ingredient glossary
Click on any of the ingredients below to learn more about them. We're so proud of our foods, both because of what we leave out of them AND because of what we include. If you want to see what is in each of our products, check out the individual product page. Go to our foods.
ingredients:
Allspice
Amaranth flour, organic
Applesauce, unsweetened
Baking soda
Beet fiber, organic
Brown pure cane sugar
Brown rice flakes
Brown rice flour
Brown rice syrup, organic
Chocolate chips
Chocolate liquor
Cinnamon
Cocoa butter, non dairy
Cocoa powder, natural process
Cranberries
Currants
Date paste
Dried apple
Evaporated cane juice, organic
Expeller Pressed Vegetable Oil (safflower oil and/or sunflower oil)
Fig paste
Flax Seed, ground
Freeze dried raspberries and strawberries
Fruit juice concentrate (grape, apple and pear)
Ginger, ground
Guar gum
Gum arabic
Honey
Inulin
Lemon granules
Malic acid
Molasses
Natural flavors (raspberry, caramel, strawberry, apple, lemon)
Natural rice dextrin
Nutmeg
Pumpkin seeds (or pepitas)
Raisins
Rice bran
Rice crisps
Rice milk powder
Rice protein
Rice starch
Rosemary extract
Salt
Sorghum flour
Sunflower kernels
Sunflower seed butter
Tapioca flour
Vanilla
Vegetable glycerin
White rice flour
Xanthan gum
Yeast
vitamins and minerals:
Calcium
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Niacin
Pyridoxol (B6)
Riboflavin (B2)
Thiamin (B1)
ingredients:
Allspice
Allspice is the dried, unripe fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant. It has a peppery flavor that is similar to cloves and is often found in pumpkin and apple pie spice mixes. We use it in our Happy Apple cookie to give the apple pie flavor we all crave. - top
Amaranth flour, organic
This is a nutritious, high protein, gluten-free flour that is milled from seeds from the amaranth plant. The small seeds or grains are tan in color and have a mild, tangy, nutty flavor. Amaranth is also high in fiber and contains calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamins A and C. - top
Applesauce, unsweetened
Just fresh apples and good ol' H20. Nothing else added. It helps keep our goodies moist & chewy. - top
Baking soda
Also known as sodium bicarbonate. Like all great bakeries, we use this all natural ingredient to help our goodies rise. - top
Beet fiber, organic
Our mothers used to tell us to “eat your beets” and we listened! This ingredient is simply fiber extracted from organic sugar beets. It adds great nutritional value to our snack bars, so eat your beet fiber! - top
Brown pure cane sugar
We use only pure brown cane sugar in our cookies, which is a natural combination of sugar and molasse refined without any added colorings, flavorings or coatings. Formed using the traditional method of crystallization, each brown sugar crystal is brown all the way through. It gives a rich, sweet, natural flavor and consistent quality to our treats. - top
Brown rice flakes
These crunchy flakes are made from flattened and toasted brown rice. They work great to mimic the great crunch of oats in our No Oats “Oatmeal” cookies, snack bars and granolas. - top
Brown rice flour
This flour comes from unpolished brown rice. It has more nutritional value than white rice flour because it includes bran from the hull of the grain. - top
Brown rice syrup, organic
This is a natural sweetener made from soft cooked rice. We use it to bind and sweeten our snack bars just the right amount. Though some rice syrups are unsafe for people with gluten intolerances, rest assured that the syrup we use is certified gluten-free. - top
Chocolate chips
Our chocolate chips are produced for us in a dedicated gluten-free and nut-free facility. These chips are also dairy-free and soy-free, although they are produced in a plant that contains dairy. For this reason, we test down to 2.5 parts per million for dairy before the chips arrive in our bakery to ensure the highest levels of safety and quality. Have a hankering for chocolate? Try our Chewy Chocolate Chip and Double Chocolate Brownie cookies and our Cocoa Loco snack bars. - top
Chocolate liquor
