At Sanitarium, we're about more than just selling food. A strong sense of purpose drives us, because we believe healthier choices lead to better lives, happier people and stronger communities.
Our health focus began in the 1890s at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, USA, where doctors introduced their patients to natural remedies and simple, unprocessed foods. Based on the teachings of visionary Seventh-day Adventist Ellen G. White, the Sanitarium doctors advocated healthier eating, drinking fresh water and exercising outdoors to help people 'learn to stay well' (the meaning of the word Sanitarium).
At this time, the Battle Creek Sanitarium was world-renowned and became the popular place for the rich and famous to learn and practise the principles of a healthy lifestyle.
When Ellen White moved to Australia, she and her son Willie White were instrumental in starting the health food movement. They approached the Seventh-day Adventist Church to support its formalisation, setting in motion the journey of the Company you know today.
