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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chantal Organics a sustainable company and what are you doing about sustainability?

As a company, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our ecological footprint, both within our business practices and in the products we provide to our consumers. Often, these are small changes, that in the end make a big impact. While we are aware of the work that still lies ahead of us, we want to support this movement, and provide inspiration to other companies, communities and individuals to do their part, so that together we can make a difference. Find more details here about what our team is currently doing to support sustainability.

Why did you choose Soft Plastics Recyclable packaging?

Chantal Organics is committed to sustainability and this includes taking a closer look at how we package our products. Protecting the quality of our organic ingredients is our priority, to ensure they maintain their freshness and to mitigate food waste from spoilage, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s important to us that our packaging is part of a full cycle of sustainability. This means the packaging completes the cycle of its life, with as little impact on the environment as possible.

With this in mind, we reached the decision to use resealable, soft plastic recyclable bags, that are made with 25% recycled plastic content. We therefore use less virgin plastic in our packaging which helps to conserve natural resources. Recyclable plastic can be reused time and time again, diverting it from landfill. At the end of their use, our bags can be recycled here in New Zealand into new products such as fence posts by Future Post or buckets, cable covers, waterslides and more by 2nd Life Plastics.

Why we chose not to use compostable packaging

After considerable research, we believe being part of a circular economy is more future-proof than compostable packaging. Most compostable packaging is made from 100% virgin materials, and current compostable products are essentially single use. When composted, the material does not add nutritional, fibre or economic value to the soil. In reality they are downcycled, rather than recycled. So they effectively end up as waste, instead of useful feedstock to more production.

The Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme

Chantal Organics are playing a part in closing the loop on plastic packaging, by helping to fund the Soft Plastics recycling scheme.  All of our recyclable plastic pouches can be dropped into the Love NZ Soft Plastic Recycling bins at supermarkets and other participating stores in NZ. The collection service is available in the Auckland area, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, Northland, Waikato, Taranaki and Wellington regions. Find out if there is a drop off near you here.

For more in-depth details, read the full blog here.

Why is your fresh, organic produce wrapped in plastic, when Chantal Organics is committed to sustainability for both people and planet?  

We take great care in sourcing clean, organic produce while supporting sustainable farming practices. So it’s disappointing to see it in plastic packaging. 

Unfortunately, it’s not our choice to have our organic produce in plastic, as some retailers make this mandatory to protect organic produce from contact with non-organic produce so as not to transfer pesticide residue. 

While the plastic bag or clamshell is recyclable, our team is currently working on a non-plastic packaging option, that would eliminate this plastic all together. We do supply loose produce to many independent retailers, who do not require packaging. Find our other stockists here.

We share the concern of many consumers in the frustration of having organic produce in plastic packaging. It’s good to know consumers are proactively joining the plastic free movement. We recommend that people have a chat with their local retailer about removing plastic on organic produce, and shop in smaller, local and organic stores who need your support and often offer loose organic produce. 

Are your jars recyclable?

Yes, our glass jars are 100% recyclable. Our metal lids are recyclable in many regions. Please check with your local council whether they are able to recycle steel based metal lids in your area. If not, be sure to ask them to work on this in future. 

The plastic tamper evident seal had to go! 

To reduce plastic use and our environmental footprint, Chantal Organics replaced the plastic tamper evident seal on our glass jar range with a more sustainable paper seal option. This new black paper label can be left on the glass jar when consumers place it in their kerbside recycling. 

Removing this plastic seal is a small, but positive step towards a full circle of sustainability. From January 2020, the new paper label tamper seal will appear on our 700g glass jar range, and our full rnage of glass jars were transitioned over in 2020. With this small change we will be removing 250,000 plastic tamper evident seals per year from making their way into our environment. Small changes. Big impact!

When the country of Origin is China, can you guarantee the quality of the organic certification?

We have built strong relationships with our international suppliers and each of them are fully certified organic and recognised by the international governing body IFOAM, which is highly respected globally. Find out more about this certification body here.

For over 10 years we have worked closely with our Chinese suppliers who are certified organic and undergo regular internationally accepted audits to ensure this status. We have always been happy with the high quality of the ingredients sourced from China as have our local NZ organic certification authorities.  We feel confident we are supplying NZ consumers with the highest quality, organic ingredients.

Are your products free from Genetically Modified Ingredients?

Yes, the entire Chantal Organics product range is GM free. As part of the organic certification process, ingredients must be free of any GMOs, another good reason to choose products that have organic certification.  

Where are the organic flours sourced from? 

