Yeah, you’re probably thinking of the face of that old, bearded man wearing glasses and a beret on the front of a package of gluten free rolled oats, but hold up. Bob’s Red Mill is way more than just specialty flours and oatmeal. This company has got it all. From naturally flavored protein powders to organic grains, beans, and seeds, Bob’s Red Mill does not shy away from creating the most delicious and most nutritious products.

Bob's Red Mill

Photo courtesy of spicingout.com

Where It All Began

Now, where did it all start? How did this old man become the star of many healthy dishes? It all began 35 years ago in Oregon City, Oregon when Bob (peep the guy on all the packaging) came across an old mill for sale. He snatched it up and began making cereals and stone-ground flours for local customers. After a fire burned down the mill in 1988, Bob quickly did a 360 and continued to look out for the nutrition and the health of his customers by sticking to his old-fashioned techniques and picking up the company’s pace.

Bob used and continues to use stone grinding mills rather than high-speed steel rollers because he claims that the quartz in the stone keeps the most nutritious part of the grain intact. Ay, so this is how Bob is sneaking all of this nutrition into his products. It doesn’t even stop there – Bob’s millstones grind at a slow and cool temperature to assure that his grains have the most flavor possible.

Bob's Red Mill

Photo courtesy of bobsredmill.com

Today, Bob’s Red Mill offers over 400 non-GMO products that are mainly organic and/or gluten free. I know, I know – I’ll hold up for a moment. I thought they only sold oats too. Some of these high quality products include, but are obviously not limited to, Gluten Free Apple Blueberry Granola, Organic Tri-color Quinoa, Cornbread Muffin Mix, and Paleo Baking Flour.

Bob's Red Mill

Photo courtesy of eating friendly.blogspot.com

Because Bob is so big on nourishing his customers, no matter what their diet is, he has accomodated their restrictions by creating products that are gluten free, vegan, and paleo. Going a step further in the health-conscious field, Bob decided to package most of his products in clear packaging, so that his customers could see the quality. Ok, Bob, I see you. That is quite clever my friend.

Now, get this. On Bob’s 81st birthday he decided, rather than receiving gifts, he was going to give his employees total ownership of Bob’s Red Mill through an Employee Stock Ownership Program. Yeah – I bet you wish you were milling grains the day the big man turned 81. Cash money baby.

Bob's Red Mill

Photo courtesy of bobsredmill.com

Today, milling, testing, and packaging are all done in Milwaukie, Oregon, and Bob’s Red Mill still sticks to its promise of providing high-quality, minimally processed goods that come from the mill to your table. So, if you ever find yourself in Oregon, check out their whole grain store, restaurant, and bakery.

Bob's Red Mill

Photo courtesy of @woodenmask on flickr.com

Next time you head out to go get your bag of rolled oats, stick around the grocery store for a while and check out all of the insanely awesome products Bob’s Red Mill has to offer. In no way will they disappoint.