Bella Sun Luci Salad Dressings Named Product of the Year

Chico-based Mooney Farms has secured the 2026 Salad Dressing Product of the Year title from the Mindful Awards. The accolade recognizes the family-owned company’s shift toward health-conscious pantry staples, specifically highlighting their decision to replace inflammatory seed oils with 100% olive oil across their entire vinaigrette collection.

The Bella Sun Luci line, which encompasses varieties ranging from Balsamic to Meyer Lemon with Basil, distinguishes itself by omitting artificial preservatives and industrial additives. According to Travis Grant, managing director of the Mindful Awards, the brand is successfully challenging industry norms that rely heavily on canola oils and MSG. By leveraging cold-pressed Arbequina olives from their California estate and partnering with suppliers like De Nigris for aged balsamic vinegar, the farm emphasizes ingredient transparency over mass-market efficiency.

For founder Mary Mooney, the award validates a 38-year commitment to wellness-focused production. The company’s focus on sustainability extends beyond the bottle, integrating traditional Mediterranean recipes with modern practices such as small-batch processing and waste-minimization efforts. This recognition marks a significant point for the third-generation, woman-owned business as it continues to expand its presence in the competitive consumer-packaged goods market.