We offer several types of flour, including traditional wheat and gluten free varieties. We have two varieties of white and wholemeal wheat flours available.  One is made from NZ grown wheat, which is milled in Hawke’s Bay and only available to buy in bulk. The other variety is sourced from Italy. White spelt, wholemeal spelt and rye flour is from Austria. The buckwheat flour is from the USA. The brown and white rice flour is from India. All flour that we offer is certified organic and free from GMOs. All of our international suppliers for our organic goods are fully certified organic and are recognized by the European and IFOAM standards. 

Probiotic Easy Oats

Are the single-serve porridge cups recyclable?

Yes, the packaging is 100% recyclable. Please recycle the lid with other soft plastics at drop off locations around the country, and the cup with cardboard recycling. Check your local council website for further detail on what can be recycled in your area. 

Can I use milk or a dairy free milk instead of water?

Yes, milk of your choice can be used to replace the water. Simply heat the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave and follow the instructions on the pack. 

How much water do I add to the cup?

There is a fill line on each cup to indicate where to fill the water to. The liquid amount required is also listed in millilitres in the instructions printed on the cup.  

  • Maple & Maca Probiotic Easy Oats requires 120ml of water.
  • Spiced Apple & Maca Probiotic Easy Oats requires150ml of water.
  • Plum & Hemp Seeds Probiotic Easy Oats requires 130ml of water.

Are Probiotic Easy Oats healthy?

Easy Oats are an organic blend of wholegrain oats, oat bran and hemp seeds which make this creamy dairy free porridge a healthy breakfast option.

Organic oats are an affordable and healthy way to improve the quality of your breakfast. Conventional oat crops are commonly sprayed with Glyphosate, a pesticide that has been linked to cancer. Oats are very nutritious and packed with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. They contain the specific soluble fibre, beta-glucan which can assist with reducing cholesterol. In addition, they have more protein and fibre compared to other grains. Oats are also rich in prebiotics, the fibre that feeds probiotics. Learn more about prebiotics here.

Hemp seeds are a plant-based source of protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins and the perfect balance of omega 3 & 6. Find out more about the health benefits of hemp here.

Where do the probiotics come from?

GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086) is a patented natural probiotic, or good bacteria, that has been researched and shown to support immune and digestive health.

While most strains of probiotics need to be delivered in capsule form or in refrigerated products, Ganeden’s probiotic delivery system is different.

GanedenBC30 is a highly stable probiotic, with a naturally occurring layer of organic material that protects the genetic core of the bacteria. This protective layer provides the probiotic the ability to survive extreme temperatures involved in food and beverage manufacturing processes, shelf life, stomach acids and intestinal bile. Other probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are unable to form this protective layer, making them more vulnerable to manufacturing conditions. With a longer product shelf life, GanedenBC30 is a great fit for Chantal Organics Probiotic Easy Oats cups. 

How do probiotics help gut health?

There are billions of bacteria that live inside the gut. For a healthy gut, this ‘ecosystem’ of micro-organisms needs to be diverse, well balanced and thriving. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support the ecosystem to run efficiently. They are also known as ‘good’, ‘friendly’ or ‘healthy’ bacteria. The main role of probiotics are to balance the intestinal ecosystem. 

However, these good bacteria play a role in many body systems such as digesting your food, metabolizing nutrients, making vitamins and producing gut lining. It may be surprising to know it also effects your mood, the way you think and the efficiency of the immune system.

Find out more about probiotics and how they support overall immunity here.

What does 1 billion healthy bacteria per cup mean?

Probiotics are also known as healthy bacteria. These tiny micro-organisms are measured by Colony Forming Units (CFU), which are the number of live and active micro-organisms.  Our Easy Oat Cups have been tested for CFU, to ensure each cup has 1 billion healthy bacteria. 

Are Probiotic Easy Oats gluten free?

No, they are not. Chantal Organics Probiotic Easy Oats contain oats. Sometimes there is confusion around whether oats contain gluten and if they are available as gluten free. 

Gluten is a type of prolamin protein fraction. This protein can be found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. However, each grain contains a different type. Oats contain the protein avenin, a gluten protein.   

Are Probiotic Easy Oats suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Chantal Organics Probiotic Easy Oats are suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no animal ingredients. They are not technically, vegan friendly as the GanadenBC30 probiotic is grown on non-fat dry milk. There is no milk present in the probiotic.  Therefore, we can confirm the probiotic itself does not contain any egg, fish, milk, meat, animal, or animal products.

Where can I purchase Probiotic Easy Oats from?

They are available nationwide from Health Food Stores, New World, Pak n Save and 4Square. If your local store does not stock them, please have a chat to the store manager to request them. 

Are the cans BPA free?

