EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4/S-3) and related Information
Statement/Prospectus of The Hain Food Group, Inc. and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated September 3, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of The Hain Food Group, Inc.
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 1997,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Melville, New York
June 18, 1998