes, these things "shouldn't" be available. But in the meantime...we can still enjoy decent food without having to feel like it's unavoidable. Even Whole Foods had an item from China. I bought some ORGANIC spinach and only noticed it when I got home. I vowed never to buy from them again because I don't trust even organics coming from that country. It may have been a sourcing problem that went away. I don't think they still sell frozen spinach from China but everything you buy lists country of origin (or at least what I buy!).

[Texasgal]

34. Step away from the bong

Seriously.

I do well with my veggie ( don't wanna mispell that again! ) diet thankyouverymuch. I honestly don't need your cycling, price checking, whole foods lovin' advice.

Perhaps your utopian attitude would go well over at a local food bank or soup kitchen? Wonder what they would think of your perfect lil' lifestyle?

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

54. First of all, is being unemployed for several years "perfect?" Yeah, I didn't think so.

I don't know what's up with your 'tude. I have been a vedge since 1985 myself. And? I don't throw it in people's faces but I sure as hell won't buy this crap that the OP is forced to drink adulterated apple juice. He said nothing of soup kitchens and I would never tell a homeless person to quit bitching about what they are drinking. This is commonplace on DU amongst the people who have jobs and houses: somehow they must buy boxed crap or bottled crap. I am just offering a different view.

[Texasgal]

62. Your view is skewed!

Hello!

We need to stop having cheap unhealthy shit imported from China... in all of this thread can you not get that?

Common place with DU'ers that homes and jobs? Are you outta your mind? How did you come to such a silly conclusion? Have you gotten to know us all after and hour or so?

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

64. That's swell that we need to stop Chinese products; I agree. But what about NOW? This moment?

I refuse to drink that shit. And I don't feel like I have to. I believe that it's far better to eat a navel orange if you are thirsty than a pasteurized cup of orange juice.

[Texasgal]

67. I'm so happy you have that option

Let's talk about a family that is struggling. Why can't THEY get good healthy things?

Do you not understand a working family or hell a NON working family with children that has not much? Why can't we just provide the healthy items for them without breaking the bank? What about the homeless and food bank people? Should they not be able to have a HEALTHY alternative?

I am wondering why you cannot get this, what is so confusing to you?

[joeglow3]

33. Ahhh. One of those "ride a bike" people

Sure. Let me just throw my 2 & 5 year olds on my back, have my 8 year old pedal with me, throw groceries for 4 in the back with the 2 kids and ride 5 miles back. Jesus, some people are clueless to ANY way of life other than their own.

[Texasgal]

44. Riiight?

No kidding!

Instead of dealing with the REAL issue the rest of America with families that are struggling are dumbasses!

Good GAWD!

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

71. So you don't think the poster with kids has a car?

How DOES he do it with all those kids?! Do they all walk barefoot for ten miles down to the general store? What about Maw?

[Robb]

59. In fairness, the OP might be younger

... Although I agree perhaps more than a little myopic.

[Texasgal]

63. Myopic?

How about BLIND?

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

69. Um...I see people (yuppies, no less!) doing it all the time.

It's one of those bike trailers. They fit at least two small children. Get a tandem bike for you and the older one. Or have her ride alongside you. I have a cargo trailer that is for hauling stuff. I use it for major purchases. People marvel at it all the time.

It's a neat little challenge to live this way. It was probably no more than 20 degrees today. We just had 8 inches of snow that was finally cleared away from the streets. Good stuff.

[joeglow3]

80. Also helps to have time for that "challenge."

Sadly, it is rare that I would have 3 hours for a grocery trip.

[TheCruces]

77. I don't live near a Whole Foods or a Trader Joes

Both are probably about five hours away.

[MADem]

17. I can count on zero fingers the number of "Whole Foods" in the inner cities.

Some people actually consider themselves "lucky" to have a crappy grocery store within two bus rides...

