Once every two weeks Yaroslav Haladzhy, a 40-year old designer living in Kyiv, makes a rather expensive grocery run. He pays up to Hr 500 for a small bag of simple food cereal, eggs, tea. The reason behind the high price is simple all the items are sold as "organic".

The healthy lifestyle trend came to Ukraine around four years ago. It sparked new interest in fitness centers, low-fat products and organic food. With the growing demand, organic food shops sprung up drastically. Haladzhy started eating organics five years ago. His devotion to it doubled his groceries budget. He says its worth it. I trust my body and it gives me clues that I should continue eating organics, he told Kyiv Post while shopping at the Eco Club stores - a popular Kyiv organic store chain, one of many. In Ukraine, eating organics means having to pay at least Hr 40 for 10 eggs instead of the regular Hr 15, or buy a kilo of sausages for more than Hr 200, while regular sausages are half of that price. Ukrainians average wage is just around Hr 3,000 per month, but the boom of organic stores and farms shows that many families are ready to increase their food budgets to make the menu healthier. Kyiv now has at least three organic grocery chains and multiple organic farms. The chains sell both Ukrainian and imported organic goods. The biggest chain, Eco Lavka, was launched around three years ago and opened 36 stores in Kyiv since then. It also sells organic food online and provides delivery to any part of Ukraine. Their competitor Eco Club chain has three stores, but claims to make most sales online. The assortment of our store is 30 percent Ukrainian and 70 percent imported. Although, we never had goods from Russia and Belarus, says Vira Artemenko, a shop assistant at Eco Club store. Artemenko claims to save 30 percent of her food budget buying organics, because organic food is quite filling and you never overeat. According to the Federation of Organic Movement of Ukraine, in 2012 there were already 164 organic food producers in the country. However, the Ukrainian organic food market is still dragging behind in comparison to Western Europe. According to the Organic Data Network, EU organic market resulted in 20.9 billion euros profit in 2012. Top giants of European organics are Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and Netherlands. In comparison, Ukraines organic market was five million euros in 2012. The biggest share of the EU organic market goes to vegetables and fruits. Dairy products make the first runner-up. Organic eggs are selectively popular and meat products usually have high prices compared to the conventional products, hence the demand for them is the lowest. In Ukraine, the organic market was not legally regulated till January, when the parliament adopted a law that defines the organic products. Still, it failed to set clear rules on the procedure of certification of organic products, thus complicating the export of Ukrainian organic products. The State Statistics Service of Ukraine does not differentiate organic food from other agricultural products yet and doesnt give any market statistics for it.

Organic stores in Kyiv: Eco Shyk http://www.ecochic.com.ua Eco Lavka http://www.eco-lavka.com.ua Natur Boutique http://www.natur-boutique.ua Semero Kozlyat http://www.7koz.com.ua Villa Roz http://www.milk-shop.com.ua Eco Club http://www.ecoclub.ua Komora http://www.e-komora.com.ua Dyvolayf http://www.divolife.com.ua Vega Market http://www.vega-market.com

Kyiv Post staff writer Bozhena Sheremeta can be reached at sheremeta.bozhena@gmail.com.

The Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.

See more here:
Organic food fad hits Ukrainian consumers

McDONALD'S myths are easy to come by and we all know that fresh, organic food is not only healthier but tastes much nicer, right?

Wrong - at least according to Life Hunters' YouTubers Sacha and Cedrique.

Scroll down for video (turn on subtitles)

The pair visited the annual food convention in Houten in The Netherlands, where they asked unwitting gastronomic experts to taste samples of McDonald's food and offer their opinions on this "new, organic alternative to fast food".

"Delicious", "fresh", "tasty" and "firm" are just some of the adjective used by the food critics in a video posted on YouTube.

"It's nice and firm, it has a good bite," says one.

Another adds: "It rolls around the tongue nicely; if it were wine I'd say it's fine."

The foodies were then cajoled into making a direct comparison with McDonald's. Asked how the "organic" fare shapes up in comparison to the fast food giant, one individual says:

"It's definitely a lot tastier than McDonald's, you can just tell this is a lot more pure."

And another replies: "It tastes a lot better, and the fact that it's organic is definitely a good thing. It's just better for you. The taste is a lot richer."

Here is the original post:
WATCH: Food critics tricked into reviewing McDonalds

What happens when you tell people they're eating organic food when, in fact, they're actually eating from one of the biggest fast food chains in the world? You'd be surprised.

