Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausage FAQ

What is changing with Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausage?
We have several pieces of news to share about our Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausage line:

1. All Applegate Organics Dinner Sausage varieties are now Non-GMO Project Verified.
2. We removed sodium lactate from our list of ingredients and have replaced it with ingredients you would find in your pantry: vinegar and baking soda.
3. All Applegate Organics Dinner Sausage varieties will be made with 100 percent organic chicken, instead of a blend of organic turkey and organic chicken.
4. Changes to our Applegate Organics Dinner Sausage recipes has resulted in lower sodium content across the product line.

 
Why is Non-GMO Project Verified important?
The long-term effects of genetically modified ingredients are unknown. Until we know that they are safe, we prefer to use ingredients we can trust. We look to the Non-GMO Project Standard for the most current guidance on non-GMO products.
 
Why did you remove sodium lactate?
Agencies certifying organic products are now removing sodium lactate from their list of acceptable ingredients and we’ve found that replacing sodium lactate with a combination of vinegar and baking soda provides the same benefit- maintaining quality and freshness of meat throughout shelf life.
 
Does that mean products with sodium lactate are unsafe?
If you have any concerns on whether you should be consuming sodium lactate, please check with your doctor. Although we have replaced sodium lactate with vinegar and baking soda in our products, we want to clarify that the sodium lactate previously used was derived from natural sources like corn and beets.
 
Why are you adding vinegar and baking soda as ingredients?
Vinegar is a natural way to maintain the quality and freshness of meat products, similar to pickling or canning at home. Using baking soda, in combination with vinegar, ensures the quality of the product’s flavor by naturally neutralizing the pH of a product and providing consistency.
 
Why did you remove organic turkey from your Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausage recipes?
In adjusting our recipes to include baking soda and vinegar, we took the opportunity to simplify the main ingredient of our dinner sausages: the meat. Rather than mixing organic chicken and organic turkey, we will now be using 100 percent organic chicken for our Applegate Organics Dinner Sausage line.
 
Are there any nutritional benefits based on the ingredient changes made to the Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausages?
Changes to our Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausage recipes mean less sodium per serving across the board. Additionally, the total fat content in our Spinach & Feta and Sweet Italian varieties have been reduced one to two grams per serving.
 
Have the changes in your recipes changed the flavor profiles?
We believe the flavor profiles of our updated Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausages are consistent with what consumers have enjoyed in the past, but we want to hear what you think. Once you’ve tried our updated Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausages, click on the variety you tried (http://applegate.com/review), and share your review directly on that product page.  
 
Which varieties of Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausages are affected by the recipe changes?
All five Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausages have been modified to remove sodium lactate and turkey from the ingredients, with the exception of Chicken & Apple, which has always been turkey-free.  The four other varieties include Spinach & Feta, Sweet Italian, and Fire Roasted Red Pepper.
 
Where are Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausages sold?
Applegate Organics® Dinner Sausage is currently sold at Whole Foods Market and select natural grocery stores. To find a store near you, use our product locator.