Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Updated: April 2016
General
Quinoa Clusters
Quinoa Puffs chocolate puffs
Trying and Buying
General
Q. What is quinoa?
A. Quinoa is a South American superfood - an “ancient grain” (in reality, a seed) - that contains 9 amino acids, making it a complete protein. The quality of protein in quinoa is on par with that of meat and dairy, and no other seed or grain has that high quality of protein.
Q. Why do you spell quinoa like keenwah?
A. Our name is I Heart Keenwah because we love quinoa. We spell quinoa using the phonetic spelling to help de-mystify quinoa and to make it easy for people to try this amazing food.
Q. Where are the products produced?
A. Our products are proudly made in the USA. Our main production is in the Midwest (in and around Chicago).
Q. What are the imported ingredients?
A. Our quinoa clusters are made with organic quinoa from Bolivia. We believe this is the most natural, sustainable source for quinoa. We also prefer Bolivian quinoa for its superior quality. Bolivian quinoa, also knows as royal quinoa or quinua real, is a larger seed versus conventional quinoa. Bolivian quinoa also has a strong nutritional profile and maintains a nutty, rich taste. We have good relationships with our Bolivian quinoa suppliers, and we travel to the fields annually to monitor their progress.
Our quinoa puffs are made with quinoa flour from Bolivia. The dried truffle used in the Sea Salt Truffle Quinoa Puffs is imported from Italy (fancy!).
Q. Am I harming South Americans by eating quinoa?
A. While we respect the healthy debate that is currently raging about the impacts of the popularity of quinoa on South Americans, we feel that much of the media has exaggerated the negative implications.
In reality, there this very limited data available about the true impact of quinoa production on South Americans. From first-hand reports, we know that generally those who live in more isolated communities are able to maintain previous levels of quinoa consumption. While people who live near market centers feel price increases, the increased export of quinoa has in turn lead to a decrease in the cost of imported grains and foods. Now these people have access to a wider range of less expensive foods which they often prefer, as quinoa is still culturally regarded as a “poor man’s food.” Furthermore, increasing cultivation of quinoa is becoming a means to alleviate poverty by creating steady jobs. Of course the expansion of quinoa lands must be done responsibly and sustainably. Maintaining sufficient land for llamas to enhance fertilization is essential, as is maintaining the genetic biodiversity of quinoa.
Quinoa Clusters
Q. What are Quinoa Clusters?
A. Quinoa Clusters are a crunchy quinoa-based snack. They’re kind of like granola bar bites, but higher in protein and lower in sugar.
Q. Why should I try I Heart Keenwah Quinoa Clusters?
A. Because they:
● Are a crunchy snack
● Taste good (even though they’re healthy!)
● Have simple, recognizable ingredients
● Are certified gluten free, vegan and Non-GMO Project verified
● Are an easy way to eat quinoa
Q. When should I eat Quinoa Clusters?
A. Any time! But it is most often eaten as an afternoon snack. Because quinoa is low glycemic, just a few pieces in the afternoon keeps you full for a while and satisfies that need for an afternoon sweet. Eat them at work, eat them at home, eat them on the go. Our quinoa clusters can also be eaten after a meal as a sweet finisher, for breakfast or as a topper on yogurt.
Q. What does it taste like?
A. It tastes like an old fashioned brittle or a sesame bar, only made with quinoa.
Q. Why is it so crunchy*?
A. It’s crunchy because we roast the quinoa, which renders the quinoa edible with minimal processing. Other processed quinoa products damage the seed’s germ, which houses much of quinoa’s nutritional content. With roasting we retain the maximum amount of nutrients. It also brings out a nutty flavor.
*We recently added nut butter to our recipe, which reduced the crunchiness a bit, while also lowering the sugar content - bonus!
Q. What are the product’s ingredients?
A. You can read all of the ingredient and nutrition labels here - go on, we think you’ll like what you see.
Q. Is the product organic?
A. We use organic quinoa in our Quinoa Clusters, as well as organic sweeteners, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, seeds, and rice crisps. Currently the nuts and dried fruit are not organic - but we’re working on it! In total, approximately 80%-90% of the product is fully organic.
