Available in:

• Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed 21 oz.
• Rice Protein Plus Antioxidants 17.5 oz.

Why would I want to use Rice Protein? - Our Rice Protein is an excellent source of vegan protein. Most people are familiar with soy and whey protein, and while they each provide sound nutrition, rice protein offers additional benefits. Whey protein comes from milk, and some people either cannot or do not wish to use animal-based protein. Soy protein often is difficult for people to digest and may pose allergy risks, plus some individuals simply don't like the taste. Rice protein offers a vegan alternative to soy, without the animal products of whey. And, rice protein is utilized more efficiently by the body than soy, too. Rice protein is suitable for use by those with food allergies, the elderly, and the severely ill. It has a mild flavor and may be used in beverages, sprinkled on cereals and yogurt, and added to cooked dishes to boost the protein content.

Rice is a carbohydrate. How do you get protein from it? - All foods contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of what we collectively call protein. Broccoli contains protein, as do all fruits and vegetables and grain products. We use a unique process that allows us to isolate the protein from the carbohydrate portion of the rice. The end result is an extensive amino acid profile that includes 19 amino acids including all 9 essential amino acids.

Does that mean the rice protein is chemically derived? I'm chemically intolerant and have to avoid food additives. - Our Rice Protein is not chemically processed. We use natural enzymes that are GMO free to break down and digest the carbohydrate portion of the rice, leaving behind the protein. Our method of extraction leaves a very pure protein, free of additives or chemicals that can cause sensitivities.

Is the Rice Protein organic? - Our Rice Protein is not certified organic, however, it has been tested and proven to be free of pesticides, herbicides, and PCBs. We are now offering Organic Rice Protein in Plain and Vanilla, 21 oz., 3 lbs., and Single Serve Packets.

I noticed your label gives a standard nutritional breakdown, which includes carbohydrate. What form is this carbohydrate in, and why is it there if I am buying rice protein? - Some of the carbohydrate in the Rice Protein Plus is a complex carbohydrate, a natural component of the product. This amount is very minimal. Also, a small amount of rice syrup solids are used to sweeten the Rice Protein Plus.

What is the purpose of the Rice Syrup Solids in the Rice Protein Plus formulas? - Rice Syrup Solids are added as a natural sweetener. They are hypoallergenic, organic, Kosher certified, white crystals from sprouted, whole grain brown rice. This rice sugar is composed of glucose (dextrose monohydrate). It is free of gluten, GMOs, fructose, and sulfites. It has a glycemic index of 85.

Why is there Guar Gum and Xanthan Gum in the Rice Protein Plus formulas? - They are added as thickeners.

Why is there Sodium Chloride in the Rice Protein Plus formulas? - The Sodium Chloride is salt and is a very small amount of the Rice Protein Plus formulas. It helps with the consistency of the formula as it works in conjuction with other ingredients to make the products thicker, and it enhances the flavor. The sodium content in the Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed and Rice Protein Plus Antioxidants is 35 and 36 mg per serving respectively. Sodium Chloride is not in the other formulas of Rice Protein.

What is the Natural Flavor in the Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed? - It is a natural cinnamon, graham flavor.

What provides the antioxidants in the Rice Protein Plus Antioxidants? - The Organic Acai Berry Powder, VitaBerry^® (Wild Blueberry Extract, Grape Seed Extract Powder, Raspberry Seed Extract Powder, Cranberry Powder, Prune Powder, Tart Cherry Powder, Wild Bilberry Extract, and Strawberry Powder), and Extracts of Apple, Grape Seed, Mulberry, and Goji Berry are included for their antioxidant properties.

What are the benefits of VitaBerry^®?

• Superior source of natural antioxidants
• Helps prevent the effects of premature aging
• Promotes cardiovascular health
• Promotes healthy brain function and mental acuity
• Promotes healthy vision
• Promotes healthy blood sugar levels
• Excellent source of flavonoids and organic acids
• Promotes urinary tract health
• Promotes healthy skin

The above is according to our supplier.

Why do berries and fruit contain highly potent antioxidants?

