At the Community Food Co-op, we know our members care deeply about what’s in their food — and what’s on it. Recently, we've received a growing number of questions about Apeel, a plant-based coating used to extend the shelf life of some fruits and vegetables.

This blog is here to explain what Apeel is, why people are concerned, and most importantly, where we stand.

What is Apeel?

Apeel is a plant-based coating used on some produce to help it stay fresh longer by reducing moisture loss and oxidation. Its made from mono- and diglycerides - fats found naturally in many foods. 

What are the ingredients in Apeel?

For conventional produce, Edipeel is made of plant-based mono- and diglycerides. For organic produce, Organipeel, is made of citric acid, baking soda, and plant-based mono- and diglycerides.

Why Are People Concerned?

While Apeel is marketed as safe and plant-based, many shoppers are concerned about:

• Lack of clear labeling in stores

• Allergen risks (e.g., some sources suggest ingredients may come from soy or sunflower oil)

• Whether this kind of coating aligns with organic values

• Adding to the concern, Apeel recently gained USDA Organic Certification — not by being labeled as a coating, but as a fungicide, allowing it to bypass stricter organic regulations on coatings.

Our Commitment to You

Let us be clear:

We do not carry produce treated with Apeel or Organipeel.

Our Produce Team has made the decision to opt out of Apeel entirely, and we've confirmed with our distributors that they will not send us any items treated with it. This choice aligns with our long-standing values of food integrity, ingredient transparency, and community trust.
Should anything change in the future, you can be assured that we will maintain clear communication and labeling for any products that could pose allergy risks. Transparency is a core part of our mission, and we're always happy to answer questions about sourcing and ingredients.

“We don’t believe shoppers should have to guess what’s on their food.”
—Steve, Produce Manager