Yes! We purchase only certified organic soybeans. These beans are grown, handled and processed under strict organic standards. These quality standards contribute to both the health of our planet by reducing the use of herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified seeds in our environment and to our health by guaranteeing chemical-free, natural ingredients in our food.

Lecithin is found in egg yolks, the tissues and organs of many animals, and some vegetables such as soybeans, peanuts, and corn. Lecithin is commonly used in foods that are high in fats and oils in order to make dissimilar substances, such as oil and water, blend and/or stay blended. We list it as typically vegetarian. Archer Daniels Midland Co., a major manufacturer of lecithin, extracts it from soybeans. Soy is the standard for lecithin in the food industry these days.

You can purchase soybeans for the Soyabella through Tribest (www.tribestlife.com; 888-254-7336), or at natural foods stores around the country. Soyabella does not come with soybeans, although soymilk-making kits containing soybeans and flavorings will be available through Tribest in the spring.

Organic soybeans are grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Non-GMO beans are grown using seeds which are not genetically modified. These can be purchased from various sources, including Ontario Soybean Growers - www.soybean.on.ca

Soybeans contain compounds called phytoestrogens that are related in structure to estrogen, though the estrogenic activity of soy is quite weak according to some reports. Soy is known to affect the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. Researchers have linked societies with high consumption of soy products to a low incidence of hot flashes during menopause.

To be Certified Organic, herbs have to be grown on a farm that has been inspected, and soil samples proved to be chemical free. These inspections continue every year, with random checks as well, for three years, during which the farm is considered "under conversion". Only when the final inspection has been passed are the growers able to use the term Certified Organic for their herbs.

We have a supplier who imports certified organic produce from the United States, Mexico, and other countries. We require that growers from outside of the Kootenays be certified organic. We have many Kootenay and South Okanagan growers who we buy produce from whenever possible. In order to support local growers, we do not require that our Kootenay organic growers be certified however most of our growers are. Our non-certified growers grow to certified standards.

Once a private playground for the local Rim of the World Climbing Club (ROWCC), Snow Valley was first unveiled to the world in October 1996 at the first "Snow Valley Boulderfest"--So Cal's answer to the Phoenix Bouldering Contest. Larger events followed in 1997 and 1998. This resulted in some traffic to the area, but not much. In the seven years since the last Boulderfest was held, a small but dedicated group of boulderers have been working the area. But Snow Valley remains relatively unknown.

Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food. Conventional agricultural methods can cause water contamination.

Water at the tap comes from the huge underground aquifer. The aquifer is divided into eight subbasins and roughly bordered by the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino Mountains on the east, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains on the west, the Banning Fault on the north, and Mecca hills watershed and northwest shoreline of the Salton Sea on the south.

Only two flavors that we are currently making, Mint Galactica and Cinnamon Chocolate Flake, contain a small amount of organic cane sugar. This sugar is in the chocolate that we use for the flakes. We are looking for a supplier of chocolate that is sweetened with agave, but have not found a source yet. The amount of cane sugar in these flavors is very small-less than 2.5 grams per serving.

TBC is dedicated to producing the highest-quality, most wholesome and healthiest products possible. We take great care to use the best fruit and vegetable juices in PHENOLMENAL! Balance? and BalanceDrops? with the flavor profile, freshness, and health benefits that you expect in every ounce. BalanceDrops?, in particular, are made with over 80% organic material, by weight.

Recently, questions have been raised about the possible health risks of soy consumption, but the overwhelming majority of studies on soy have shown positive health effects or, at worst, neutral ones. Some soy products are high in sodium and contain a higher-than-healthy level of fat, so be sure to check the labels and choose the low-fat versions. Nonetheless, these foods are much healthier than the animal-derived foods they are intended to replace. Soy is not an essential part of a vegan diet.