[abelenkpe]

10. There are many items at Whole Foods that cost less

than they do at Ralphs or Albertsons. Same with Fresh and Easy and Trader Joes. I think the OP was trying to point out that if one shouldn't completely discount Whole Foods as being unaffordable and should instead compare prices and quality between all shops. We end up getting different items from several stores and the local farmers market depending on who has the best deal and quality merchandise.

But yeah, there should be labels on country of origin required for everything. China....why if we grow that stuff here?

[Texasgal]

20. Great if you have the gas and time

to run around between Grocery stores.

Why can't the powers that be just provide the average person with MORE healthy affordable choices?

And really... Whole Foods may be cheaper on a few things but certainly not most. I cannot afford them and I am in a fairly well financial position.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

25. LOL- you must be far better of than I and I am there every day!

You don't buy much produce there; it's way overpriced (although the organic stuff is sometimes reasonable). What I buy is bulk stuff: organic beans, oat meal, spices. I buy brown jasmine rice at Trader Joe's. Most people are not particularly intelligent when it comes to shopping and so many people eat dead flesh, which is very expensive and unnecessary in one's diet.

[abelenkpe]

83. All the stores we frequent are within six blocks of us.

We walk and split our time on Saturday's since we both work full-time. But I hear you. Not really for everyone for sure.

[treestar]

2. That's why libertarians love that word choice

Since they know most people don't have all day to figure out what their choices should be.

How many times in a busy day do we make a choice that's just to get something done?

They want us to have the "freedom" to spend 48 hours per day figuring out the best choice.

I actually debated one who defend the idea that there should be no government restaurant inspections. Rather we should exercise the freedom to inspect restaurants ourselves.

And the bottom line there is that we would never go to restaurants. We'd stay home.

Then again, we'd have to conduct the food store inspections ourselves.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

6. Why bring up libertarians? Strikes me as a bit odd and random.

As for the "busy day" excuse, then quit your job and tailor your life so that it is more meaningful. Most people live life so incorrectly! They want a bunch of stuff that they don't really need and so they work long hours for things, and in the process they eat crappy food because they don't have the time to prepare a wholesome meal! Their priorities are all screwed up!

[MADem]

26. Not random or odd.

Google "John Mackey, Whole Foods" -- if you didn't already know.

Here's a link to a quick profile of that union-busting, anti-healthcare 'libertarian:'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mackey_(businessman)

I cannot help but observe that you are full of didactic advice for people you plainly don't even know that you certainly aren't hesitating to share. That's a very different approach, by way of introducing yourself, than most newcomers to this board take.

Welcome to DU, I guess.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

32. Do you "know" people on the Internets? Even after ten years?

Yeah, I am pretty strident. Oh well...It's not malicious so it's all good. Mackey may be a Libertarian but who's to say these other big chains aren't the same? Sorry, but I would rather give my money to food companies like Eden that really give a damn. I try to avoid Kraft and packaged food in general.

[MADem]

41. I know most people here, e-speaking, at any rate.... but I don't know you.

You know, that union-busting wingnut John Mackey used to like to tout Whole Foods when he was up against it about the Obamacare imbroglio. He went on, I think, a well-populated Yahoo group to try to spam his POV to the masses.

They didn't buy it, and some smart hacker type figured out who he was and fingered him.

Whole Foods is trolling for a new demographic, the "Crunchy Con." Problem is, there aren't enough of them. When they start getting environmentally aware, too, they leave the "con" end of the political spectrum.

[salvorhardin]

27. Will you be flying to Geneva?

I assume you'll want to personally accept your Nobel prize for solving the paradox of choice. And so neatly too! Here we all were, stumbling through our lives, clueless and blind, when all we had to do was ask you how to lead them. Such a humanitarian!

[Texasgal]

30. Plus f'inggg 10000000!!!!

Jaysus! It's like talking to a wall!

[treestar]

81. They are with you on the personal choice concept

But for them, it is keeping government out.

