Operations

Sweetgreen doubles down on commitment to Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Photo: Sweetgreen

October 18, 2023

As of Oct. 24, Sweetgreen, based in Los Angeles, is using Extra Virgin Olive Oil as its cooking oil for all proteins, veggies and grains nationwide.

"Reimagining fast food goes beyond the kitchen and starts with a strong, transparent supply chain," Sweetgreen co-founder and COO Nicolas Jammet said in a company press release. "In addition to partnering with suppliers and growers we trust, we take into account how every ingredient is prepared, down to the oil it's cooked in. While we know there's more work to do, we hope this change raises the bar and continues to inspire our industry to make quality products more accessible."

Sweetgreen selects its partners for their shared commitment to sustainable farming and quality ingredients, which is why it chose to partner with Bari Olive Oil Company. It's not only family owned but also one of the oldest olive oil companies in the United States, operating since 1936.

Bari's EVOO is 100% domestically cultivated and produced in California, using organic, sustainable practices. Olives are milled within 24 hours of harvest, creating the premium product customers across the country love. Using a drought-friendly crop, Bari has created a sustainable system taking advantage of every part of the olive, including using the pomace (ground pit and meat not used) of the olive for cattle feed and the water used during milling for irrigating its trees, according to the release.

Along with Bari, Sweetgreen is introducing Texas Olive Ranch to its 17 locations in the Texas market. A fourth-generation family farm, Texas Olive Ranch produces cold-pressed olive oil free of additives and preservatives.

Lastly, Sweetgreen is exploring implementing avocado oil as an additional cooking oil as the company continues to innovate its menu. Recently, the chain released a red wine vinaigrette dressing with an avocado oil base as part of its summer menu drop. Customers, however, have ordered it so much that it will become a permanent fixture.