Hey Crew! Welcome back to SeaStuff. This week, we're diving into the evolving trend of "clean" eating and labeling within the realms of food and nutrition. Much like the fleeting popularity of the latest sneakers or TikTok fads, many food-related terms are unregulated, wandering in and out of vogue, without much oversight. The term "healthy" once stood as the gold standard for beneficial food, until it became muddied by numerous products claiming the title without merit, turning it into just another buzzword. "Natural" has similarly lost its clarity. Now, the benchmark for evaluating the quality of food has shifted to "Clean" – signifying pure ingredients, straightforward labeling, ethical sourcing, and careful processing. You might wonder, why even focus on these unregulated terms at all? It's crucial for both food companies and, more importantly, consumers to grasp the significance behind these words, given their use in food marketing and business.
Contrary to appearances, the food industry is a complex beast. From a consumer perspective, distinguishing between what's genuinely beneficial and what's harmful can be quite nuanced. Fortunately for everyone, we're backed by the expertise of two nutritional scientists on our team, along with an extensive wealth of food-related knowledge. At Uncracked we have elevated our approach by establishing non-negotiables for what constitutes a 'clean,' 'healthy,' or any other term you prefer to use for a product that, above all, does not produce adverse health effects. These metrics guide our product development, ingredient sourcing and all other food-related decisions. You can read about them below:
1 - Ingredient quality over quantity - Lack of additives
When it comes to ingredients, at Uncracked we prioritize quality over quantity. We want to derive the most functionality from seaweeds as possible, to create a limited ingredient list. The beauty of ingredient simplicity lies in its transparency — a short, straightforward list where every item serves a purpose, free from unnecessary additives, artificial enhancers, or fillers that could dilute the food's natural quality. Next time you are at the store or scouring your fridge, take a look at the ingredient label of your favorite foods. You may notice there are a lot more ingredients than expected. Take oat milk for instance, oftentimes the ingredients are not only oats and water – lots of additives are included to get the right consistency and mouthfeel.
2 - Minimal Processing
“Natural’ is another one of those buzzwords that is unregulated and misused. However, in the right context, it still deems relevant. An ingredient is natural if it undergoes minimal processing and is close to its natural state. This approach emphasizes the importance of preserving the inherent nutritional value and purity of ingredients, steering clear of artificial additives, preservatives, and extensive processing techniques that can strip foods of their essential nutrients and introduce undesirable chemical compounds. By prioritizing minimal processing, we champion a food philosophy that reveres the original state of our ingredients, allowing their natural flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits to shine through. This is exactly how we view seaweeds - natural foods with superpowers - enhancing the taste, texture and nutrition of conventional food.
3 - Toxin-Free
Ensuring our products are toxin-free is paramount. This means rigorous testing and quality control measures are in place to prevent any form of contamination that could compromise our products' safety and integrity. We adhere to strict standards to ensure that the seaweed we source, and all ingredients used in the process, are free from harmful toxins, pesticides, and pollutants, guaranteeing that what you consume is as clean and pure as possible.
4 - Sustainable sourcing + production
At Uncracked, we're deeply anchored in our core values, particularly "For the Ocean, From the Ocean," guiding us towards the horizon of sustainable sourcing and production. This journey isn't just about verifying the 'cleanliness' of our food; it's an exploration of how deeply we can weave sustainability into the fabric of what we do. Our quest for the finest seaweeds is mindful and measured, considering not only the cultivation techniques but also the ripple effects on marine ecosystems. We're globally conscious, selecting our seaweeds with care for their voyage from sea to table, minimizing our carbon footprint every step of the way.
As the industry grows, there is an increasing focus on technological innovations, such as offshore and deep-sea farming, which could further reduce the environmental impact of seaweed cultivation. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the understanding of seaweed’s role in carbon sequestration, with the potential for seaweed farms to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
5 - Openness!!
Transparency is key. What's the point of maintaining high standards and quality development if we can't share it with our consumers? Unlike many food companies that might hide what goes into their products, we believe in full disclosure. Our strict standards for ingredient sourcing, product development, and label transparency set us apart.
At Uncracked, we strive to not only meet but exceed the standards of what it means to be "clean." It's far more than a marketing term; it's a commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability that guides everything we do. Join us in embracing the clean food movement, where simplicity, purity, and health go hand in hand.
Comments