Before founding DeeBee's Organics, Dionne Laslo-Baker, PhD, was frustrated. Nearly all the snacks she found for her kids were filled with chemical ingredients. "I found it challenging to find snacks my kids could enjoy without worrying about artificial additives and flavors," she tells us.

Like many founders, Dionne took this challenge into her own hands and created her own: DeeBee's Organics, fruit-filled freeze pops and Italian ices made of pure fruit juice and purees and zero fillers.

We caught up with Dionne, who previously worked as a toxicology researcher, to ask how we can all source clean foods and what she wants every consumer to know.

A Conversation with Dionne Laslo-Baker, PhD

You hold a Ph.D. in maternal-fetal toxicology and worked as a toxicology researcher. What have you brought from your toxicology research to your business, DeeBee's Organics?

My research focused on the effects of chemical exposure during pregnancy on fetal development. This background gave me a deep understanding of organic and natural products science and the importance of avoiding harmful chemicals and additives. At DeeBee's Organics, I apply this knowledge to ensure that our products meet the highest safety and quality standards.

One of the key things I learned during my education was how to find the answer to difficult questions. Using research and testing, I can separate the facts from the hype and go straight to the source of the science.

Take us back to before you founded your business. As a mom looking for healthy snacks for your child, what concerned you most, and how did the idea to start DeeBees come about?

I was deeply concerned about the lack of healthy, additive-free snacks for children. One afternoon, while my kids and I were busy in the kitchen—one making tea and the other making popsicles—there was an argument about who Mommy should help. Amid this, my eldest shouted, "Mommy, let's make Teasicles." And there it was. That simple yet brilliant idea inspired the creation of a brand centered around delicious, real fruit-based foods and a commitment to clean ingredients. This idea evolved into our SuperFruit Freezie Pops, which are made with 100 percent fruit juice and puree.

I also wanted to teach my kids that it's possible to align business with personal values. At DeeBee's, we are proud to be the first B Corporation on Vancouver Island, and we actively support social and environmental causes through initiatives like the DreamLauncher program. This program, which I envision as my ultimate legacy, empowers employees to drive positive change. I aim to build a business with a soul, demonstrating that success and values go hand in hand.

You've created DeeBee's to be both organic and shelf-stable. It seems so many foods today compromise quality and are laden with chemicals to be shelf-stable. How do you maintain quality in such a giant industry?

When we included "organic" in our company name, it was because I believe it is the foundation for ensuring we always make products I would be proud to give my kids. In a time of rising costs, it is easy for competitors to compromise on organic standards. We will never stray from this commitment. This is about what we feed our kids, how we treat the planet, and how we support the farmers growing our foods.

Taste is always the priority for our customers. Our team focuses on combining quality ingredients with delicious flavor. Having a well-developed global supply chain with strategic partners allows us to maintain this high standard.

What do you wish people knew more of when it comes to their shelf-stable snacks?

I wish people knew more about the importance of reading ingredient labels and understanding what goes into their shelf-stable snacks. Many conventional products on store shelves are loaded with artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy ingredients to extend their shelf life.

Do you have tips for moms—and anyone—sourcing foods that are better for us?

We often prioritize organic fruits and vegetables, but it's equally important to consider items like freezies and fruit snacks, as they can also contain pesticides and herbicides from their ingredients. Making the right choices can sometimes be overwhelming. I have always used the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list to prioritize which fruits and vegetables to purchase as organic for maximum impact on my family.

Lastly, how can we all advocate for more quality foods?

By committing to buying only organic, we help the farms we purchase from grow their businesses and support their workers. These farmers are the backbone of the organic food movement and need our support to flourish.

To learn more about Dionne Laslo-Baker, PhD and DeeBees Organics, visit deebeeorganics.com