Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: When did Rachel's™ launch in the US?
A: Rachel's launched in the US in 2007. It is now available nationwide.

Q: Where can I find Rachel's?
A: Rachel's products are available in grocery and natural food stores nationwide.

Q: Where is Rachel's made?
A: Rachel's yogurt is made in Wisconsin.

Q: Who is Rachel?
A: Rachel Rowlands and her husband Gareth founded the Rachel's brand in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1984. Rachel is the granddaughter of Elizabeth Jones, a dairy pioneer and early advocate for sustainable farming practices. Today, Rachel's is a thriving UK brand, built on decades of excellence in dairy craftsmanship.

Q: What is the difference between the Essence and Exotic yogurt lines?
A: The Essence line offers mood-inspiring flavors and ingredients like açai, chai, pomegranate and green tea. The Exotic line combines the planet's most alluring fruits and berries in luscious flavor combinations.

Q: Is Rachel's yogurt low in fat?
A: Yes, Rachel's yogurt is lowfat. It's made with nonfat milk and cream and contains 1.5% milkfat. One container has 150-160 calories depending on the flavor.

Q: What is rbST?
A: rbST (recombinant bovine somatotropin) is a genetically engineered copy of a naturally occurring hormone produced by cows. You'll also find it called rBGH. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and several European countries have already banned these hormones because of health concerns. (2)

Q: What is DHA?
A: Also known as Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA belongs to a category of healthy fatty acids known as Omega-3's. Found in high concentrations in the tissues of the brain and eye, Omega-3 DHA helps support healthy function in these areas. DHA has also been shown to help support the heart, and has been linked to possible benefits in PMS and menopause. Rachel's uses life'sDHA™, a plant source of Omega-3 100% that is a vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA.

Q: Is the Omega-3 DHA in Rachel's products vegetarian?
A: Yes! Beneficial Omega-3 DHA fatty acids are most commonly derived from coldwater fish such as mackerel and salmon. Researchers looking for a vegetarian source of DHA established that the fish actually obtain these important Omega-3 fatty acids from a diet of algae. The result? Scientists are now able to obtain rich, nutritional DHA directly from aquatic plants. Rachel's uses life'sDHA™ algal oil, a plant source of Omega-3 that is 100% vegetarian.

Q: What are probiotics?
A: Probiotics - also known as live and active cultures - occur naturally in the digestive tract, but need regular replenishing. Live and active cultures are a source of probiotics and help promote healthy digestion and overall intestinal vitality. Rachel's contains five distinct probiotic strains: L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, Bifidobacerium longum and L. casei.

Q: What are live and active cultures?
A: Also known as probiotics, live and active cultures are essential for healthy digestion and overall intestinal vitality. Rachel's contains five distinct probiotic strains: L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, Bifidobacerium longum and L. casei.

Q: I'm lactose intolerant. Can I eat Rachel's yogurt?
A: Rachel's yogurt does contain lactose. However, many lactose-intolerant individuals are still able to tolerate some dairy foods. Yogurt can be particularly beneficial because the probiotics in the yogurt may help to partially break down the lactose before consumption. Depending on your system, it may be possible to enjoy Rachel's yogurt in moderation, especially when coupled with other food. Consult your healthcare professional to be sure.

Q: Are Rachel's products okay for kids?
A: Yes - while the flavors are created for an adult palate, it's never too early for kids to start developing great taste. Children can also benefit from the nutrition of Rachel's products.

Q: Are Rachel's products vegetarian-friendly?
A: Rachel's products are suitable for vegetarians but since they do contain dairy, they are not vegan.

Q: Are Rachel's products okay for people with wheat and gluten allergies?
A: We make every effort to ensure that Rachel's products are free of wheat, wheat gluten, rye, oats, barley or malt. While it is virtually impossible to ascertain that each carton is 100% free of all gluten, Rachel's is suitable for most people with wheat and gluten allergies. If you are in doubt, consult your healthcare professional.

Q: Are Rachel's products kosher?
A: Yes. All of our yogurts are certified kosher dairy by the Orthodox Union.

Q: Where can I find ingredients and nutrition facts for Rachel's products?
A: Look in the Products section of this site for nutritional information. For more information on the Rachel's fruits, spices and other unusual ingredients, look in the Glossary. Search Health & Wellness for information on Rachel's health benefits.

Q: I am unfamiliar with a few words on the Rachel's label. What are annatto, pectin and agar?
A: Annatto is a natural colorant made from the seeds of a tropical tree. Pectin is a soluble fiber naturally found in most plants, used in food as a gelling agent and to enhance texture. Agar, derived from plants, is a common vegetarian gelatin substitute. For more information see Rachel's Glossary.

Q: What natural flavors and flavorings do you use in Rachel's products?
A: The flavors listed in our ingredient panels are derived from natural sources - nothing artificial is used.

Q: What types of sweeteners do you use?
A: We use evaporated cane juice as the sweetener in our products. It's made from sugarcane juice that is released by pressing the juice out of sugarcane stalks. This natural source of sweetness undergoes very little refining, so it retains more of the nutrients found in sugarcane including vitamins and minerals.

Q: Can I cook with Rachel's yogurt?
A: Yes! Rachel's yogurt will add flavor and nutrition to any of your favorite yogurt-based recipes. Smoothies, desserts, breakfast treats, quick bread and muffins, even appetizer recipes can all benefit from Rachel's alluring flavors. Here are some of our favorite Recipes.

Q: Can I freeze Rachel's yogurt?
A: Rachel's creamy texture and delicious flavors are best enjoyed fresh rather then frozen. Freezing changes the texture, allowing lumps and ice crystals to form. Rachel's live and active cultures will become dormant and lose much of their nutritional benefit when frozen.

Q: Can Rachel's yogurt be consumed after the "sell by" date?
Rachel's yogurt should be opened on or before the "sell by" date, and used within seven days. It should always be stored in the refrigerator.

Q: How long after opening the carton can I consume Rachel's yogurt?
A: Rachel's yogurt should be used within seven days of opening the carton. It should always be stored in the refrigerator during this time.

Q: Is it safe to consume Rachel's yogurt if it has been out of the refrigerator for a period of time?
A: We generally do not suggest that you consume products that have been left unrefrigerated for any length of time. The safety of the product depends on the temperature, surrounding conditions and the length of time they are not refrigerated. A general rule of thumb - for every hour a product is not refrigerated, it loses a day of shelf life. Unrefrigerated yogurt also tends to lose its desired texture.

Q: Is Rachel's product packaging recyclable?
A: Every area has different recycling rules so please check with your local recycling center for details. Rachel's yogurt cups are made from Polypropylene (PP), which is classified as a #5 plastic. The #5 plastic is recyclable. Unfortunately some centers do not accept #5, we urge you to work with your local recycling center in expanding their efforts.

Q: Does Rachel's yogurt contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms)?
A: No! Rachel's yogurts are made without GMO ingredients.

Q: Are Rachel's products organic?
A: Rachel's is 100% natural - no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives - and is made from milk without added growth hormones (rbST-free).

Q: Why are the Rachel's products available in the UK organic, but not the ones in the U.S.?
A: The UK and US Rachel's product lines are different and tailored for each market. Many of the exotic ingredients used in the US products are difficult, if not impossible, to source organically at this time.

Footnotes:
(1)Ohta, et al, J. Nutritional Food, 2, 37-43, 1999
(2)Yu, Herbert, Rohan, Thomas. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, v.92, September, 2000.