Heinz

How ethical and sustainable is Heinz? 

Heinz is included in The Good Shopping Guide’s Baby Food Ethical Ratings Table. Heinz has yet to meet our ethical standards, but we believe that in the future, the brand will make the necessary changes to function as a more ethical organisation. Heinz might increase consumer trust by applying for Ethical Accreditation, which would include a more complete examination and suggestions for ethical development.

More information on the issues this industry faces may be found in The Good Shopping Guide to Ethical Baby Food. Then, in our Baby Food Ethical Ratings Table compare it to other brands.

What does Heinz do?

Heinz was started in 1869 by Henry J. Heinz the brand is most famous for its Heinz Tomato Ketchup which first appeared on US shelves in 1876 and Heinz beans. The brand also offers soup, pasta, dressings and baby food. Heinz baby food is a part of the Kraft Heinz group.

For which criteria does Heinz perform poorly? 

Heinz received a low rating for its Genetic Modification Policy, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian or Vegan options and Political Donations. Heinz confirmed the usage of GMOs within its products in its ESG report. Heinz also confirmed animal testing in its Animal Welfare section, claiming that the brand does not support unnecessary animal testing but when required will test ingredients through a third-party company. The brand has also contributed over $722k to political campaigns in recent years.

Past Criticisms of Heinz’s ethical record

Heinz faced criticism when As You Sow’s 2021 report, Pesticides in the Pantry, examined the growing risks through the usage of synthetic pesticides in food manufacturers. The average score for this research was 7.5 but Heinz received a low score of 4/27.

Heinz also received a score of 9.1/100 in the Corporate Information Transparency Index which evaluates supply chain practices.

In what areas does Heinz score well for its ethics?

Heinz receives a high score for its Environmental Report, Organic Products, Nuclear Power and Armaments. Heinz Sustainability Report contains many detailed targets for 2025 with evidence of previous ESG targets and the progress made.

How can Heinz improve its Ethical Rating?

The Ethical Rating of a brand is divided into three categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Animals. Find out more about how we rate.

Heinz might apply for Ethical Accreditation for more detailed guidance on how to improve. Heinz baby food may improve its rating and fulfil our fundamental ethical requirements by ceasing all Political Donations and removing all Genetically Modified ingredients from its products.

Why not check out The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation if you work for or with a baby company that places ethics high on its priority list?

Contact us to learn more, or complete our short form for an initial ethical evaluation.