Q. Is the product non-GMO?
A. Yes, we are proudly Non-GMO Project verified.
Q. Is the product gluten-free?
A. Yes, all of our products are GFCO gluten-free tested and certified.
Q. Is the product dairy-free and vegan?
A. Yes, all of our Quinoa Clusters are dairy-free and vegan. We do manufacture in a facility that also processes dairy (on separate days), however.
Q. Does the product have nuts?
A. Yes.
Q. How many calories per serving?
A. About 120-130 calories per 1oz serving (about 8 pieces). Each of our 4oz bags has 4 servings per bag. Each piece has 15-20 calories. Each bag has about 30 bite-sized pieces.
Q. Why is there added sugar?
A: Some organic sugar is needed to hold the pieces together, but we worked really hard on the recipe to use the smallest amount of sugar possible. It has half, or less than half the amount of sugar found in most energy bars and even in Greek yogurt. Our almond, chocolate sea salt, and peanut butter cacao flavors are the three lowest in sugar (6g per 1oz serving).
Q. What is the shelf life?
A. 9 months unopened. A week or so once it’s opened (although depends on storage conditions). If refrigerated after opening, the product can last for months.
Quinoa Puffs
Q. What are Quinoa Puffs?
A. They’re a savory snack that make a healthy alternative to chips or cheese puffs.
Q. Why should I try I Heart Keenwah quinoa puffs?
A. Because they:
● Are a crunchy snack – perfect alternative to chips and cheese puffs
● Come in four “foodie” flavors
● Have simple, recognizable ingredients
● Are certified gluten free, vegan* and non-GMO* (*Aged Cheddar is not vegan or non-GMO verified)
● Are an easy way to eat quinoa
● Are 5g of protein and 120 calories per 1oz serving
Q. How should I eat this product?
A. Straight out of the bag is most people’s preference, but we’ve also seen people use them to top soups and salads (gluten-free, high protein croutons!) and some people even crush them and use them as breadcrumbs in recipes. They also pair very well with hors d'oeuvres and drinks!
Q. What does the product taste like?
A. Each flavor is completely unique: Aged Cheddar is like a healthy cheese puff. Herbes de Provence contains French herbs and garlic and almost tastes like a crouton. Sea Salt Truffle is made with real truffles (aromatic mushrooms that grow on the roots of hazelnut trees) so it’s earthy and salty. Sweet Chili starts out a little sweet and ends with a kick.
Q. Why is it so crunchy?
A. We wanted to pack these puffs with nutrition - so we skipped the corn. Plus, that helps us to keep the ingredients non-GMO as corn is often a GMO ingredient. Anyway, it’s more fun to be crunchy.
Q. Are the quinoa puffs fried?
A. No. They are baked. This allows us to use less oil and keep the calorie count in check.
Q. What are the ingredients?
A. You can read the ingredients and check out the nutrition labels here - go head, we’re pretty proud of them!
Q. What is disodium phosphate (Aged Cheddar)?
A. It’s an ingredient that keeps the cheese powder from caking. It is not considered hazardous by the Environmental Working Group.
Q. Are Quinoa Puffs organic? Non-GMO?
A. They are not organic, but they are certified non-GMO*.
*with the exception of the Aged Cheddar
Q. Are Quinoa Puffs gluten-free?
A. Yes, all of our products are GFCO gluten-free tested and certified.
Q. Are Quinoa Puffs vegan?
We currently offer three vegan varieties - Sea Salt Truffle, Herbes de Provence and Sweet Chili. The Aged Cheddar is not vegan. Quinoa Puffs are produced in a facility that also processes dairy and soy (for other product lines).
Q. Does the product have nuts?
A. No. But it is manufactured in a facility that also handles tree nuts, so those with severe allergies should be aware of that.
Q. How many calories per serving?
A. 120 calories per 1oz serving (about 25-30 pieces). Each of our 3oz bags has 3 servings per bag.
Q. Why is there sugar in the Aged Cheddar & Sweet Chili?
A: Dairy naturally contains sugar, so there is a small amount in the Aged Cheddar puffs. Sweet Chili is our only puff with added sugar (less than 1g) – this is to give it a sweet flavor when you first taste it. Herbes de Provence and Sea Salt Truffle contain 0g of sugar.
Q. Are these high in sodium?
A. Compared to most savory snacks – no. The Sea Salt Truffle is the highest in sodium, the Herbes de Provence is the lowest.
