Romaine lettuce, known for its crisp texture and nutritious value, is a staple in many kitchens around the world. With so many options available, choosing the best brands can elevate your culinary experience and ensure you're getting top-quality produce. From organic choices to hydroponically grown options, these brands stand out for their freshness, taste, and sustainable growing practices. Curious to discover which brands made it to the top of our list? Read on below for a comprehensive guide.
Illustration of romaine lettuce
Best brands of romaine lettuce in 2025
Earthbound Farm
Earthbound Farm is a leading producer of organic romaine lettuce, known for its high-quality and sustainably grown products. The company, founded by Drew and Myra Goodman, has grown to become the nation's largest grower of organic produce, cultivating over 24,000 acres and producing more than 70% of all the organic lettuce sold in America. Earthbound Farm's innovative farming techniques avoid the use of toxic chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, saving over 1.4 million gallons of petroleum annually. Their products, such as the Romaine Crunch and Organic Baby Romaine, are available in various sizes and are packaged using eco-friendly methods that reduce plastic usage by 36-44%. The company's strict adherence to food safety standards and organic certifications ensures the highest quality and safety of their produce.
Fresh Express
Fresh Express is a leading producer of high-quality romaine lettuce, pioneering the retail ready-to-eat (RTE) packaged salad category with over $3 billion in sales and consistent double-digit growth. The company uses innovative practices such as coring lettuce in the field and modified atmosphere packing technologies to maintain optimum freshness. Fresh Express processes over 40 million pounds of fresh-cut produce monthly and is the largest user of iceberg, romaine, butter, and specialty lettuces in the nation. Their operations span multiple growing regions, including the Salinas Valley, Yuma, Arizona, and El Bajio, Mexico, to ensure a continuous supply of fresh lettuces year-round. This strategic approach reduces transportation miles and carbon footprint, enhancing the freshness and quality of their products.
Organicgirl
Organicgirl is renowned for producing some of the best romaine lettuce on the market, with their Romaine Heart Leaves and Hearts of Romaine products standing out for their crunchy goodness and sweet flavor. These products are USDA organic, ensuring high quality and nutritional value, including being excellent sources of vitamins C and A. The Romaine Heart Leaves are hand-selected from the innermost leaves of the romaine, available in 7 oz (198 g) packages, while the Hearts of Romaine come in 12 oz (340 g) packs. Organicgirl's commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in their triple-washed and carefully packed products. This attention to detail makes their romaine lettuce a favorite among health-conscious consumers.
Andy Boy
Andy Boy, under the D'Arrigo California label, is renowned for its high-quality romaine lettuce, celebrating over 30 years since the start of the 'Romaine Rage' that made it the most popular vegetable in America after the potato. With a 100-year legacy of excellence in innovation, sustainability, and superior growing practices, Andy Boy ensures consistent quality and timely deliveries. The company has contributed significantly to breast cancer research, donating over $2.3 million to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation since 1999. Andy Boy's commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it a prestigious place in the produce industry, with products grown on over 40,000 crop acres across California, Arizona, and Mexico. Their dedication to environmental responsibility is further highlighted through partnerships like the Netafim ReGen(tm) Recycling program.
Dole
Dole Food Company is a leading producer and marketer of high-quality fresh vegetables, including romaine lettuce, known for its stringent safety and quality standards. In the global frozen romaine market, Dole is one of the major players, contributing to a market valued at $645.2 million in 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% from 2024 to 2034. Dole's commitment to safety was evident in their prompt response to a 2021 Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, where they voluntarily recalled products and decommissioned contaminated equipment to ensure consumer safety. The company's advanced freezing technologies help maintain the nutritional value and freshness of their romaine lettuce products. Dole's products are widely used in various culinary applications, including salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Taylor Farms
Taylor Farms is a leading producer of high-quality romaine lettuce, with operations in regions such as Yuma, where they contribute significantly to the U.S. lettuce market. In 2015, the U.S. produced 8,087 million pounds of lettuce, with California and Arizona dominating production, and Taylor Farms plays a crucial role in this industry. Despite facing challenges like the 2018 E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Yuma region, Taylor Farms has maintained a strong commitment to customer health and safety. Their products are 100% useable and washed, ready for consumption, with a shelf life of 16 days. The company's focus on quality and safety has helped it remain a trusted name in the produce industry.
Foxy
The Foxy brand, part of The Nunes Company, is renowned for its high-quality romaine lettuce, grown on over 20,000 acres in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Founded by Bob and Tom Nunes in 1976, Foxy Organic markets a variety of vegetables, including organic romaine lettuce, which is known for its mild, sweeter flavor and is harvested and packed to optimize shelf life. The company's innovative farming methods, such as film-wrapping lettuce for freshness, have set industry standards. Foxy's produce is graded according to U.S. No. 1 standards, ensuring minimal defects and high quality. With a focus on trust and long-term relationships, Foxy has become a trusted name in the produce industry.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is not specifically known as a producer of romaine lettuce, but rather as a retailer that takes stringent measures to ensure the safety of its products. During E. coli outbreaks, Trader Joe's has voluntarily recalled romaine lettuce products to protect consumer safety, even when their products were not directly linked to the outbreaks. This proactive approach reflects the company's commitment to quality and consumer trust. However, the actual production and supply of romaine lettuce are handled by various growers and distributors, with major production areas including California and Arizona. The economic impact of such recalls can be significant, with retailers like Trader Joe's facing losses due to the removal of products from shelves and distribution channels. For more information about their safety practices, visit Trader Joe's official website.
Whole Foods 365
Whole Foods 365 brand is renowned for its high-quality organic romaine lettuce, reflecting the company's commitment to providing fresh and nutritious produce. In 2019, the total production of romaine lettuce in the U.S. was 27.4 million cwt, with California leading the production. The per capita consumption of fresh romaine and leaf lettuce in the U.S. was approximately 12.7 pounds in 2022, indicating a steady demand for this product. Whole Foods Market ensures that their 365 brand organic romaine lettuce hearts meet stringent quality standards, making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. This brand's focus on organic and sustainable practices aligns with the growing consumer preference for environmentally friendly and healthy food options.
Little Leaf Farms
Little Leaf Farms is a leading producer of high-quality romaine lettuce, recognized for its sustainable and technologically advanced greenhouse operations. The company has achieved a remarkable 46% increase in total dollar sales year over year and captures 20% of all packaged lettuce sales in the New England region. As the fastest-growing packaged salad brand in the U.S., Little Leaf Farms serves over 7,000 grocery stores and is expanding its operations with new greenhouses, including a recent opening of its third 10-acre greenhouse in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, and plans for a fourth by 2025. Their lettuce is grown using soil-free hydroponics, captured rainwater, and solar-powered energy, ensuring it is free of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. This commitment to freshness and sustainability has earned Little Leaf Farms the top spot in the New England packaged salad category. For more information about their products and methods, visit their official website.
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