Growing Naturals Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ SECTION: General | Certifications, Testings, Claims | Health | Ingredients & Manufacturing | Packaging & Storage | Purchasing
SECTION: GENERAL QUESTIONS
What makes Growing Naturals products different?
As a general rule, all Growing Naturals products are allergen-free, thus they can be enjoyed by everyone, especially people with food allergies. Each product is special in its own category, featuring something different that you can't find elsewhere. With our proteins it's foremost that we have created the only rice isolate (90%). The rice milk is the first in multiple ways including being truly whole grain, a significant source of protein and powdered for increased portability and stability.
What does it mean that Growing Naturals products are Allergen-Free?
It means that the 12 million people in the U.S.A. who have food allergies can enjoy our food products, without the risk of experiencing an allergic reaction. We use as few ingredients as possible and work hard to meet the requirements for being organic, kosher, and vegan. As much as its important what goes into Growing Naturals products, it's sometimes more important what doesn't go into them, which is why the are all free of allergens including gluten, lactose, dairy, nuts, soy and corn.
How can I purchase Growing Naturals products?
You're in the right place. You can do some research and make a purchase, all right here. If you sign up as a Growing Groupie we will be able to keep you up to date on which new products are up and coming, where all our products are available and how best to enjoy them.
What charities does Growing Naturals support?
While we make smaller donations to dozens of organizations, our two most significant partnerships are with Celiac Disease Foundation and Vitamin Angels. See more information here.
How many ounces of milk/protein can a 1lb. pouch produce?
Proteins
Depending on your desired thickness and taste preference, you may mix with 6 to 12 ozs of liquid per serving.
Vanilla Blast Protein- 15 servings per 1lb pouch
If you mix with 8ozs liquid per serving = 120 ounces = almost 1 gallon
If you mix with 12ozs liquid per serving = 180 ounces = 1.4 gallons
Chocolate Power Protein - 14 servings per 1lb pouch
If you mix with 8ozs liquid = 112 ounces 0.875 gallons
If you mix with 12ozs liquid = 168oz = 1.3 gallons
Original Flavor - 17 servings per 1lb pouch
If you mix with 8ozs liquid = 136 ounces = 1.06 gallons
If you mix with 12ozs liquid = 204oz = 1.59 gallons
Milk
Depending on your desired thickness and taste preference, you may mix with 6 to 12 ozs of liquid per serving.
If you mix with 8ozs of liquid per serving = 1 gallon of rice milk
If you mix with 12ozs of liquid per serving = 1.5 gallon of rice milk
What steps are taken to minimize oxidation of the fatty acids contained in the rice sprouts, which are unstable in the presence of oxygen?
We sprout our rice prior to the introduction of the bio-fermentation process. We soak the rice in water for 12-18 hours and allow the rice to sprout. After that we split the carbohydrates and the protein using and enzymatic and mechanical process which allows us to concentrate the brown rice protein to a 90% isolate. Our fat levels are below 2.5% and our free fatty acids are well below .1%. This reduces any chance of rancidity during the drying process.
Do you use any QC test for oxidation such as Anisidine and/or Totox(total oxidation) values to insure a quality product?
We don't specifically test for free fatty acids all the time; we know that during our process if the moisture and fat levels are below 2.5% we will not have any rancidity in our product. Furthermore, the sprouting affect and the actual extraction process are not related in determining the free fatty acids. If our product shows higher than normal moisture levels and higher fat levels after testing each batch, we test for free fatty acids and determine rancidity. We have already performed shelf life tests on our product and have confirmed a shelf life of at least 3 years if the product is contained in a cool dry environment.
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Country and State of origin of the rice sprouts?
Our rice sprouts are a product of the US and China. Our product is manufactured in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What makes your product Raw?
Our process is considered raw because of its low heat fewer than 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where do all of the ingredients come from?
Organic Cocoa? Ciranda
Organic Stevia? Pyur, China
How is rice milk's calcium compare with the calcium in milk?
The calcium is the same quantity as whole milk, but arguably provides better absorption.
