Health Edge: Organic Food Boom

Even though many businesses are suffering because of the recession, the organic food business in Central Texas is booming.

Austin  is not just the Live Music Capital, its a mecca for healthy living and part of the reason many call the capital city home.

As the population grows so do the options for organic and natural foods to meet this demand. Going well beyond Whole foods and Central ZMarket.H-E-B is offering more organic and special dietary food choices.  Nnew natural stores are also popping up like Spouts, Natural Grocers and Newflower Farmers Market.

Now that grocery stores are beginning to embrace the natural and organic foods one Central Texas man throught it was only apprprpriate that it was time the fast food industry did the same.

That's how Terra Burger was born.  Terra burger owner George Walas saw the demand grow over the past 30 years whle working in the fast food industry and said people needed a healthy alternative.  

It didn't take long to take off. Locals and even visitors at this 183 and Braker Lane location are embracing what Terra Burger calls "fast food for the 21st century"

"Its really handy that you can go get a burger and its not the worst fattening burger in the world," customer Mike Salmon said. "You can still can't have it everyday but it's better than having McDonalds."

Salmon adds that the food is finally a treat that he feels good about feeding his family. With organic grass fed beef, fresh cut organic fries and sweet potato fries, white, wheat or gluten free bun options, 100% juice, and organic ice cream on the menu, Salmon has no problem letting his family splurge.

Neither do other parents.  On the day FOX 7 visited it was packed with parents and kids ordering anything from organic chicken nuggets to vegan burgers.

George is very proud of what he has to offer.  On a tour of his 183 Braker lane location he pointed out that everything is there or not there for a reason.

For example, Coca Cola from Mexico he proudly pointed out has no high fructose corn syrup. The challenge now finding enough suppliers to meet the standards.One it has to be all natural can't have synthetic or artificial ingredients.
 

In a middle of a recession some are surprised the restaurant can serve burgers costing $5.95. 

But customers say it is worth every penny to take care of their bodies.

Lorraine Kayser isnt' surprised.

"You can't just rely on a pill to make you feel better, it's a whole body approach to health," said Kayser. 

Kayser has been studying the trends in the organic market for mor than 20 years.  She first served as founder of Kayser Marketing representing the top organic foods in the market and now as VPp of Presence & Dynamic Presence Southwest.  She says with market share expanding soon larger chains will have no choice but to get on board.