Two charming lads from Lifehunters, Sacha and Cedrique, did exactly that during an organic food fair in the Netherlands.

The guys went in with the goal to see if foodies could tell the difference, or tell what they were eating at all, when presented with different items off of the McDonald's menu.

Trays of the chain's most popular breakfast items, along with a heaping helping of Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets, were tried by the event goerswho seemed to have no clue what they were eating.

Not only was did all the food receive rave reviews, but some people even went as far as to say that it tasted better than anything at McDonald's.

NEWS: 14 Fast food items you should never, ever eat

Many taste-testers claimed that the food they tried was "tasty" and "rich," and one fine fellow even declared that the fish sandwich "rolls around the tongue nicely, if it were wine I'd say it's fine." How delightful!

"It definitely tastes a lot better [than McDonald's] and the fact that it's organic is definitely a good thing," another foodie explained. "It's just better for you."

Many echoed the previous sentiment, with someone else adding that "you can just tell this is a lot more pure."

All in all, the men learned "that if you tell people that something is organic, they'll automatically believe it's organic."

Read this article:
This Is What Happens When You Secretly Feed McDonald's to a Bunch of Health NutsWatch Now!

Farm-to-table surely is an au courant restaurant buzz phrase, but knowing how to combine andshow off seasonal, local and organic ingredients is truly an art. For environmentally sound food that packs a wallop in the flavor department, pencil in a visit to any of these local spots that make organic elements high priority.

Local Root601 North McClurg Court Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 643-1145www.localrootchicago.comThe zero waste restaurant is as strict as a nun when it comes to sustainability, organic ingredients and being a good steward of the planet. That Local Roots passion forreal food comes in at an affordable price in such a tonyneighborhoodadds to its magic. Get lunch here (handcrafted soup du jour made with seasonal ingredients, pulled pork poutine, grass fed burger among the many options) and youll soon return for dinner and even brunch that has become quite the popular weekend event. Note that the names and distances of partner farms are at the top of the menu and go for any item thats marked hyper seasonal selectionandyou cant miss.

Prasino93 S. La Grange Road La Grange, IL 60525 (708) 469-7058 http://www.prasino.com

Prasino (translation green in Greek) is not just eco-friendly its eco-in-love from the food to kitchen facilities and the entire restaurant design. Diners, farmers, ranchers, vintners and brewers all win at prasino (yes, lower case p).The Contemporary American menu is all about farm-to-table ingredients whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. One would expect indulgent selections like lamb spaghetti and short rib tacos to be full of flavor, but even guiltless items are super satisfying try steel cut oatmeal, healthy French toast (multigrain bread, egg whites, cinnamon, nutmeg, berries), kale and spinach salad, quinoa tacos and grilled salmon.

Lula Cafe 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 489-9554 http://www.facebook.com/lulacafe

Winning organic items at this Logan Square restaurant include a classic breakfast burrito, flavorful Rushing Waters smoked trout scramble, cornmeal griddle cakes and the very popular Royale breakfast sandwich made withmaple braised bacon, heirloom tomato, arugula, Fontina, a sunny side egg and celery leaf pesto on house-made focaccia. The international organic menu also offers fantastic cafe selections from Gunthorp Farm pan-roasted chicken and smoked quail to a turkey sandwich regulars cannot get enough of. The six-course vegetarian tasting menu is a treat for flesh abstainers.

Related:Chicagos Best Mobile Food

Uncommon Ground 1401 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60660 (773)465-9801 http://www.uncommonground.com

With a four-star certification from the Green Restaurant Association, Uncommon Grounds newer location in Edgewater features the same high-quality, organic fare as its original outpost in Lakeview. Boasting the countrysfirst certified organic rooftop farm, the eatery grows herbs that find their way sprinkled on hand-cut frites as well as veggie-like organic greens, heirloom tomatoes, peppers and sweet corn peeking undercilantro-lime flank steak. Organic can be psychologically comforting knowing that youre putting healthy stuff in the pie hole, however, the belly wins as well with dishes likemacaroni and cheesemade withorganic shell pasta, Cedar Grove cheddar and Swiss and Prairie Pure butterkse, bread crumbs.