Animal protein and sodium, in particular, tend to increase calcium excretion. Dairy products increase the urinary excretion of calcium as a result of their increased sodium, sulfur-containing amino acid, and phosphorus content.
What is the amino acid profile?
SECTION: CERTIFICATIONS/TESTING/CLAIMS
Is your rice and pea protein powder non-GMO?
Absolutely yes. We should have our certification available online this year.
Does your processing of organic brown rice involve any chemicals or gases such as hexane?
No. The processing of our rice protein involves a proprietary, natural/enzymatic procedure using distilled water. There are no chemicals involved. For more detailed information please visit: http://www.growingnaturals.com/ingredients.php
What are your gluten free testing levels?
Our manufacturing facility is Certified Gluten Free, therefore tests for less than 10ppm. Each lot is tested during production and the results are sent to Growing Naturals' Quality Control Team.
What does "isolate" mean?
The primary difference between isolate and concentrate is that the isolate is more pure. Isolate contains more protein with less fat and carbs per serving. Isolates usually contain between 90-94% protein while concentrates have a protein ratio of 70-85%. Growing Naturals has the ONLY rice isolate on the market, with 90% protein.
Could you please explain what you mean when you say "96% correlation to whey protein amino acid profile?"
Our rice protein is considered to have a complete amino acid profile according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, many consumers compare our rice protein to whey protein due to its popularity, therefore we compared the amino acid profiles. Whey protein is slightly higher is lysine and arginine, therefore the rice protein has a 96% correlation to whey.
SECTION: HEALTH
Why should I rotate/blend plant proteins?
There are different benefits intrinsic to each protein source. Each one has a unique ratio of individual amino acids. Therefore, one protein source may provide you with more of a certain amino acid than another. By rotating, you ensure that you are “touching all your [amino acid] bases” aside from getting all the vitamins, minerals or phytochemicals that may naturally occur in that protein. Your body is constantly breaking down protein and rebuilding it or repairing damaged cells (that may or may not know of). During cellular reconstruction, your body may require more of a specific amino acid than another, depending on the type of cell. If you were consuming protein from a sole source, your body may or may not be getting exactly what it needs.
Why protein in my shake?
Protein is an important part of your diet and is required on a daily basis. Consuming protein in your shake or as part of any meal will help to fill your daily protein requirements as well as help keep you satiated (full). This can help you control the calories you consume or help to manage your weight. As part of a meal, it will also help to offset any spikes in blood sugar which would be induced by carbohydrates alone. In general, protein is required by your body for preserving your muscle mass, rebuilding tissue/cells, supporting your immune system and providing the building blocks for enzymes, hormones and vitamins—so why not? :-)
Can toddlers drink the protein drinks?
It is probably best to consult a pediatrician with regards to a toddler's consumption of our products. Although our products are organic and gluten-free we cannot determine how well it will be tolerated by a toddler due to their individual health. We suggest bringing the nutritional information to the pediatrician to have them clear the child's health before any consumption.
Why 24 grams of protein per serving?
According to a positon statement published by the ADA, DOC and ACSM the human body needs between .8 grams per kg of body weight for the sedentary person and 1.8 grams per kg for serious athletes, pregnant women, under a large amount of stress or recovering from an illness or injury. What this works out to is:
105 grams/day for the male who exercises regularly and weighs 154 lbs.
So ask yourself this question: Am I getting enough protein in my diet? Protein serves many functions.
Calculate your protein needs:
1. Weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = weight in kg
2. Weight in kg x .8-1.8 grams/kg = required intake of protein
Can I drink all my daily protein at one time?
Yes. It is OK to consume your daily protein needs at one time. However, you should consult your doctor or physician depending on your individual health.
Will the protein I drank yesterday help me the following day?
Unfortunately no. As with all daily required nutrients, we must replenish on a daily basis. By the end of the day, the protein you consume will be broken down into amino acids (AA) to be absorbed by the body. On average, about 60% of AAs are catabolized (used for energy) in the liver, 20% of AAs will be used for protein synthesis, some will be released to circulate in the blood, and even smaller amounts stored in the liver. As far as any excess protein your body doesn't need, the body will excrete the toxic parts and store the energy parts.
