Frequently Asked Questions
Are the dairy ingredients used in SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products organic?
We use certified organic milk (from cows) in our products. The milk fat in our chocolate bars is not necessarily certified organic.
Why is evaporated cane juice used in SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products?
It is a naturally derived sugar from heated concentration of cane syrup. The benefit of this ingredient is that it is not chemically bleached like white sugar.
Do any of the SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
No, SEEDS OF CHANGE® products do not contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The National Organic Program (NOP) standard prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (defined in the standards as "excluded methods") in organic operations. A genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using techniques in genetics generally known as "recombinant DNA technology".
Recombinant DNA technology is the ability to combine DNA molecules from different sources into the one molecule in a test tube. Seeds of Change seeds and the crops in which our food products are derived from are developed through natural selection and breeding techniques.
What SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products are gluten-free?
All SEEDS OF CHANGE® Pasta Sauces, Indian Simmer Sauces and Salad Dressings do not have ingredients containing gluten. Some of our Rice & Grain side dishes and Microwavable Rice do not have ingredients containing gluten. Chocolate Bars are not gluten-free.
All SEEDS OF CHANGE® food products are manufactured on production lines which produce items that do contain gluten. In the manufacturing facilities we perform a thorough cleaning of the production lines between production runs (hot water / sterilization / high pressure air). Although we use good manufacturing practices, there is no way we can guarantee that the lines are 100% free from cross contamination. Good Manufacturing Practices or GMPs is a term that is recognized worldwide for the control and management of manufacturing and quality control testing of foods and pharmaceutical products. GMPs are enforced in the United States by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Are any of the ingredients in any SEEDS OF CHANGE® Product irradiated?
No ingredient or seed in any SEEDS OF CHANGE® product is irradiated.
What is the source of the water used in the SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products?
The water used conforms to the California Organic Standards; it is filtered water from a municipal water system.
Is there alcohol in the white wine vinegar?
There is no percentage of alcohol in this ingredient. It is a gluten-free ingredient.
SHELF LIFE / STORAGE INQUIRIES
What is the shelf life of SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products?
SEEDS OF CHANGE® Pasta Sauces, Indian Simmer Sauces, Salad Dressings and boxed Rice & Grain side dishes have a 16-month shelf life. Our Microwavable Rice and Chocolate Bars are have a 12-month shelf life.
How do you read the manufacturing code on the bottles, jars, and cartons?
All SEEDS OF CHANGE® products have a "Best Before" date printed directly on the packaging or on the neck of our items in glass jars.
How long do the pasta sauces and salsas last in the refrigerator?
The unused pasta sauces and salsas must be refrigerated after opening. They will last in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
How long do the salad dressings last in the refrigerator?
The unused salad dressings must be refrigerated after opening. They will last in the refrigerator about 3 months. Be sure to wipe the top of the container after each use.
Is it okay to freeze opened product?
Pasta Sauce - it is okay to freeze unused pasta sauce. For best results use within the 3-6 month window to eliminate the potential for freezer burn.
Indian Simmer Sauces - it is okay to freeze unused simmer sauce. For best results, freeze immediately after opening jar. Do not freeze in the glass jar. Store in a freezer appropriate container. Defrost in refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.
What will happen if the jar or bottle freezes?
If any of the jars of product (pasta sauce, Indian simmer sauces or salad dressings) become frozen, they should be fine as long as the lids have not popped or the jars do not have any cracks or damage. The only thing is the texture may be slightly different, especially in the salad dressings. They would have more of a visual separation of ingredients.
Storing Unopened Product
Unopened products should be kept in a cool (less than 80°F), dry, insect-free area, away from odoriferous material of any kind.
What SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products are Certified Kosher?
The Salad Dressings, Rice & Grain side dishes and Microwavable Rice are not Certified Kosher at this time.
The following Pasta Sauces are Certified Kosher: Tuscan Tomato & Garlic, Tomato Basil Genovese and Marinara de Venezia.
The following Indian Simmer Sauces are Certified Kosher: Madras and Jalfrezi
The following Chocolate Bars are Certified Kosher: Santa Catarina, Narragansett, Anatolia, Playa del Coco, Katahdin, Isle of Skye
Who certifies SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products as Kosher?
Several of our SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products are certified as being Kosher and have the identifying Circle U symbol. The certifying organization is Orthodox Union Kashruth Division, 11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, 212-563-4000, www.ou.org. Chocolate bars are certified organic by Rabbi Teichman, Kehilla Kosher, 186 North Citrus Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036, Phone: 323-935-8383, Fax: 323-372-3574.
Do any of the SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?
We do not add MSG to any SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products. However, glutamates occur naturally in some ingredients (e.g., tomatoes, mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, etc.).
What is Quinoa?
This is a gluten free ingredient. An ancient South American grain that has the highest protein content of all grains. Upon cooking, the germ from the quinoa is loosened away from the seed and you can observe thin, pale-colored sprouts floating on the surface of the cooking water and dispersed throughout the cooked product. The quinoa is washed and polished prior to packaging.
Are the spices used in the SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products irradiated?
All of the spices used are certified organic and are not irradiated.
What SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products are vegetarian appropriate?
All SEEDS OF CHANGE® products - Pasta Sauces, Salad Dressings, Rice & Grain Blends, and Chocolate Bars - are vegetarian appropriate with the following exceptions: Havana - Cuban Style Whole Grain Rice & Beans and Amantani - Whole Grain Quinoa & Wild Rice.
What kind of vinegar is used in the SEEDS OF CHANGE® Products?
The vinegar we use in the majority of our products is white vinegar. It is distilled and is gluten free.