Despite its name, chocolate liquor is non-alcoholic. It is a commonly used industry term for an ingredient in our chocolate chips. The liquor is obtained when the cocoa bean is extracted from the shell and ground into a liquid form (chocolate liquor). From that point, the fat is extracted from the liquor, which is called cocoa butter (non-dairy of course). Once the cocoa butter is removed, all that remains is cocoa powder. - top
Cinnamon
A warm and favorite spice derived from the bark of the evergreen tree, Cinnamomium Cassia. We use grade A -- the best quality available. - top
Cocoa butter, non dairy
Cocoa butter is a component in our chocolate chips and, despite its name, is dairy-free. After the cocoa bean is extracted from the shell, the bean is then ground into a liquid called chocolate liquor. From that point, the fat is extracted from the liquor, which is called cocoa butter (non-dairy of course). Once the cocoa butter is removed all that remains is cocoa powder. - top
Cocoa powder, natural process
We use unsweetened cocoa powder, which is made from naturally processed cocoa solids that remain after chocolate liquor is pressed to extract cocoa butter. It is totally free of dairy and soy. Cocoa powder gives a deep, rich flavor to our Double Chocolate Brownie cookies and our Cocoa Loco snack bars. Though it seems too good to be true, cocoa is as healthy as it is tasty. It is the highest natural source for magnesium. Magnesium may help to prevent hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and pre-menstrual tension (PMT or PMS). - top
Cranberries
Clearly not just for Thankgiving any more, cranberries seem to be everywhere these days, including our granola, snack bars and trail mix. Cranberries have a high antioxidant content and a tart, tangy flavor we just love. Ours are sulfite-free too. - top
Currants
Dried currants are actually small raisins--the dried fruit of the Zante grape, originally from Greece. They have less sugar than raisins and are a great source of minerals and vitamins, especially Vitamin C. Look for these little delicacies in our No-Oats "Oatmeal" cookies. - top
Date paste
Made purely from dates, this ingredient helps to keep our cookies and snack bars moist. Because dates contain natural sugars, the paste allows us to make sweet treats without adding too much cane sugar. - top
Dried apple
These are crisp apples that have been air dried and diced. They add a nice tang to our Caramel Apple snack bars, Cranapple Crunch granola, Not Nuts trail mix and Happy Apple cookies. Our dried apples are sulfite-free as well. - top
Evaporated cane juice, organic
Evaporated cane juice is an alternative to refined sugar. While both sweeteners are made from sugar cane, evaporated cane juice doesn’t undergo the same degree of processing that refined sugar does. Therefore, unlike refined sugar, it retains more nutrients. - top
Expeller Pressed Vegetable Oil (safflower oil and/or sunflower oil)
Safflower and sunflower oils are highly sought after oils by health conscious folks. They are considered to be health-friendly oils because they are high in unsaturated fatty acids, are highly stable, have a high smoke point and boast significant levels of Vitamin E. Expeller pressing is a chemical-free mechanical process that extracts oil from seeds and nuts. Rest assured, none of our products contain hydrogenated oils so they are all trans fat-free. - top
Fig paste
Made from 100% figs, this ingredient works in much the same way as date paste. We use it in our snack bars to keep them soft and chewy. - top
Flax Seed, ground
Made from pure ground flax seed, it is rich in lignans and phytoestrogrens and a great source of super healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax has a ton of positive benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. It brings a nice nutty flavor, along with a good share of fiber and protein to our cookies, snack bars and bagels. It is not made from, nor contaminated by, nuts of any kind.
Flax seed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Studies have found that soluble fiber in flax seed can help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. Flax seed provides the benefits of Omega-3 oils, protein, fiber and a multivitamin in a natural pure food form that your body absorbs easily.
