In 2010, Earth Balance, known for its delicious and healthy buttery spreads and natural foods, teamed up with Whole Foods Market, the premier destination for organic and natural groceries, for a unique holiday contest. This exciting collaboration, in partnership with EQAL, a social entertainment company, launched the first-ever Earth Balance Holiday Bakeoff, hosted on the MadeJustRight.com online community. The grand prize that had home bakers buzzing? A generous Whole Foods Market Gift Card Balance of $400, alongside a year’s supply of Earth Balance products and the prestige of having their winning recipe featured on WholeFoodsMarket.com.
Imagine the thrill of winning such a prize! Not only would your pantry be stocked with Earth Balance goodies for a year, but you’d also have a substantial Whole Foods Market gift card balance to spend on anything your heart (or stomach) desires at Whole Foods. From fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to gourmet chocolates and, of course, more Earth Balance products, the possibilities are endless.
TJ McIntyre, the General Manager of Earth Balance at the time, perfectly captured the spirit of the event: “We’re excited to provide a platform where health enthusiasts, foodies, and home cooks alike can showcase recipes, swap photos and baking tips, and share their love for delicious, wholesome food, including all-natural vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free dishes.” The bakeoff was designed to celebrate creativity in the kitchen and the joy of sharing delicious, healthy treats during the holiday season.
The contest was structured around weekly dessert categories, adding an element of anticipation and focused creativity. Each week brought a new challenge: pies, dessert bars, cookies, and cakes. To ensure the recipes aligned with the brands’ values, submissions had to be made with all-natural ingredients and feature at least one Earth Balance product. Participants also needed to include a photo of their baked masterpiece to showcase their culinary skills. A panel of culinary experts from Whole Foods and Earth Balance judged the entries based on culinary appeal, ease of preparation, and creativity, selecting two winners each week.
Errol Schweizer, then Senior Global Grocery Coordinator for Whole Foods Market, highlighted the synergy between the two brands: “We are excited to be part of this competition and to support innovation in the kitchen using all-natural and organic ingredients. Earth Balance products taste awesome and are a great vegan option, so it will be cool to see what our customers come up with.” The bakeoff was not just about delicious desserts; it was about promoting healthy eating and showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients.
While the 2010 Earth Balance Holiday Bakeoff is now a delightful memory, the allure of a Whole Foods Market gift card balance remains strong. Whether you’re a lucky contest winner or have received a gift card for a special occasion, knowing how to manage and check your balance is key to enjoying your shopping experience. A Whole Foods Market gift card opens doors to a world of high-quality, natural, and organic products. And just like the bakeoff winners excitedly anticipated using their prize, anyone holding a Whole Foods Market gift card can look forward to exploring the aisles and treating themselves to something special.
For those who were inspired by the bakeoff and are eager to explore more about Earth Balance or Whole Foods Market, or perhaps even dream of future contests and prizes, resources like MadeJustRight.com, WholeFoodsMarket.com, Alicia Silverstone’s TheKindLife.com, and AlisonSweeney.com (mentioned in the original announcement) offer a wealth of information and inspiration. And for anyone lucky enough to receive a Whole Foods Market gift card, the first step to a delightful shopping spree is checking that Whole Foods Market gift card balance and planning your healthy and delicious haul.