Q. What is the shelf life?
A. 12 months unopened. Once they’re opened they’ll stay fresh for a few weeks.
CHOCOLATE PUFFS
Q. What are Chocolate Puffs?
A. They’re a chocolate-covered indulgence with a crunchy quinoa puff center.
Q. Why should I try I Heart Keenwah Chocolate Puffs?
A. Because they:
● Satisfy your sweet tooth – a perfect alternative to high-calorie, high-fat candies and chocolates
● Come in two “foodie” flavors
● Have simple, recognizable ingredients
● Are certified gluten free, vegan, Non-GMO Project verified and made with organic Fair Trade certified chocolate
● Are a fun way to eat quinoa
● Are 3-4g of protein and only 140 calories per 1oz serving
Q. How should I eat this product?
A. Straight out of the bag is how we do it, but some people get creative and add Chocolate Puffs to breakfast bowls, parfaits, and we’ve even seen them used as ice cream toppers and cake decorations!
Q. What does the product taste like?
Chocolate Puffs have been hailed as “the healthy malt ball.” Each flavor starts with rich, dark chocolate - it’s indulgent, but not bitter. Then we add either Himalayan Pink Salt for a sweet n’ salty combo, or peanut butter for a more classic flavor. The crunchy quinoa puff center is unflavored - so it adds a nice crunch without compromising the chocolate experience.
Q. Are the quinoa puffs fried?
A. No. They are baked.
Q. What are the ingredients?
A. You can read the ingredients and check out the nutrition labels here - go head, we’re pretty proud of them!
Q. Are Chocolate Puffs organic? Non-GMO?
A. They are not certified organic, but if you look at the ingredients you’ll see lots of organic ingredients in there like organic chocolate, organic quinoa flour and more. They are Non-GMO Project Verified as well!
Q. Are Chocolate Puffs gluten-free?
A. Yes, all of our products are GFCO gluten-free tested and certified.
Q. Are Chocolate Puffs vegan?
Yes! We worked really hard to make a vegan glaze for these so they are 100% vegan. Read more about our glaze here.
Q. Does the product have nuts?
A. The Himalayan Pink Salt variety contains tree nuts (coconut), and the Peanut Butter variety contains peanuts. These products are manufactured in a facility that also handles tree nuts, so those with severe allergies should be aware of that.
Q. How many calories per serving?
A. 140 calories per 1oz serving (about 10 pieces). Each of our 2.5oz bags has 2.5 servings per bag.
Q. What is the shelf life?
A. 12 months unopened. Once they’re opened they’ll stay fresh for several months, but please keep them in a cool place or they will melt!
Q. My Chocolate Puffs have lighter colored areas on them - why?
A. It’s called bloom, and while it’s not pretty, it’s perfectly safe and doesn’t affect the flavor of the chocolate. If chocolate gets warm in transit, or during storage the cocoa butter can separate and “bloom” on the surface of the chocolate. Some brands use additives such as glycerin to chocolate to prevent melting, but we opted to skip the weird stuff and stick with real chocolate.
To prevent bloom, we recommend storing your Chocolate Puffs somewhere cool - even in the refrigerator.
Trying and Buying
Q. Can I buy your products in a store near me?
A: Most likely! Please use our store locator to find your nearest retailer.
Q. Can I buy your products online?
A. Yes! You can shop our online store, or find us on several online retailers such as Amazon and Vitacost.
Q. Do you charge shipping?
A. We do charge shipping ($6.99 - $19.99 depending on the size of the order) but Amazon Prime members enjoy free shipping on I Heart Keenwah products shipped from Amazon.
Q. Do you offer coupons for retail purchases?
A. We sometimes offer printable coupons to our Facebook fans. You can also sign up with rebate apps such as BerryCart, Snap, Ibotta and Shrink for special offers on I Heart Keenwah products.
Q. Do you offer coupons for your online store?
A. We occasionally offer coupons and promote sales - sign up for our email newsletter and like us on Facebook to be the first to know about special deals.
Q. Can I get a free sample?
A. Unfortunately we are not able to mail out free samples - however, we sample at lots of events and in retail locations throughout the year. Check out our blog to find out when we’re sampling in your area.