Actor Paul Newman (1925–2008) started a philanthropic food business in 1982, donating all after-tax profits from his line of natural salad dressings, popcorn, lemonade, and pasta sauces to charitable organizations. His daughter, Nell Newman (1959–), was concerned about how agricultural pesticides affected humans and wildlife. Nell Newman and her partner, Peter Meehan, devised a business plan and established Newman's Own Organics as a subsidiary of Newman's Own in 1993. The offshoot was designed to support the environment and reduce pesticide use by encouraging the growth of organic agriculture.

The first offering from Newman's Own Organics—pretzels—became the nation's best-selling organic pretzel. The company focused on cultivating wide consumer appeal by using familiar ingredients. Its slogan is “Great tasting food that happens to be organic.” Kraft granted permission ...