Rainforest Alliance
Standard for farms and forests on biodiversity, livelihoods and supply-chain traceability.
What it is
Following the 2018 merger with UTZ, the Rainforest Alliance certifies coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, palm oil and forest products against a 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard covering biodiversity conservation, water and soil management, worker wages and conditions, and climate-smart practices.
How it's verified
Independent third-party auditors visit certified farms and supply chains annually. The 2020 standard introduced mass-balance and segregation chain-of-custody options, plus 'data-based assurance' using risk profiling.
What to look for
The small green tree-frog logo. Look for additional fine print indicating ingredient percentages and chain-of-custody method (Identity Preserved, Segregated or Mass Balance).
Watch out for
A mass-balance product can carry the seal even if its physical contents are not certified — the seal indicates an equivalent volume was sourced from certified farms.
What it doesn't cover
Rainforest Alliance does not guarantee organic farming — synthetic pesticides are restricted but not banned. Its labour standard is below Fair Trade for minimum prices.
Top Rainforest Alliance-certified products
The highest-scoring products in our database that carry Rainforest Alliance certification.
Grain-free cat treats featuring sustainable wild-caught tuna. Sourced responsibly to protect marine ecosystems while providing high-protein rewards.
Meik Wiking's guide to Danish happiness, produced by a publisher committed to 100% sustainable paper sourcing and carbon neutrality.
Frequently asked
Is Rainforest Alliance better than Fair Trade?+
They are complementary. Rainforest Alliance emphasises ecological and biodiversity criteria; Fair Trade emphasises minimum prices and community premiums. Best-in-class products often hold both.