Is Big Spoon Roasters ethical?

Overview

Big Spoon Roasters is a North Carolina-based brand specializing in small-batch, handcrafted nut and seed butters. Their product sample, Almond Butter with Madagascar Vanilla, scores 88 out of 100 on our ethical index, reflecting strong performance across environmental and social metrics. The company prioritizes transparency, using simple ingredients sourced from farmers they know. They are known for their minimalist packaging, direct trade relationships, and donation of 1% of sales to environmental causes. No major controversies have been reported, making them a reliable choice for conscientious consumers.

Certifications

Big Spoon Roasters holds several notable certifications. They are a Certified B Corporation, meaning they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. They are also a member of 1% for the Planet, committing 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits. Their products are labeled Cruelty-Free, confirmed by the Leaping Bunny program, ensuring no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. These certifications collectively verify their ethical claims and provide third-party assurance.

Animal testing & vegan range

Big Spoon Roasters is entirely cruelty-free; they do not test on animals and require the same from their suppliers. Their entire product line, including the Almond Butter with Madagascar Vanilla, is 100% vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. This makes them a suitable choice for vegans and those avoiding animal products.

Sustainability pledges

The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. They use recyclable glass jars and minimal packaging, source ingredients from regenerative agriculture farms when possible, and offset their carbon emissions. Their 1% for the Planet membership directly funds environmental nonprofits, and they aim to achieve zero waste in their production facility.

Sourcing & labor

Big Spoon Roasters emphasizes direct trade relationships with farmers, particularly for ingredients like almonds and vanilla. They pay premium prices above commodity rates to support fair wages and sustainable farming practices. While they do not have a formal Fair Trade certification for all ingredients, they audit their supply chain for ethical labor standards, including no child labor and safe working conditions. They also employ a local workforce in their Durham, NC facility and offer fair wages and benefits.

Controversies context

We found no major controversies or public scandals associated with Big Spoon Roasters. Their business practices have been consistently praised by consumer advocacy groups and media. The only minor critique is that their products are priced higher than conventional brands, which reflects their ethical sourcing and small-batch production. This premium is generally viewed as acceptable by ethical shoppers.

Bottom line

Big Spoon Roasters is a top-tier ethical brand for nut and seed butters. Their combination of B Corp certification, cruelty-free and vegan status, sustainability initiatives, and transparent sourcing places them in the upper echelon of ethical products. While they are not fully organic or Fair Trade certified across all items, their direct trade and ingredient integrity make them a trustworthy choice. For shoppers seeking a high-quality, ethical butter with minimal environmental impact and no animal testing, Big Spoon Roasters is highly recommended.