How can pea protein be possibly digested given that legumes need to be cooked before they are digestible for humans?
Although peas are considered a legume, most can be consumed raw or cooked—unlike other legumes, like beans. The common peas are eaten without pods, but snow peas and sugar snap peas can be eaten with pods—raw or cooked. Cooking usually aids in digestion by “softening up” the starch (or carbohydrate) content of a food. However, our pea protein, as the name implies, is a concentrated protein product with very little starch—meaning the protein fraction of the pea has been extracted and concentrated into the finished powder form.
What is the potassium content for a serving of your rice protein or pea protein?
We understand the significance of potassium in one’s diet. This is something that we do plan on adding to the dozens of labs/tests we currently run, but as a relatively new company we have not tested for it at this time. We are currently only testing for nutritionals that are required on the nutrition label. We hope you understand and check back with us in the future.
Are the protein supplements or rice milk safe to consume during nursing or pregnancy?
It's hard for us to decide whether this is safe to consume during pregnancy/nursing considering we are not familiar with your current health, health history, etc. and especially considering pregnancy/nursing is such a delicate stage in life (in terms of health). Our best recommendation is to bring the supplement canister over to your OB/GYN and see what he/she recommends. Although sufficient protein intake is an important factor during pregnancy/nursing and supplements may help to reach those protein needs, it's best (for anyone) to get their protein from whole foods first, supplements second. Also, it’s important to remember this is a concentrated protein supplement (not a meal replacement) and does not contain all the vitamins/minerals necessary for proper growth and development during pregnancy.
Why does rice milk contain calcium carbonate and where is it from?
GN rice milk is fortified with several nutrients to provide consumers with a non-dairy alternative which provides nutrients analogous to those found in dairy milk (such as calcium). The main difference being that our version is from a allergen-friendly plant source, rather than animal source. Aside from this, calcium (along with vitamin D) are considered “nutrients of concern” by the 2010 US Dietary Guidelines and therefore warrant fortification of in the US food supply. These nutrients are also commonly deficient in vegan/vegetarian populations. The calcium carbonate is sourced from Dominican Republic.
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SECTION: INGREDIENTS & MANUFACTURING
What is "Oryzatein™" and what organic grain brown rice syrup solid is made from?
Oryzatein is a trade name for our whole grain brown rice protein ingredient. Oryzatein is protein extracted from whole grain brown rice. The brown rice syrup solid is a spray dried version of brown rice syrup which is extracted from the whole grain brown rice.
Is your brown rice sprouted?
Yes, our organic rice grains are soaked in water and sprouted before the extraction process.
Where are your products made?
All of our products are formulated, produced, and shipped out of Southern California.
Where is your organic brown rice grown and how to do you manage the quality?
Growing Naturals takes pride in having complete control of production, from the rice seed to the finished product. We work with local farmers in China and Thailand to create dedicated Organic fields. The brown rice is then shipped to the United States where it is blended with Organic ingredients to create a finished product. The formulations (or recipes), and the production facility where the ingredients are blended together, are in Southern California. All of the ingredients are tested multiple times at the seed level through to the final product, including FDA testing, to insure quality and claims, including Non-GMO and Gluten-Free.
Other than the organic brown rice protein, is there any sort of fruit pectin that make up the product?
No. There is no fruit pectin in any of our products.
In your organic rice protein powder (chocolate and vanilla flavor), does the sea salt contain iodine?
Typically, sea salt has trace amounts of naturally occurring iodine--this tends to be significantly less than conventional salt. Our sea salt contains LESS than 100 MICROgrams of Iodine for every 100 grams of sea salt. Considering it is the last ingredient on the list, and therefore the ingredient with smallest quantity used--you will probably be ingesting LESS than half a milligram per serving. If you are very sensitive to it, play it safe and stay away from our products with the sea salt and perhaps try our original flavor rice protein or pea proteins which do not contain sea salt.