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Freeze dried raspberries and strawberries
Just like it sounds; berries that have been freeze dried. They offer a great sweet and tangy crunch to our Very Berry granola, and are a great source of Vitamin C and are sulfite-free. - top
Fruit juice concentrate (grape, apple and pear)
Flavorful juices extracted from white grapes, apples and pears with no water added to dilute the juices. Using this nectar allows us to add less sugar to our products, bringing the perfect amount of sweetness. - top
Ginger, ground
A spice that is the dried and the peeled root of the ginger plant Zingiber officinale. We use ground ginger in our Happy Apple cookies to give them that unbeatable homemade apple pie taste. - top
Guar gum
Guar gum is made from the ground seed of guar -- a leguminous plant that grows in semi-arid regions of the world. A very minor amount, less than .1%, is included in our breads to aid in rising. - top
Gum arabic
Gum arabic is made from the sap of acacia trees. It is an all natural gum used to bind our granola into those great crunchy clumps. - top
Honey
All natural, American-made honey from our good friends, the bees! We use the light amber kind for delicate sweetening. - top
Inulin
Plant fiber derived from the chicory root plant, this ingredient helps keep our snack bars moist and chewy. - top
Lemon granules
These little “lemonettes” are made with evaporated cane juice, rice flour, rice syrup, non-hydrogenated palm oil, natural lemon flavor, tumeric concentrate and salt. They are gluten-free, allergen-free and add a zesty punch to our Lively Lemon cookies. - top
Malic acid
Malic acid is a tart tasting organic acid that occurs naturally in apples. It gives green apples their unique sour “zing.” We use the natural form of malic acid in our Happy Apple cookies. - top
Molasses
Molasses is a thick syrup that results from processing sugar cane, or sugar beet, into sugar. We use it in our Gingerbread Spice cookies to give them the traditional spicy flavor. - top
Natural flavors (raspberry, caramel, strawberry, apple, lemon)
We use only all natural flavors that are free of gluten and all common allergens (no: wheat, barley, rye, oats, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish). They are also free of other common triggers including casein, sesame and sulfites. - top
Natural rice dextrin
This ingredient, when combined with natural fruit juices, acts as a natural preservative that we use in our products to retain moisture and freshness. It is made from rice exclusively. - top
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is obtained from the seeds of the tropical tree species Myristica fragrans. Rest assured, it is safe for someone with a tree nut allergy (FAAN). - top
Pumpkin seeds (or pepitas)
Remember when you were a kid and used to roast the pumpkin seeds from your jack o’ lantern? That’s basically what we do too for our Not Nuts trail mix. Pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) are flat, dark green seeds that are subtly sweet and nutty with a crunchy texture. They are a very good source of protein, monosaturated fats and minerals. So eat up and enjoy! - top
Raisins
Nothing could be simpler, just grapes and the sun go into making raisins. Ours are sulfite-free too. - top
Rice bran
Made from the coating of the rice kernel, rice bran is an incredible source of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and antioxidant nutrients. It brings all this, and fiber, to our breads and granolas. - top
Rice crisps
These crispy bits of puffed rice bring the perfect crunch to some of our favorite treats. Made with white rice flour, brown rice bran, raisin juice concentrate, honey and salt, these little bits add a crispy crunch to our Sunbutter Crunch snack bar and boom CHOCO boom dairy-free rice milk with crispy rice chocolatey bar.
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Rice milk powder
Made with white rice syrup powder, white rice starch, white rice flour, salt and carrageenan (a derivative of seaweed), this rice milk powder is completely dairy-free! It helps add that soft, smooth and craveable texture to our boom CHOCO boom dairy-free rice milk and dairy-free rice milk with crispy rice bars. - top
Rice protein
Rice protein is an easily digested, hypoallergenic and a vegetarian protein source. It is a great alternative for people with soy, nut and other legume intolerances or allergies. - top
Rice starch
Made exclusively from rice, it brings a great, smooth texture to our breads. - top
Rosemary extract
You might wonder what rosemary is doing in a cookie. This pure rosemary extract helps keep our products fresh and promotes a longer shelf life. It also contains healthy antioxidants. - top
Salt
We use good ol’ table salt just like you do at home. It is NOT iodized and therefore, contains no corn or corn byproducts. - top
Sorghum flour
Sorghum is also known as milo and grest millet. A grain-like grass, this up-and-coming whole grain gluten-free ingredient is a major human food source in Africa and India. It adds great taste and nutrition to our irresistible cookies and snack bars. Sorghum is high in insoluble fiber, which combined with protein and starch in sorghum endosperm, makes it more slowly digested than other cereals. The slower rate of digestibility of sorghum products may be beneficial to diabetics. We are proud to be among the first products marketing in the U.S. that uses sorghum as a main ingredient. - top
Sunflower kernels
We add sunflower kernels to our Not Nuts trail mix to give it a yummy, crunchy, nutty taste WITHOUT the nuts. Sunflower kernels are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin E and other beneficial vitamins and minerals. - top
Sunflower seed butter
Made from ground roasted sunflower seeds, evaporated cane juice and salt, we use this tasty ingredient in our snack bars. It adds protein to the bars, and also keeps them good and chewy. This ingredient is produced in a dedicated nut-free facility. - top
Tapioca flour