Canned goods are perfect pantry staples. The can allows for the food to remain stable for an extended period of time and are made from a mix of aluminium and steel, with an inner plastic coating, to avoid metal leaching into the product. There is concern around the health risks of a can lining that includes BPA, a component of the resin used to make plastic. Chantal Organics canned products and sauces are packed in BPA free lined cans and lids that are specially designed for high-acid foods like tomatoes. 

Do you donate to charity or provide samples?

We get a lot of requests for help with fundraising, sponsorship and samples. Unfortunately, with this high volume of requests, we’re not able to help everyone. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Instagram for any new promotions and competitions which may interest you.

Does Chantal Organics support the ethical treatment of animals? Are the coconuts used in your coconut products harvested without the use of animals? 

We are committed to supplying organic products that are sustainable from start to finish. We share the same concerns around the fair treatment of animals as well as the planet. We choose our suppliers carefully, and ensure that they hold the same values that we do. In regards to our coconut products, our supplier is certified organic, as well as being certified in fair and humane treatment of animals. Our supplier confirms that no monkeys are used in gathering coconuts. The farmers who harvest the coconuts, climb the coconut trees and pick the mature coconuts.

Is there such a thing as inorganic coconut?  

While most coconut trees are grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals, the benefits of buying organic coconut food products such as organic coconut milk, cream, sugar or desiccated coconut would ensure that no harmful chemicals or preservatives are added to the final coconut product or used during manufacture. Organic certification also ensures the highest standards in regards to looking after the health of the farm workers.

Did you know that many conventional coconut oils are processed with the chemical solvent, Hexane? We never use harmful chemicals or hexane to process our products. We use a customized manual expeller press, where the oil is  extracted from the coconut meat at a controlled temperature– for a healthier you, and healthier planet.

Why does the coconut milk and cream separate in the cans? 

Our coconut milk and cream are made with 100% natural ingredients. They contain no emulsifiers, therefore the fat naturally separates from the water content. Usually a good stir combines the two together (shaking the can is not sufficient). 

We have found the best way to ensure creamy coconut milk is to use a wire whisk to completely blend it. In colder temperatures, it may take extra elbow grease to blend the contents. Another option is to place the closed coconut can in warm water in order to warm the product and make the whisking easier. 

What is the difference between virgin coconut oil and coconut oil?

We offer both a ‘virgin coconut oil’ and a ‘coconut oil’. Virgin coconut oil is unrefined and has the rich, creamy aroma and flavour of fresh coconuts. The coconut oil has gone through a process to provide a neutral flavour and aroma. This is perfect for if you want the benefits of coconut oil but without the strong coconut flavour. 

Both of our coconut oil products are certified organic and have been cold pressed without the use of any chemical solvents. 

Are your bananas fumigated? 

All our bananas have been organically grown, and as with all imported fruit into NZ, they undergo a fumigation process by MPI to ensure that all surface insects are eliminated and therefore not introduced into NZ. This fumigation process happens while the bananas remain packed in their boxes and is non-residual, meaning the gas dissipates in the air and only affects the environment the bananas are in. Due to this fumigation process, the bananas lose their organic status upon arrival. 

Is the organic sugar used in Chantal Organics’ Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce processed through bone char?

This may seem an odd question, however for those following a vegan diet, an important one. Bone char sometimes is used in the sugar industry as a decolourising filter to achieve a white colour. However, the USDA organic certification process does not allow bone char to be used. Our supplier confirms the sugar used in our pasta sauce is USDA certified organic and therefore no bone char is used in its production. 

Why are organic products more expensive?

In some cases organic products are more expensive than their conventional counterparts. However, organic food may represent a more accurate cost in regards to food production from seed to market. Organic farms are typically smaller, using natural methods and without chemical pesticides and fertilisers, which protects the environment, as well as the farm workers.

As demand for organic food increases, technological innovations and economies of scale will help reduce costs of production, processing and distribution for organic produce, in turn lowering prices in the market. Read more about the benefits of organics here.

Is your tamari certified gluten free?   

Yes, we have confirmation from our supplier that our tamari is certified gluten free. Our current tamari label does not reflect this certification, however this will be rectified on our next label. 


Questions on products from companies we partner with

Is the Loving Earth range vegan?

Loving Earth is an ethically driven company that believes food is sacred. They make healthy indulgence in a way that is good for the planet. They are proud to be vegan across their full range.  

Do the Clipper Teabags have polymers in them? 

No, you will not find any plastic in Clipper tea bags! Clipper is leading the market as packaging pioneers, being the first in the world to have developed an unbleached, plastic-free, non-GMO tea bag. The entire range has plastic free tea bags.  Simply toss the tea bag into your compost.  Learn more here.

Do any of the Clipper teas contain senna? 

No – it has been confirmed there is no senna in the detox tea. While this herb can be safely taken in low doses for laxative effects, some people cannot tolerate it.