Nana 3267 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 929-2486 http://www.nanaorganic.com

See the original post:
Best Restaurants With Organic Food In Chicago

(credit: Marina S./Yelp)

(credit: Eli G./Yelp)

Vegan sushi? Who would have thought. Located on the third floor of a Little Tokyo marketplace practically hidden by a black curtain, finding Shojin may take you a few attempts, but its very much worth the effort. True to the movement, Shojin has a menu filled with amazing organic and natural Japanese vegan and macrobiotic dishes. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu but the dynamite rolls and the pumpkin croquette are the customer favorites. Other than the pumpkin croquette, customers rave about the dynamite roll, the spicy shitake tempura as well as the Pirates of the Crunchy, which comes with avocado, cucumber and tempura flakes.

(credit: Sequoia C./Yelp)

Help yourself to vegan and gluten-free Brazilian food for brunch, lunch and dinner. At Sage Organic Vegan, their spinach basil ravioli pomodoro with cashew, almond cheese filling as well as their mushroom steak with whole portabella with shallot and red wine reduction definitely stand out among the favorites. Other great dishes include the gluten-free mac n cheese with Daiya on sauteed kale, or the legendary Jackfruit nachos with cashew cheese, black beans, guacamole, jalapenos, pickled cabbage and pico de gallo, served on organic tortilla chips. And if you visit their location in Culver City, it serves pizza.

Related: Best Juice Bars in Los Angeles

(credit: Bottega Louie)

Bottega Louie Italian bakery/cafe/restaurant seats 255 people and it is pretty much at capacity all day. So, while a quiet meal is not likely, you can be certain it will be delicious. Organic, fresh ingredients is what keeps Bottega Louie on the map, that and some incredible dishes like the portobello mushroom fries, lasagna, smoked salmon Benedict and the countless desserts like macaroons, eclairs and tiramisu.

(credit: Rachel S./Yelp)

For all you juicers out there, you can get your cold-pressed liquid fix of organic fruits and veggies too at The Punchbowl in Los Feliz. Offering juices, shakes, shots and tonics made with organic and body-healing ingredients, The Punchbowl is delicious. Whether youre looking for some internal damage control with Zeus juice or Jaipur, or simply want to feed your sweet tooth with a honey bee or chocolate frost, the friendly staff will help you rid whats ailing you.

Read this article:
Best Restaurants With Organic Food In Los Angeles

If youre trying to eat healthier, organic food is a great place to start. Check this list for the best restaurants in the Metro Detroit area that are serving up delicious, organic meals.

Grange is located in downtown Ann Arbor, at the corner of W. Liberty and and S. Ashley, and was created with the motto that the freshest ingredients, grown sustainably and sourced from people [they] know, are the basis for the best food. Chef Brandon Johns strives to serve only farm-fresh ingredients and dishes, and the restaurant has seasonal menus, as well. Entrees range from $21 to $32, and the menu online is usually changing. Make sure to click on the Events tab on the site for special evenings that the restaurant takes part in, too.

Mudgies is one of the more well-known delis in Detroit, and theres a reason for that: its been voted best deli four years in a row (2010-2014). Located in Corktown, it roasts its own meats in the restaurant, and uses local products whenever possible; the restaurant also recycles and composts. You can even get Mudgies food delivered to you if youre in the downtown proper, Wayne State, Medical Center or New Center area of Detroit. Mudgies serves a brunch, lunch and dinner menu, as is most known for its deli sandwiches.

Cacao Tree Cafe specializes in gourmet raw foods and uses only local and organic ingredients. Its located in downtown Royal Oak and also specializes in detox cuisine, vegan foods, raw handmade chocolates and desserts, gluten-free foods and juices/smoothies. Sandwiches range from $10 to $14, and juices/smoothies from $5.99 to $11, based on size and selection. Organic salads are also offered on the menu.

Related:Best Health Food Stores in Detroit

The Little Mustard Seed Cafe and Shoppe is located about 40 minutes from Detroit, in New Baltimore, and serves food with all organic ingredients. The cafe also uses locally sourced ingredients when possible, and offers a gluten-free menu, with dairy-free and vegan choices too. The restaurants prices are also very reasonable: sandwiches range from $6.95 to $9.95 and pizzas from $11.95 to $18.95. The cafe has a dessert menu, as well. The Little Mustard Seed Cafe is family-run and supports Fair Trade products.