[MADem]

22. And "Crunchy Con(servative)" Republicans love the anti-universal health care CEO of Whole Foods

I won't give those assholes a dime. Here's what the head of Whole Foods has to say about health care in the USA:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204251404574342170072865070.html

Many promoters of health-care reform believe that people have an intrinsic ethical right to health care—to equal access to doctors, medicines and hospitals. While all of us empathize with those who are sick, how can we say that all people have more of an intrinsic right to health care than they have to food or shelter?

Health care is a service that we all need, but just like food and shelter it is best provided through voluntary and mutually beneficial market exchanges. A careful reading of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will not reveal any intrinsic right to health care, food or shelter. That's because there isn't any. This "right" has never existed in America...

Fucking idiot--how can you "pursue happiness if you're hungry, homeless and sick?

More on the topic here:

http://my.firedoglake.com/jasonrosenbaum/2009/08/13/whole-foods-ceo-john-mackey-another-republican-for-john-mccains-do-nothing-health-care-plan/

[tledford]

24. Agreed. They don't get a penny from me as long as that shithead is running the company. eom

[mac56]

48. +1000

[DJ13]

4. What is needed is a country of origin labeling law

As it stands right now its hard to know where the ingredients come from.

[Zalatix]

7. Indeed. Well said.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

12. *Ahem* You obviously don't read labels.

It's already there. I just bought some organic, really raw honey for $10.89 (2 pounds) and the honey was from Brazil and Canada. I don't like to buy products that combine the food from various countries but this deal was too good to pass up. They do this with apple juice and it is a disgusting product.

[DJ13]

43. I do read labels, but the country of origin is either not there or in small print

For instance, it may be labeled, but where does this juice come from?

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

45. Okay...Then look on the SIDE!

Sorry, but this whining is not convincing. We must be motivated consumers. I write to companies and they respond--trust me. I try to be can-do when it comes to important things in my life...like what I eat.

[DJ13]

61. As I said, where DOES that juice come from?

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

65. If it lists a bunch of countries...

DON'T buy it! Just buy 100% USA apple juice. Or better still, just eat a juicy orange!

[MADem]

66. Yes, that little "and/or" business can be tricky, can't it! nt

[Zalatix]

84. I suspect those labels lie. For instance makers of extra virgin olive oil CLAIM it comes from Italy.

But often it does not. It's called fraud.

[dembotoz]

5. you got small kids, you are supposed to give them juice

not fruit drink
juice

apple juice tends to be the least expensive--orange juice has just gone thru the roof.....

options are????

you do read the labels
you do your best
but in the end
price does matter

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

9. If I had kidlets, this is what I would do:

First of all, I would cancel any cable/satellite boobtube service and pocket that money (sometimes $100 a month or more!) for better quality of foods. I would feed my kids whole fruits instead of apple juice, which is isolated from the fiber and therefore the sugar goes right into the system. No fiber, either. And the peels of apples contain many antioxidants, FYI.

Want to give kids good juice? Right now where I live (NOT in FL, either!) grapefruit is .39 a pound! Juice grapefruit and you have RAW juice with all the enzymes intact, as well as vitamins! And do this for whatever is in season. Invest in a good juicer when you have the extra money. And in the fall when apples are very cheap (go to ethnic produce markets for most of your produce; they have the best quality and deals), get a lot of apples at this time. You can even store them in a cellar or garage if you have one. Buy in season is my point.

[abelenkpe]

11. That's what we did. Used to make our own juice

Still make our own lemonade. Kiddos don't really like fruit juice though. Except lemonade. Crazy son actually likes to eat lemons. Go figure.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

15. I was going to add that lemonade made fresh

even with reverse-osmosis water @ .59 a gallon, is a great alternative to pasteurized apple juice. Lemon is a great solvent; it gets rid of mucus amazingly. You can add raw honey and a little green stevia (to limit the amount of honey needed, plus limit sugar content).

[abelenkpe]

82. Maybe that's why he seldom gets head colds?

We are huge fans of honey. Will have to to try stevia. Thanks!

