Erythritol is a naturally occurring low-calorie sugar found in small amounts in grapes, melons, and mushrooms. It has only 0.2 calories per gram which is 95% fewer calories than sugar. It does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels and has a glycemic index rating of zero. This unique sugar is metabolized differently than many other sugars such as sorbitol or xylitol because its molecular structure is much smaller. Due to its small molecular size, only 90% gets absorbed into the bloodstream while the rest is naturally eliminated. Because only 10% reaches the large intestine, erythritol doesn’t cause gastric distress that is attributable to many other low-caloric sugars.

Erythritol is made from simple monosaccharides like xylose or ribose which are found in plants. These sugar-rich substrates then go through a gentle enzymatic/fermentation process that produces a crystal that is 99.5% pure and without negative health effects.

The whole food vitamins/minerals in Meal are sourced naturally from organic Guava, Lemon, Sesbania (West Indian Pea), Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Holy Basil, and Annatto. These plants and fruits were specifically chosen because of their rich vitamin and mineral content. Together they supply not only a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals but all the naturally occurring constituents such as enzymes and phytonutrients that are present as well. Consequently, no fermentation or synthesizing is required as is the case with chemically isolated USP-type vitamins and minerals. The plants and fruits are simply dried, milled, and analyzed to verify nutrient content. The plant material is then carefully proportioned to the level needed to make 1 kilogram of vitamin/mineral concentrate. For example, it takes 55 kilograms of the Amla plant just to provide the Vitamin C content for one kilogram of the vitamins/mineral blend used in Meal.

ModCarb is a proprietary blend of six organic grains (Oat, Amaranth, Quinoa, Buckwheat, Millet, and Chia) that provide complex carbohydrates rich in beta-glucans. Unlike simple sugars or maltodextrin, ModCarb‘s complex carbohydrate structure allows it to release glucose (the body’s primary fuel source) at a much more natural pace and rhythm for sustained energy.

The source of vitamin D3 in Meal comes from Lichen, pronounced (lik-en). Lichen is a complex organism that is formed through the interaction of algae and a mushroom-like organism in areas along the seacoast, desert, and even the Arctic tundra. It is a natural vegan source of Vitamin D3.

The Land & Sea EFA blend in Meal contains EFA’s from three different plant sources which include flax, algae, and sunflower. Delivered in this natural whole-food state, the blend not only yields balanced levels of omega 3-6-9, but also valuable phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin. It is then tested by gas chromatography to ensure that the total level of EFA’s in each serving of Meal meets or exceeds the label claim.

Meal is made up of more than 30 different individual ingredients and adheres to the “Plant Fusion standards” which require that those ingredients be:
•   Plant-based and also organic when possible
•   Free of allergens
•   Non-GMO
•   Free of any harsh processing methods that might alter or destroy their nutritive value.
In addition, there is a direct link to the supplier of each ingredient to ensure traceability, consistency, and potency. Each batch of Meal is produced in a 90,000 sq. ft. NSF/GMP-certified manufacturing facility which allows oversight of every aspect of its manufacture. This attention to detail provides the basis for an environment that is born out of a “small company’s passion” but also embraces a “big company’s research and quality control”. That is the essence of Meal.