Product Standards

Sliced cooked steak garnished with chopped green onions in a metal pan. Behind the pan is a package of organic biorevolution coffee and a bowl of dark roasted coffee beans.
Sliced cooked steak garnished with chopped green onions in a metal pan. Behind the pan is a package of organic biorevolution coffee and a bowl of dark roasted coffee beans.

We aim to nurture every body by providing only the best quality of everything we stock on our shelves.

At The Boise Co-op Market, we are committed to bringing you the absolute best quality possible in all of our departments. Each product is carefully evaluated based on freshness, ingredients, truth in labeling, humane treatment of animals, and environmental impact. We prioritize locally produced food, fair trade items, certified organic products, and non-GMO ingredients. Sustainability is also very important to us, so we strive to avoid products with excessive packaging and BPA in container linings. We also pride ourselves in serving customers with dietary restrictions, offering a wide variety of gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, soy-free, and more.

Woman with blonde hair pouring cream from Clover Leaf Creamery container into a glass on a kitchen table, with a checkered mug and berries nearby.
Woman with blonde hair pouring cream from Clover Leaf Creamery container into a glass on a kitchen table, with a checkered mug and berries nearby.

Dairy

Supporting local dairies is a priority at Boise Co-op. Our dairy products, including cheese, butter, and yogurt, are free from the growth hormone rBGH. We also offer small herd raw unpasteurized options compliant with Idaho state law. Some of our dairy comes from cows bred to produce A2 beta-casein, believed to be more digestible for some people.

  • We believe dairy can be both delicious and responsibly produced. Supporting local dairies is a priority, and we look for strong animal-care practices, transparent sourcing, and high-quality ingredients.

    What you can expect

    • Fresh milk from certified organic sources or animals raised on verified non-GMO feed, whenever commercially available.

    • No rBGH/rBST or growth-promoting hormones in the dairy products we approve under this standard.

    • No routine or sub-therapeutic antibiotic use; sick animals must still receive appropriate care.

    • Pasture and outdoor access that is appropriate to the species, with housing that supports natural behavior and comfort.

    • Local, organic, grass-fed, pasture-based, and third-party animal-welfare certifications are strongly preferred.

    • Raw milk may be offered only when it complies with current Idaho law and the Boise Co-op Market’s internal food-safety and Category review.

    • A2 dairy may be offered as an additional customer choice; we avoid presenting digestibility claims as medical guarantees.

A person wearing blue gloves is filling a taco shell with seasoned meat, shredded vegetables, and rice from a variety of containers, with many sauce containers in the background.
A person wearing blue gloves is filling a taco shell with seasoned meat, shredded vegetables, and rice from a variety of containers, with many sauce containers in the background.

Kitchen

Our kitchen serves the Treasure Valley with local, seasonal, and healthy food, prepared fresh daily. We cater to various dietary preferences, using certified organic and local ingredients whenever possible. Our commitment is to provide transparent, organic meals that reflect the season's best offerings.

  • Our Kitchen brings the same standards we use across the store into the food we make ourselves. We cook fresh, seasonal food every day and prioritize local and certified organic ingredients whenever possible.

    What you can expect

    • Kitchen ingredients meet the applicable standards of the department they come from; including meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, produce, and grocery ingredients.

    • No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, or prohibited artificial preservatives.

    • We minimize unnecessary additives and favor ingredients that are recognizable and minimally processed.

    • Seafood used in prepared foods meets the same sustainability requirements as seafood sold in our cases.

    • Palm oil purchased directly for food prepared by the Boise Co-op Market should come from a credible verified sustainable source.

    • We work to reduce single-use petroleum-based packaging and prioritize reusable, recyclable, recycled-content, or compostable options where feasible.

    • We clearly communicate ingredients and dietary attributes while maintaining careful allergen-handling practices.

A dog with a leash enjoying a treat offered by a person outdoors near a body of water with a tea background. The dog appears to be interested in the treat, which is a bag of beef bites.
A dog with a leash enjoying a treat offered by a person outdoors near a body of water with a tea background. The dog appears to be interested in the treat, which is a bag of beef bites.

Pet

Your pet deserves to eat as healthfully as you do. At our Pet Supply, you'll find the best all-natural and premium pet foods, many of which are certified organic. We ensure our pet food selections align with the same standards we have for your food, offering high-quality brands that we trust for our own pets.

  • Pets are family, too. Our Pet Supply standards focus on ingredient transparency, responsible manufacturing, credible nutritional claims, and brands we can proudly stand behind.

    What you can expect

    • Pet foods must comply with applicable federal and state labeling requirements and use appropriate AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statements when making “complete and balanced” claims.

    • We prioritize recognizable ingredients, transparent sourcing, and products free from unnecessary artificial colors and flavors.

    • Organic, responsibly sourced, and independently verified claims are preferred when available and applicable.

    • Vendors should provide manufacturing information, quality-control practices, recall history, and documentation supporting health or sustainability claims.

