HACCP, or the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system, is a process control system that identifies where hazards might occur in the food production process and puts into place stringent actions to take to prevent the hazards from occurring. By strictly monitoring and controlling each step of the process, there is less chance for hazards to occur.
These controls are important to ensure quality and to prevent hazardous materials from entering the manufacturing process, but they are especially important when a company makes dairy free products, vegan products, gluten free products, certified organic products, non–GMO products and Kosher products. Since Taste of Nature makes bars that feature all of these, HACCP certification is a must. Taste of Nature is HACCP certified by Advantage HACCP Ontario.
For more information on HACPP certification, click here.
Why is cold–processed important?
Our bars are cold–processed. This process includes mixing of ingredients, laying them flat on a large conveyer belt machine and slicing them to size. No cooking is involved. Cooking often serves to destroy precious nutrients such as vitamins and enzymes. To a certain extent, cooking takes the 'life' out of foods. Another process for making bars, is called 'extrusion'. In this extrusion process, chopped up and otherwise pulverized ingredients are blended and subjected to high heat and then pushed through a machine that 'smushes' everything together. This usually results in a less attractive bar (hence the usual opaque packaging) and less nutritious product. On the other hand, cold–processing, maintains the nutritional integrity of ingredients. Plus, it makes such darn good–looking bars!
Keep it fresh
Taste of Nature bars stay fresh for at least 12 months. However, we make them is small runs, in order to keep them even fresher. Making larger runs would help us maximize profit, but making them in smaller runs keep them fresh. So, smaller runs it is. Plus, we have developed an extensive distribution system for retailers to be able to re–order as often as they'd like. You can really feel and taste the difference. Our bars are chewy and crunchy. They never become hard as rock, like some other bars do.