[joeglow3]

42. We need more people like you.

I had a coworker complaining about the cost of food and I said she should look at her iPhone. She told me NEEDED it for emergencies (never mind the complete data plan she has). I told her she could get a pre-paid phone for emergencies. Her response was that those are not worth it because they expire. I tried to explain to her that if true, it would still be much cheaper than the $100 a month she is spending on her cell phone and would allow her to buy the food she wanted.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

46. Thank you! Forgot about the cell phone!

Fortunately, I was born before 1990. I know that we somehow managed. And the cost, especially when coupled with Internet, cable and God knows what else, ADDS UP. If I needed a car, that would be one thing. But with so much public transit nearby, I am astounded at how many people refuse to give up their cars, even with the recession and high gas prices!

[TheCruces]

78. How many kids will drink grapefruit juice?

I like it, but I couldn't stand them until I was an adult.

[Codeine]

16. Actually, kids don't need juice.

Fruit juice is not terribly healthy even when pure.

[MADem]

14. Maybe because they are poor, and crappy is better than none? Or that's what the food pantry was

handing out?

Some people don't have that CHOICE. They are living hand-to-mouth.

Perhaps you could buy a few cases of that nice house brand apple juice from WHOLE PAYCHECK, and donate it to your local food pantry?

Some of the people here "diss" Whole Foods not just because their stuff is overpriced, but because of the political affiliations of their "Crunchy Con" leadership, that came out against "Obamacare:"

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=8322658&page=1

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

23. Again, the price is right so that one doesn't wash. And make up your mind:

either someone doesn't have the money or they are boycotting the company for ideological reasons.

And just for the record, WF gives their employees healthcare, even if they work as little as 24 hours a week. So despite whatever political beliefs the owner has, I have to hand it to him for that one.

[MADem]

29. Go back and try reading what I wrote.

People who have no MONEY can't spend what they do not have.

The price could be ten cents, if you don't have it, what do you propose? Shoplifting?

I have to "hand it to you." You've got a lot of Moxie--did you buy that at Whole Paycheck as well?

Do some homework on Whole Paycheck's UNION policy--or do you have a glib answer for that as well?

Do let us know when you've donated a few cases of that juice to a food pantry--try offering it to an inner city one, you know, in neighborhoods where Whole Foods won't open any stores.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

35. First of all, the other OP was not decrying his impoverished state

As I recall, when DU did a poll on income and education, the majority on here were not on the lower end. And yet so many talk about going to these regular groceries. I can't stand when I do that! They sell JUNK! The whole store is full of boxes and cans and chemicals in the food. And yet people discuss their computersd, cars, etc. People on DU who have the money still manage to patronize stores full of junk and then wonder why they can't find decent food! Whole Foods does have ridiculous prices on many items. I just walk by and roll my eyes. The one thing which burns me up is that their conventional produce is often twice or more expensive than the produce market I frequent. I may write a letter criticizing this practice and remind them that people need a place to buy fresh produce at sensible prices!

[MADem]

36. As you recall? You've been here for five minutes.

Pardon me, I am being hyperbolic--you've been here around seven or eight hours.

Account status: Active
Member since: Sat Jan 14, 2012, 01:51 PM
Number of posts: 26
Last post: Sat Jan 14, 2012, 09:02 PM

You keep digging, now. Let me know if you need another shovel.

Keep on generalizing about "people on DU" too--it'll make you the most popular person around.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

49. Who said this was the first time I laid eyes on this site and "you people on DU?"

I didn't. But that was your response to post #35?

[MADem]

51. Oh really? When did you first do so, if you don't mind my asking? nt

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

56. 2004, when a family member showed it to me.

I didn't go back for years. Thanks for asking. Come again...

[MADem]

70. That's a great memory you have. nt

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

72. I came back years later, as I stated.

What exactly is your point? I have been reading DU posts for years now. And that has NOTHING to do with this discussion but nice diversion!

[mac56]

52. +1000

How to win friends and influence people. Class, pay attention.