    • Raw and minimally processed pet foods receive enhanced reviews for food-safety controls and pathogen-risk management.

    • We prioritize lower-impact packaging and manufacturers that demonstrate responsible environmental practices.

A woman wearing a white cap, green long sleeve shirt, and apron holding a tray of raw beef steaks, smiling in a butcher shop or meat department.
A woman wearing a white cap, green long sleeve shirt, and apron holding a tray of raw beef steaks, smiling in a butcher shop or meat department.

Meat & Seafood

We offer the highest quality natural and organic meats, partnering with local farmers whenever possible. Our meats are humanely raised, vegetarian-fed, and free from antibiotics and growth hormones. Our seafood is sustainably sourced according to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch program, and we only carry “green and yellow rated” seafood.

  • We seek meat and seafood that deliver exceptional quality while respecting animals, workers, ecosystems, and the people who eat it. Local and regional producer relationships remain a priority.

    What you can expect

    • No routine or sub-therapeutic antibiotics, added hormones, or growth promoters in fresh meat.

    • Animals should have housing, stocking density, outdoor access, feed, water, and handling practices that support natural behavior and minimize stress.

    • We prioritize certified organic, verified non-GMO, pasture-based, regenerative, and credible animal-welfare certifications.

    • Fresh meat must not rely on artificial colors, flavors, protein binders, preservatives, or chemicals used to inflate weight, retain water, or disguise freshness.

    • Fresh and frozen raw seafood must be a Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Green/Best Choice or Yellow/Good Alternative, or hold an equivalent recognized eco-certification.

    • We do not support seafood sourcing from fisheries or aquaculture operations with unacceptable sustainability, labor, or traceability risks.

    • Seafood should not be treated with sodium tripolyphosphate to prevent thaw drip, and high-risk species or processing practices receive additional health review.

A grocery shopping cart filled with various items, including a loaf of Dave's Killer Bread, a package of pepperoni, and other food items. The background shows a grocery store produce section with green apples, oranges, and other fruits on shelves.
A grocery shopping cart filled with various items, including a loaf of Dave's Killer Bread, a package of pepperoni, and other food items. The background shows a grocery store produce section with green apples, oranges, and other fruits on shelves.

Grocery

Our grocery items do not contain artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, or other unwanted ingredients. We support local producers and ensure that any products claiming to be non-GMO are third-party verified. Our goal is to provide high-quality, locally sourced products that meet national food standards.

  • Our Grocery standards start with a simple idea: Shoppers should not need a chemistry degree to feel good about what they are buying. We favor foods that are minimally processed, responsibly sourced, and thoughtfully packaged.

    What you can expect

    • No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, irradiated ingredients, or prohibited artificial preservatives.

    • Non-GMO claims must be substantiated; USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified are preferred forms of verification.

    • High-risk supply chains — including cocoa/chocolate, coffee, bananas, imported berries, sugar, and seafood — receive additional fair-labor and sourcing scrutiny.

    • We prioritize clear country-of-origin and ingredient-origin transparency, especially for imported products and higher-risk supply chains.

    • Cleaning products should disclose ingredients and avoid priority substances of concern such as artificial petrochemical fragrances/dyes, PFAS, phthalates, quats, and synthetic antimicrobials.

    • We encourage vendors to minimize packaging and avoid hard-to-recycle or higher-concern materials such as PVC, polystyrene, and unnecessary mixed-material packaging.

    • Products containing palm-derived ingredients are encouraged to use independently verified sustainable palm sourcing.

A wooden table holds a glass of strawberry smoothie topped with sliced strawberries, whole strawberries, a packet of Kono functional pre-workout, and a slice of strawberry.
A wooden table holds a glass of strawberry smoothie topped with sliced strawberries, whole strawberries, a packet of Kono functional pre-workout, and a slice of strawberry.

Health & Beauty

We believe that what we put on our bodies is as important as what we eat. Our body care products are free from artificial fragrances, colors, and harmful ingredients, and they are never tested on animals. We offer environmentally friendly sunscreens and safer hair color brands compared to other stores.

  • We believe that what you put on and in your body deserves the same thoughtful consideration as the food you eat. At the Boise Co-op Market, we select health, beauty, supplement, and wellness products with a focus on ingredient quality, transparency, responsible sourcing, and environmental impact.

    • We give preference to products made with minimally processed and organic ingredients, sustainably sourced and harvested materials, and responsible packaging. 

    • We prioritize brands that are transparent about their ingredients, sourcing, manufacturing practices, testing, and product claims. 

    • We do not accept artificial dyes, flavors, or sweeteners in the supplements we carry. 

    • We give preference to locally made, organic, sustainably sourced, and fair-trade products whenever possible. 

    • We prioritize herbs and botanical supplements that are organically grown, sustainably grown, or responsibly wild-harvested. 

    • We look for manufacturers that follow recognized quality and manufacturing practices and encourage credible third-party testing and certification when available. 