This is a light, white, very smooth flour that comes from the cassava root. It is very easy to digest and is rarely a source of allergies. - top
Vanilla
This extract comes from 100% vanilla beans grown in Madagascar, off the African coast. It is considered to be the highest quality vanilla available and adds a smooth and mellow sweetness to our cookies. It is not processed with any gluten-containing ingredients, making it totally safe for celiacs to consume. While the vanilla is distilled with corn alcohol, all corn protein is removed in the distillation process. Thus, our vanilla contains no corn protein and is tolerated by most corn-free people. However, we certainly recognize the seriousness of food allergies and encourage you to make your own decision (or consult your doctor) regarding whether or not you feel comfortable eating this ingredient. - top
Vegetable glycerin
Derived from palm, we use vegetable glycerin to keep our snack bars soft and chewy. - top
White rice flour
This great basic is milled from polished white rice. Because it has such a bland flavor, it is perfect for baking. Though it does not have as much nutritional value as the other flours we use (brown rice flour, sorghum flour, amaranth flour), we add it to the mix to lighten the flavor and texture of our bagels. - top
Xanthan gum
This helps to prevent our goodies from crumbling, a job normally performed by gluten in mainstream foods. It is a necessity in gluten-free baking. Xanthan comes from the dried cell coat of a microorganism called Zanthomonas campestris. Though it sounds chemical, it is actually an all-natural ingredient. Xanthan gum is derived from the fermentation of corn sugars; however, all corn sugars are removed in the processing of xanthan gum. Xanthan gum contains no corn protein and is tolerated by most corn-free people. However, we certainly recognize the seriousness of food allergies and encourage you to make your own decision (or consult your doctor) regarding whether or not you feel comfortable eating this ingredient. - top
Yeast
Instant yeast is used to make our breads and bagels rise. - top
vitamins and minerals:
Calcium
Calcium is the mineral in your body that makes up your bones and keeps them strong. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is in your blood and soft tissues and is essential for life and health. Without this tiny 1% of calcium, your muscles wouldn't contract correctly, your blood wouldn't clot and your nerves wouldn't carry messages. A severe form of calcium depletion is osteoporosis. People with untreated celiac disease have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. - top
Folate
Folate is an important B-group vitamin. It is needed for healthy cell growth and development. All men, women and children need to consume folate daily in their diet. It is also important for women before and during the early stage of pregnancy because folate is necessary for the healthy development of babies. A folate deficiency can result in a form of anemia that is similar to iron deficiency anemia. Adequate folate is needed to prevent a buildup of homocysteine in the body, which can lead to hardening of the arteries. - top
Iron
Iron mainly functions in the hemoglobin in our red blood cells, which transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, including to the muscles and the brain. Iron can be accessed in many different types of food, but only a small percent is actually absorbed into the body. About 50% of women are iron deficient, and women in their child-bearing years are at most risk. - top
Magnesium
Magnesium functions in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. It is a mineral that is needed by every cell in the body. The typical American diet is frequently very low in magnesium. Many surveys have indicated that over 80 percent of Americans get less than the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) of this important mineral. The highest magnesium concentration is found in the tissues that are most metabolically active including the brain, heart, liver, and kidney. Magnesium may improve energy production within the heart, improve delivery of oxygen to the heart, reduce demand on the heart, inhibit the formation of blood clots, and improve heart rate (thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease). A lifestyle that maintains adequate magnesium can prevent and manage high blood pressure. Magnesium may also be an effective tool against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, migraine headache management and Tourette syndrome management. - top
Niacin
The body requires this water-soluble vitamin for health, growth and reproduction. Niacin is part of the Vitamin B complex. Niacin assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy. - top
Pyridoxol (B6)
Vitamin B6 performs a wide variety of functions and is essential for good health. For example, Vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need Vitamin B6 to function efficiently, and it is also needed for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (a vitamin). Vitamin B6 also helps maintain your blood glucose (sugar) within a normal range. - top
Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in foods containing other members of the Vitamin B complex. Riboflavin helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and is crucial for the production of biological energy. Riboflavin is an antioxidant as well. It is also necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, hair, and nails and for overall normal growth and development. - top
Thiamin (B1)
Thiamin, or Vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for energy production, carbohydrate metabolism, and nerve function. It is an essential part of the complex process of converting glucose (blood sugar) into energy, and is vital in certain metabolic reactions. For this reason, thiamin is needed during exercise, and times of high-energy expenditure. Thiamin is also essential for maintenance of the heart and nervous system and formation and maintenance of red blood cells. - top