[Bluenorthwest]

19. No one has to go to Whole Foods to get US apple juice. Tree Top is in all the stores

all US apples. Done. There are others as well. I drink only local. Whole Foods is not up to my standards, sorry OP. For those who just want US juice, the Google is wildly useful and no need to go to the Grocer of Last Resort.

[niyad]

37. wow, to think that all these decades I have been fumbling around, not knowing how to shop, or get `

around!!!! it is a miracle that I have gotten this far without your wisdom and guidance.

[LadyHawkAZ]

38. $$$ mostly, also placement

the grocery stores here have the juices with HFCS at eye level, with added sugar one shelf down, with added Splenda on the bottom and the rare 100% Juice brands way up on the top shelf. The 100% juice also costs at least a dollar more.

[Texasgal]

40. Exactly.

The issue is MONEY.

If I had kids only had a few bucks to spend on juice and other small things... what do you think I am going to choose?

[LadyHawkAZ]

76. I've seen a lot of apple juice handed out

from the food bank here too.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

60. So you are doomed due to PLACEMENT? In the first place, if it's on the shelf

try not to buy it! You can live on fresh fruits and veggies, dried beans (yeah, they're on shelf). People are conditioned to think that they buy stuff that won't go back for 1000 years. But don't buy that crap about being helpless to know better or to change. People can learn to do better if they are given the info. That is why I am writing this in the first place!

[LadyHawkAZ]

73. Touchy, aren't we?

I don't buy juice with additives. It spikes my blood sugar. I'm just pointing out that they're carefully placed to discourage buying the pure juice.

[Mopar151]

39. Any of you folks heard of an ORCHARD?

They usually sell cider (minimally processed apple juice) from their own trees, or from the local "cider mill". Around here, pasturized cider is in the grocery stores year-round. Cold Hollow (from Waterbury, VT) is our favorite.
Pastureized cider keeps longer than the raw stuff, which tends to turn "hard" after a couple weeks in the fridge. Hard (alcaholic) cider is best approached with caution, especially the homemade stuff! Minor differences in technique make vinegar....

I'd have to drive by 50+ orchards to get to a Trader Joe's, longer to a Whole Foods.

[Texasgal]

47. Oh sure I have.

Orchards are here in Texas.

http://www.americantowns.com/tx/austin/news/apple-picking-orchards-and-apple-farms-guide-for-texas-tx-118979

Only 240 miles away. Perfect! I can go there to buy my juice.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

50. I don't have an orchard near these parts, mister.

But I should add that our local farmers market sells raw cider (frozen) for $6 a gallon. Worth. every. penny.

Oh, and don't eat out, people. I don't go to restaurants more than a few times a year. I would rather eat wholesome, clean foods!

[mac56]

57. I apologize for being part of the world

that doesn't live up to your standards.

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

68. Huh? I would LOVE to live near an orchard!

Wow...project much? LOL...Um...I was explaining that you are assuming that we all live near orchards. Sheesh.

[Mopar151]

75. The word had not come up in the thread, or even the concept - ethnic market was as close as it got.

So why do we need juice from China?

[REP]

55. Sadly, not an option for far too many

Apples can't grow just anywhere. Most require a hard freeze.

[TheCruces]

79. Oh yeah, we have plenty of orchards where I live.

Pecan orchards. Not too many apples here in the desert.

[REP]

53. I don't - I get delicious pineapple juice from Hawaii at Trader Joe's

Along with apple juice from the US made from US apples, produced by First Nations people. I just wish I drank more juice!

I'm from the Midwest, home of the World's best apples (Jonathan) and I will not accept anything other than American apples - unless I'm sampling exotic and labeled heritage varieties. So yeah - US apples for me!

[kneedeepinthehoopla]

58. I have had that pineapple juice from TJ's--very tasty!

But when pineapples are $1.29 each (February?) I juice throw 'em in the single-auger juicer with organic celery and some fresh ginger. Awesome!

[LadyHawkAZ]

74. I really, really miss Trader Joe's n/t

[Quantess]

85. This looks like a good popcorn-eating thread

I'll have to read it later.