    • For personal care products, we favor clear ingredient labeling and greater transparency around how products are formulated and sourced. 

    • We consider established scientific and regulatory resources, credible third-party standards, and evolving research when evaluating products and ingredients. 

    • Our standards are designed to guide thoughtful purchasing decisions, not to make medical or health claims about individual products. 

    • As ingredients, research, regulations, and products evolve, our standards will continue to evolve with them.

Assorted beard grooming products including beard balm, beard oil, and beard spray bottles on a wooden board with a wooden beard grooming brush and a container of beard balm. A rock with the brand name 'Better Man Beard' is also present.
Assorted beard grooming products including beard balm, beard oil, and beard spray bottles on a wooden board with a wooden beard grooming brush and a container of beard balm. A rock with the brand name 'Better Man Beard' is also present.

Wellness

We source supplements made from high-quality, natural, and pure ingredients, avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Our wellness products are chosen based on scientific or historical evidence to help maintain maximum health.

  • We believe that what you put on and in your body deserves the same thoughtful consideration as the food you eat. At the Boise Co-op Market, we select health, beauty, supplement, and wellness products with a focus on ingredient quality, transparency, responsible sourcing, and environmental impact.

    • We give preference to products made with minimally processed and organic ingredients, sustainably sourced and harvested materials, and responsible packaging. 

    • We prioritize brands that are transparent about their ingredients, sourcing, manufacturing practices, testing, and product claims. 

    • We do not accept artificial dyes, flavors, or sweeteners in the supplements we carry. 

    • We give preference to locally made, organic, sustainably sourced, and fair-trade products whenever possible. 

    • We prioritize herbs and botanical supplements that are organically grown, sustainably grown, or responsibly wild-harvested. 

    • We look for manufacturers that follow recognized quality and manufacturing practices and encourage credible third-party testing and certification when available. 

    • For personal care products, we favor clear ingredient labeling and greater transparency around how products are formulated and sourced. 

    • We consider established scientific and regulatory resources, credible third-party standards, and evolving research when evaluating products and ingredients. 

    • Our standards are designed to guide thoughtful purchasing decisions, not to make medical or health claims about individual products. 

    • As ingredients, research, regulations, and products evolve, our standards will continue to evolve with them.

A man kneeling in a greenhouse surrounded by rows of green and red lettuce, holding a container of freshly picked lettuce.
A man kneeling in a greenhouse surrounded by rows of green and red lettuce, holding a container of freshly picked lettuce.

Produce

Our produce section boasts the largest selection of local produce in the Treasure Valley. We support organic agriculture and sustainable growing practices, purchasing from within 150 miles of our stores or within Idaho. We prioritize local certified organic produce, followed by local conventional and non-local organic items.

  • Our Produce department is built around local relationships, freshness, seasonality, organic agriculture, and a more resilient regional food system. We define local as grown in Idaho or within 150 miles of our stores.

    What you can expect

    • Sourcing Priority: Local + Certified Organic → Local + Responsibly Grown Conventional → Non-Local + Certified Organic → other options needed for availability and customer choice.

    • Certified organic, local, and in-season produce receives priority whenever commercially available and reasonably priced.

    • Produce at high risk of genetic engineering must meet our GE transparency requirements and use credible verification when applicable.

    • We encourage growers to disclose hydroponic, aquaponic, and other soilless production so customers can understand how their food was grown.

    • Imported produce is evaluated with additional attention to food safety, fraud, labor practices, contamination risk, and traceability.

    • We work to reduce unnecessary produce bags, clamshells, netting, and other single-use packaging.

    • Verified regenerative practices are strongly encouraged, especially when paired with certified organic production.

Person holding a bottle of red wine in front of wine bottles displayed on shelves in a store
Person holding a bottle of red wine in front of wine bottles displayed on shelves in a store

Wine

Boise Co-op is the premier wine source in the Treasure Valley. Our knowledgeable team offers a curated selection of fine wines from around the world, many from small-production vineyards. We provide helpful information and advice to enhance your wine experience, introducing you to new labels and categories.

  • The Boise Co-op Market Wine Shop is built around discovery, quality, character, and a sense of place. We pair that curation with a growing focus on responsible farming, transparent production, and producers who care for their land and people.

    What you can expect

    • Quality comes first: Balanced wines without obvious production flaws or unnecessary manipulation.

    • Priority for certified organic, biodynamic, “made with organic grapes,” regenerative, and credible third-party sustainable farming practices.

    • Preference for estate-grown/estate-bottled wineries and producers that are transparent about grape sourcing.

    • Preference for small-production, independent, and local/regional producers when quality and value align.

    • Preference for minimally processed wines with fewer unnecessary additives and restrained use of added sulfites.

    • We encourage ingredient, allergen, sourcing, and production transparency beyond what alcohol labeling laws require.

    • Worker welfare, water use, biodiversity, energy use, and environmental stewardship are considered in producer selection.