FAQs

Tomatoes

  • Bionaturae canned tomatoes are packed in new cans that have a BPA free lining. Having a can that is made with a BPA free lining is a positive step in the right direction. However, we want to be honest in communicating to our consumers that this does not guarantee a 100% BPA free product due to the possibility of cross-contamination with other lining material that does contain BPA when the tin is manufactured. At this time, we do not know of any dedicated BPA free tin or can manufacturing facilities. We will continue to stay on top of this issue and make every effort to supply you with the safest option available.

  • Absolutely not. Italian tomatoes are naturally sweet, and we do not use anything outside of what is declared on each label.

  • Our strained tomatoes and tomato paste do not contain seeds or skin and are safe for lectin-free diets. Our canned tomatoes do have the skins removed but there may be small bits of skin that remain. Our canned tomatoes do contain seeds.

  • Our canned and strained tomatoes are not cooked – they are steamed to remove skins and then pasteurized to seal but they are not cooked. Our tomato paste is cooked down to remove water content and concentrate the flavor.

  • Our tomatoes are perfectly ripened plum shaped Roma type tomato. They are not from San Marzano.

Olive Oil

  • Our extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed, meaning the temperature during pressing never goes above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • The acidity of our oil ranges from 0.29% to 0.32%.

  • Our extra virgin olive oil is minimally filtered to remove excess sediment and pulp from pressing.

  • Our Bionaturae olive oil is made from 5 varieties -frantoio, leccino, leccio del corno and two local varieties called favarol and nostrano.

Balsamic Vinegar

  • No. Our balsamic vinegar is not pasteurized and is live vinegar that will continue to age over time.

  • No. Our grape must is a naturally dark color so we do not add caramel color to our product.

  • Yes it is. No animal or gelatin products are used in the making of this product.

  • We do test our balsamic for lead. The levels of lead in our organic balsamic vinegar range from .24 - .36ug/day. This is under the 15ug/day limit for cancer toxicity and also close to half the .5ug/day limit for reproductive toxicity. At present, the European Union lead limit is 3ug/day. We are unable to filter lead out of the product. However, we grow our grapes in select farms and test all of our raw material for lead levels before we make our product.

Fruit Spreads

  • Yes. Our fruit spreads contain a very low level of total sugars so they must be refrigerated. It is best to consume the product within 7-10 days of opening.

  • Yes. The ascorbic and citric acid we use can be derived from GMO-free certified corn and from citrus fruits.

  • Yes. Our bilberry fruit spread is free of both ascorbic and citric acid.

  • Our fruit spreads are made with no cane or beet sugar, just sweetened with apple juice concentrate. We actually prepare the apple juice concentrate ourselves. In order to thicken the product, we use natural fruit pectin that only performs at a certain pH. We must adjust the pH of certain fruits slightly by using citric acid so the spread can thicken. Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C is added to protect the fruit from oxidizing and turning dark overtime when the jar is exposed to light.

  • We use natural fruit pectin that is derived from citrus fruits.

Fruit Nectars

  • Yes. Our fruit nectars are pasteurized and shelf stable. You can store them outside of the refrigerator until opened, but they must be refrigerated after opening.

  • We recommend consuming our fruit nectars within 5 days of opening. After this period of time, fruit products may begin a natural process of fermentation.

Pasta

  • We changed our gluten free pasta recipe so that the ingredients did not include soy. This is in response to consumer and retail demand to eliminate the soy allergen, and our desire to simplify ingredients. The new recipe also contains 3 more grams of protein than the old recipe.

  • The mix of semolina and water is extruded through a die to form its shape. Today, pasta factories normally use dies made of Teflon® because they are easier to work with. We use traditional bronze dies, which help to form a coarser surface on the pasta during extrusion. A coarser surface will absorb your favorite sauce better after being cooked.

  • After cooking, a 2 oz. serving of pasta will be 1 to 1¼ cups of cooked pasta.

Help Me Find your products

  • You can find the list of where our products are sold here. Check back if you don't see a location near you. We are continuously adding more locations.

  • Natura Market is a great option for those shopping in Canada. iHerb and Vitacost ship to Canada and several other countries around the world.