Is your rice milk really corn-free considering it is fortified with vitamins/minerals?
We are aware that vitamins or minerals added to foods can contain traces of corn-derived ingredients in order to help keep the vitamin mixture from clumping together and evenly distributed throughout a product. However, our formulators ensure that our ingredient suppliers provide allergen-free certifications, which include corn-free certification (among many others), before moving forward with any of our products' development. Growing Naturals does its best to truly provide allergen-free food, down to the last ingredient.
There are many dark spots in my chocolate rice protein powder. What are they and is it safe to consume?
We apologize for this rare occurrence—the tiny dark spots are actually clumps of organic cocoa powder that somehow managed to survive the blending process. It is safe to consume, however.
SECTION: PACKAGING & STORAGE
Is there a scoop included in the products sold in a bag?
We only have scoops in our new canister packaging, not the bags. There is no exact science to convert grams (weight or mass) to cups (volume).
In addition, powdered products often settle significantly between when they are blended, packaged and delivered. Because of this difficulty we have changed our packaging to include a pre-measured scoop to help achieve a more accurate and consistent serving size.
Can you store the rice protein in a glass jar/in sunlight?
Yes, the rice protein may be stored in a glass jar; however we would recommend keeping it out of direct sun light.
The light is not so much an issue, but the heat is. The higher the temperature the lower life expectancy the rice protein will have.
I received my canister today but noticed it was only half full. Is that normal?
This is normal. Due to the intrinsic nature of the powder, our canisters are filled with powder based on mass (weight)—not volume. Therefore, although the volume is to the brim at initial packaging, the powder often settles significantly between when they are packaged and delivered, which may decrease the volume although the mass has not changed.
What are the storage requirements for Rice Milk?
Store up to 2 years in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store over 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the rice milk powder is mixed with water—how long will it stay fresh?
One prepared, the rice milk will stay fresh 7-10 days with refrigeration.
SECTION: PURCHASING
Are there any online retailers that ship your products internationally?
Fortunately yes. Please check individually with iherb.com, amazon.com or netrition.com for pricing, availability of product and their international shipping policies.
My grand total was over $40, why am I being charged shipping?
Sorry for the confusion--You were most likely charged shipping because your item "subtotal" (retail price + 20% off for being a Growing Groupie) was less than $40. You must purchase over $40 in product, including the discount—which typically accrues for a 3 item purchase. Tax and shipping fee do not count toward $40 minimum.
Where do you ship internationally and who do I purchase through?
At this time the available options are:
Europe
Aggressive Health Shop
http://www.aggressivehealthshop.com/products-1/supplements/growing-naturals.html
France
EURL VITAFORCE
FOGEL Stéphane
25/35 avenue Sergent Gabriel Jourdan
83100 Toulon
France
Phone # 0603710073
Web: www.bioprice.fr/magasin-produit-bio/eurl-vitaforce
Australia
Awesome Health Foods
www.awesomehealthfoods.com.au
New Zealand
Ceres Organics
www.ceres.co.nz
Chile
Bio Solutions S.A.
Nueva de Lyon 145, of 401
Providence
Santiago, Chile
Web: www.organisk.cl
Email: organisk@organisk.cl
We currently do not ship to other international areas but we are growing our international network quickly so check
back within 6 months to see where we go next!
What stores are you sold in?
We’re excited that new locations are being added daily but we unfortunately don’t have access to all their contact information. Currently the best places to look are natural food, supplement and other specialty stores. While we can’t promise we have the specific information for your area, it doesn’t hurt to ask, so email us at info@growingnaturals.com and we'll help you out. Type "Need retail locations" in the Subject line and make sure to include your city, state and zip code in the body of the email. If we have information for your area, we’ll gladly forward it to you. You can also include the name and phone number of a store you’d like to see our products in and we’ll be glad to reach out to them.
When will the unsweetened rice powder be available?
We thought our unsweetened rice milk would be available by now. However, our crystal ball has been a bit hazy. We promise to make it worth your while once it is available--hopefully within the next 6 months. Special promotions will be available at that time.
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