Brooklyn Street Local can be found in the Corktown area of Detroit and serves up organic ingredients and whole foods. In fact, many of its toppings and ingredients are made in-house, such as scones, pastry crusts, fries (cut in-house), veggie/chicken soup stocks, salad dressings and others. Breakfast and lunch is served, as well as brunch (weekends only, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and there are many vegan and vegetarian dishes on BSLs menu. Be aware, too, that the restaurant is not open on Mondays breakfast is served 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and lunch is served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Related:Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Metro Detroit

Read the original post:
Best Restaurants With Organic Food In Metro Detroit

Oct. 22 (Bloomberg) -- In today's "Morning Must Read," Bloombergs Brendan Greeley recaps the op-ed pieces and analyst notes providing insight behind today's headlines on "Bloomberg Surveillance.

McDonalds Corp. (MCD), which yesterday posted its fourth straight quarter of falling U.S. same-store sales, may look to sell more organic food to stem the loss of customers to chains known for better-quality fare.

Youll see us in some categories looking to different products, possibly organics, Chief Executive Officer Don Thompson said on a conference call. We actually are doing it in certain markets.

The worlds largest restaurant chain already uses organic semi-skimmed milk in McCafe coffees, porridge and Happy Meals in some restaurants in the U.K., said Becca Hary, a company spokeswoman. Organic milk also is sold in Germany, while organic fruit juice is available in Germany and France, she said.

We have the ability to cater our menu to local and regional tastes and preferences, Hary said.

McDonalds has been struggling to boost sales amid increased competition for low-priced meals. In the U.S., the chain has recently tried selling $2 jalapeno burgers and chorizo burritos in some locations to lure diners. The items havent really attracted Americans, who are increasingly flocking to fast-casual chains where they can customize meals and find some organic fare.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., which said earlier this week that third-quarter same-store sales jumped 20 percent, sells some organically grown beans, and the tofu used in its Sofritas also is organic. Noodles & Co. customers can add organic tofu to their bowls of pasta.

The worlds largest restaurant chain already uses organic semi-skimmed milk in McCafe coffees, porridge and Happy Meals in some restaurants in the U.K., said Becca Hary, a company spokeswoman. Close

The worlds largest restaurant chain already uses organic semi-skimmed milk in McCafe... Read More

Close

Read more from the original source:
McDonalds May Sell More Organic Foods

For those looking for something to eat thats made with a little more TLC than what comes from the commissaries of the biggest suppliers, the organic food movement has been gaining steam since the 1970s, and is now commonplace in the restaurant world. But that doesnt mean all organic eats are created equal.Some places do it better than others. For a great meal done the organic way, these restaurants are the most delicious and dedicated in Minnesota.

(credit: CBS)

The Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis boasts a wonderful myriad of groceries and eateries, and one of the finest places among them is Birchwood Caf. Sit inside, or when the weather permits, outside to enjoy the nearby garden for brunch, lunch or dinner. The dedication to organic, local and sustainable ingredients is only outmatched by the dedication to unique and interesting flavors and concepts. Everyone seems to have a favorite, be it the savory waffle, turkey burger or to-die-for slice of pie.

(credit: Crystal Grobe)

If youre hungry, but not looking to sit down for a long dinner, French Meadow is here for you. The menu is short and sweet, and everything is organic. And you can enjoy a bold beer or glass of wine along with it. Counter service makes your meal quick and easy, but still a great place to meet friends or co-workers. Casual, but still stylish, both the Grand Avenue location and the Nicollet location will leave your cravings for organic, health-minded but still delicious eats completely satisfied. And then there are the baked goods

Restaurant Alma 528 University Ave. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 379-4909 http://www.restaurantalma.com

Whether youre eating from the multi-course tasting menus or just sampling something a la carte, Restaurant Almas carefully constructed menu is stocked full of locally sourced, organic ingredients. Alex Roberts opened this restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis in 1999, long before the local, organic craze had swept into the Twin Cities. Alma is still considered the gold standard, and is always worth a visit, and revisit, as the menu changes every six to eight weeks.

Related:Best Vegan Friendly Restaurants In Minnesota

The Buttered Tin 237 7th St. E. St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 224-2300 http://www.thebutteredtin.com

Lowertowns continuing ascension into food district is bolstered by The Buttered Tins continuing success. This place does it right. Breakfast and lunch are served until 3 p.m. daily, and you can eat easy knowing that the ingredients are as high-quality that a restaurant this close to the St. Paul Farmers Market is expected to have. Eat light, with salads, soups and sandwiches, or stuff yourself full with the daily hot dish or other larger plates. The sleek take on a modern diner makes everyone feel welcome, and you certainly dont have to sacrifice the sweet and savory brunch goodness just because it has better-than-average ingredients.

Excerpt from:
Best Restaurants With Organic Food In Minnesota