Sound Consumer

Two nut producers are growing organic, Fair Trade almonds and cashews for PCC — while driving change in their communities. By purchasing these nuts, we can help accelerate their good work.

Since the 10-percent-off coupons no longer are printed in the Sound Consumer, we want to remind you that PCC members get 10 percent off a total purchase twice during December, rather than the usual once.

Starting in February, the print version of Sound Consumer will have a different look. Instead of 12 pages, it will be reduced to 8 pages because we’ll no longer have advertisements.

The $18 million penalty against the Grocery Manufacturers Association, issued in November, is the largest fine for a campaign finance violation ever in American history.

The frosted sugar cookies making the rounds at holiday parties this time of year present a problem for many of us. We want something sweet, but we don’t want the sugar in traditional treats. We’ve got you covered! These recipes for tasty alternatives skip white sugar but deliver sweetness from a variety of natural sources, including fruit.

Sugar can be reduced by about a third without seeing many negative consequences, although the difference will be noticeable. Learn when it’s ok to cut sugar, special notes and exceptions, sugar substitutes, and how sugar affects moisture, shelf life, crispness and other qualities.

PCC’s two nutrition educators recommend colorful rice from around the world, gluten-free ancient-grain teff flour, flavored sparkling water, and supplements to aid sleep, mitigate stress, and boost the immune system. Also don’t miss seasonal organic citrus: juicy Clementines, heirloom navel oranges, tangerines, and Minneola tangelos!

People who eat whole grains regularly are some of the healthiest and longest living people on the planet. Why?

Before the advent of pharmaceuticals, ancient peoples around the world recognized herbs that gave them strength and the ability to respond to stressful situations, from fleeing tigers to surviving frigid winters. Today, herbal tonics derived from these same ancient herbs help your body and mind be flexible and respond to stress.

“Good gut advice” · PCC’s exclusive coffee blends · Titanium dioxide · Greek yogurt nutrition · Added sugar in processed foods · Oats in the bakery · PCC’s customer service · Glyphosate in food · PCC water

Regular-fat cheese better? · GE promises fall short · Big Soda money · Plastic bag ban update · GE uses more pesticides · Glyphosate residues in honey · Atkins-style diets drawbacks · Governor’s mansion garden · Millennials opt for organic

Learn why “gluten-free” tops the list of labels on menus, what groups of people are more inclined to purchase organics, what’s new with the maker of genetically engineered salmon, and more news.

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