"During photosynthesis (the botanical conversion of H20 to CO2 into carbohydrates by means of sunlight), a huge number of free radicals are produced. Plants need strong antioxidants to protect against cellular damage by these free radicals. Antioxidant plant pigments, primarily carotenoids and flavonoids, provide most of the protection.

"Research has shown that human ingestion of these compounds results in similar protection.

"Research also shows that antioxidants work synergistically and are far more effective when a spectrum of fruits is ingested rather than isolated compounds."

The above is quoted from our VitaBerry^®supplier.

For individuals looking for specific ratios of amino acids, the following charts will be helpful:

NATURALLY OCCURRING AMINO ACIDS PER 25 GRAM SERVING OF RICE PROTEIN PLUS FLAX SEED

Alanine	662 mg	Isoleucine*	546 mg	Threonine*	462 mg
Arginine	1154 mg	Leucine*	992 mg	Tryptophan*	165 mg
Aspartic Acid	1100 mg	Lysine*	442 mg	Tyrosine	613 mg
Cystine/2	278 mg	Methionine*	363 mg	Valine*	725 mg
Glutamic Acid	2221 mg	Phenylalanine*	668 mg
Glycine	570 mg	Proline	595 mg
Histidine*	269 mg	Serine	598 mg

NATURALLY OCCURRING AMINO ACIDS PER 20 GRAM SERVING OF RICE PROTEIN PLUS ANTIOXIDANTS

Alanine	706 mg	Isoleucine*	572 mg	Threonine*	478 mg
Arginine	1190 mg	Leucine*	1080 mg	Tryptophan*	156 mg
Aspartic Acid	1119 mg	Lysine*	442 mg	Tyrosine	702 mg
Cystine/2	317 mg	Methionine*	412 mg	Valine*	780 mg
Glutamic Acid	2237 mg	Phenylalanine*	709 mg
Glycine	553 mg	Proline	647 mg
Histidine*	276 mg	Serine	624 mg

* Essential Amino Acids

Which amino acids have you added, and are they from natural or artificial sources?- All amino acids in the rice protein are naturally occurring components of the actual rice. We have not added any amino acids.

Can children take the Rice Protein? - The Rice Protein is safe for all ages. Please consult a physician or nutritionist for individual dietary needs.

What is the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of your Rice Protein? - The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) is the measure of actual protein available for the body to use. This PER is related to the percentage of the protein digested by the body. With Rice Protein, after 4 hours better than 80% of the protein has been digested, compared to only about 57% for soy. The actual PER number of Rice Protein is 2.75. Egg is the highest at 3.99, milk is second with 3.45, rice third, and soy is last with a PER of 2.32.

Is your Rice Protein gluten free? - Yes, all of our Rice Protein is made from gluten free whole grain brown rice and is processed by a natural enzyme that is not related to wheat or any of its relatives. Therefore, processing of the rice does not contaminate the rice protein with gluten in any way. We recommend that further concerns regarding the Rice Protein for those with severe food sensitivities should consult their doctor or dietician.

Does the Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed need to be refrigerated? - Rice Protein, including the Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed, does not need to be refrigerated. We do not recommend storing the it in the refrigerator as it may draw dampness. We do suggest storing it in a cool, dry location such as a cupboard.

How can the flax seed in the Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed be stable enough to have a shelf life of two years? - We use cold milled flax seed. Our supplier states they use the most advanced, proprietary technology and have refined their system to deliver naturally stable flax seed with full nutritional value and flavor. The unique process also eliminates blemished seeds, which helps protect flax seeds’ natural components from oxidation, providing highly stable milled flax seed with a guaranteed shelf life of two years.

The Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed mentions research on EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids, but only lists ALA in the nutrition facts. Why is this?

The body converts ALA into the longer chain fatty acids EPA and DHA.

The serving size of the Rice Protein Plus Flax Seed is 25 g and the Rice Protein Plus Flax is 20 g. How should this be measured out? - The most accurate way of measuring is with a gram scale. However, if you do not have access to a scale, you may use a tablespoon. Approximately two heaping tablespoons is equal to a serving.

Does your Rice Protein contain any melamine? - Click here for a statement.

VitaBerry^® is a registered trademark of VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc., used under license.