Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about quinoa? Have questions about our products and ingredients? We've highlighted the most common questions we receive below. Still have questions? Scroll down to contact us. 

Products

+ Where Can I Find Info About the Ingredients & Nutrition?

Ingredients and nutrition panels for each I Heart Keenwah product can be found on their product pages.

+ Where Are Your Products Made?

Our products are proudly made in the USA. Our main production is in the Midwest (in and around Chicago).

+ Are Your Products non-GMO?

Yes. All of our products are Non-GMO Project Verified.

+ Are Your Products Organic?

Our Toasted Quinoa and Toasted Quinoa Flakes are certified organic, and we use many organic ingedients in all of our other products.

+ Are Your Products Gluten-Free?

Yes, all of our products are GFCO gluten-free tested and certified.

+ Are Your Products Vegan?

All of our products except the Aged Cheddar Quinoa Puffs are vegan-friendly. This means they do not contain dairy, eggs, or any other products derived from animals.

+ I Have Questions About Allergens and Cross-Contamination

Our Toasted Quinoa and Toasted Quinoa Hot Cereal are produced in a gluten-free and nut-free facility. The only other items processed in the facility are quinoa, wild rice, gluten-free certified oats, chia, and lucuma (a fruit). Of course with food allergies we always recommend that you exercise caution.

Our snack products are manufactured in a facility that does also process gluten products, nuts and other allergens, but shared machines undergo thorough cleaning and swab tests to maintain our gluten-free certification.

+ Are The Quinoa Puffs Baked or Fried?

Our Quinoa Puffs are baked, not fried.

+ My Chocolate Puffs have lighter colored areas on them - why?

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.

Quinoa 101

+ Am I Harming South Americans by Eating Quinoa?

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.

I Heart Keenwah does its part in nurturing a healthy supply in South America by supporting small-holder Bolivian farmers of heirloom quinoa. Many of our products are also fair trade certified by Fair Trade USA.

+ What is the Best Way to Cook Quinoa?

Our Toasted Quinoa takes the guess work out of cooking quinoa! Check out our video about making fluffy, nutty quinoa.

+ What Other Items Are Processed in Your Toasted Quinoa and Toasted Quinoa Flake Facility?

Our Toasted Quinoa and Toasted Quinoa Hot Cereal are produced in a gluten-free and nut-free facility. The only other items processed in the facility are quinoa, wild rice, gluten-free certified oats, chia, and lucuma (a fruit). Of course with food allergies we always recommend that you exercise caution.

+ Is It Safe to Eat Toasted Quinoa Uncooked As a Salad Topper?

Yes, our Toasted Quinoa has been washed and toasted, so it's safe to eat without cooking. Note that the quinoa will be quite crunchy if it's not cooked.

Additional Questions

+ Can You Send Me Free Samples or Coupons?

Unfortunately we have a limited number of samples and coupons that we can distribute throughout the year, so we can’t send coupons to everyone who requests them.

+ How Can I Request a Donation for My Event or Organization?

Please fill out the form here at least six weeks before the donation is needed.

+ Do You Have an Affiliate Program?

Bloggers and influencers can earn commission promoting our products via the Amazon Associates program. Please click here to learn more.

+ Where Can I Buy I Heart Keenwah Products?

Our Store Locator can help you find your closest retailer, and it also lists our online retail partners.

+ Why Do Spell Quinoa "Keenwah"?

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.

Do you have another question we didn't answer here? Please contact us