FAQs

We sell 100% vegetarian and vegan ethically sourced fresh, chilled, frozen and ambient food products. These are complemented by a selection of ethically sourced household goods, toiletries, kitchenware, homeware, clothes and magazines. We also have a range of Irish artisan products.

Read more on our Purchasing Policy.

All products stocked meet DFC ethical criteria. Our product lines discriminate in favour of (i) sale by weight, then (ii) compostable packaging, then (iii) bulk purchase, then (iv) recyclable packaging.

Read more on our Purchasing Policy.

99% of our products are certified organic. We do sell some products that are non organic, if we cannot source an organic version and the product has been requested by a member. In some cases we also favour ‘naturally grown’ (i.e. without pesticides, but not certified organic) produce from nearby over certified organic produce from far away, e.g. China. 

We also sell local Irish vegetables, naturally grown. By selling naturally grown produce we are supporting local suppliers and ensuring that we source the most sustainable produce with lower air miles and carbon emissions. Due to the lack of certification process, we are very selective about where we source this produce and have regular communications and visits with the growers.

‘Organic’ produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. To be certified organic the grower/ producer must commit to regular inspections by a regulatory body such as the IOA. They must also provide evidence of all the materials they use on their land or in their food – such as fertiliser, compost, and seeds. Organic certification is a lengthy and challenging process. Often the cost and bureaucracy involved is prohibitive for small farms and growers.

‘Naturally grown’ produce is grown without the use of pesticides. Like certified organic it uses natural methods to promote growing, like companion planting. ‘Naturally grown’ produce is not certified or regulated under Organic authorities.

No. While we discriminate in favour of local and Irish products, many commonly used food products are not available from Irish producers.  We source a range of dry goods from outside the island of Ireland, and the proportion of our non-Irish fruit and vegetables varies depending on the seasons.

As a city-based food co-op, we consider food produced in the Greater Dublin area to be local. As more local producers adopt organic and naturally grown farming practices, we have been able to increase our range of locally sourced vegetables. We are also partnering with more urban community gardens to source even more local produce.