FAQ

Yes! We have a strict testing policy and perform third-party lab tests to ensure the safety and quality of our products. The ingredients and finished product of each and every batch is tested for microorganisms like yeast, mold, Listeria, E.coli, and Salmonella to ensure they are clear and safe for consumption before they are ever sold to stores or customers!

Yes! As a brand, Fresh Bellies has been committed from day one to offer the best possible products to children and takes its responsibility to feed adventurous eaters seriously. The company tests its products for several hundred contaminants including heavy metals, pesticide residues, plasticizers and more and has received the Clean Label Purity Award from the Clean Label Project (CLP). Keep an eye out for additional products being added to the CLP site! As we roll out new products, we’ll be testing those as well. Our goal as a Company is to add our entire portfolio of products to the Clean Label Project website.

While we love avocado oil and olive oil, these oils affect the shelf life of our products and turn rancid pretty quickly!

There are different types of sunflower oils. We use high oleic sunflower oil  for its stability and because it is considered the most healthy. It is made up primarily of monosaturated fats (even higher monosaturated levels than olive oil) and has zero trans fats. This is different than sunflower oils that are not high oleic and contain more polyunsaturated fats (e.g., Linoleic.) Some research suggests that a diet rich in monosaturated fatty acids, like oleic, may help reduce high cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease! 

Importantly, we never heat/cook the high oleic sunflower oil that we use in our snacks. We apply it topically after the puffs have been cooked, simply as a coat to help adhere the seasoning and/or vegetable powders we use to flavor our products. This is why stability in the oil is extremely important for our products. 

Our snacks are non-GMO verified and Kosher certified.

The FDA has different nutritional requirements for children ages 1-3 and children 4 and older based on serving size for their daily caloric needs. As a result, we are required to have labels for both these age groups on our packaging that details the % daily value and calories based on their age group. 

The total calories for the package is the same. The serving size is determined by age group, their typical consumption and their daily caloric requirements. 

Our toddler snacks are intended for children eating a variety of textures and foods. Readiness varies from child to child so please consult with your pediatrician to determine your child's readiness. Some signs of readiness include, but are not limited to, sitting independently, chewing many different foods and textures, and picking up pieces of food to self-feed. 

Always feed our tasty snacks while your child is supervised and seated.

Yes! Or at least, we hope so! The more flavor children are introduced to when they start eating solids, the less likely it is they become picky eaters later in life. We have seen skeptical moms pleasantly surprised when their babies cracked a smile at the taste of golden beets and thyme. 

Keep in mind that it may take several tries to get your little one eating new flavors. Studies show that by exposing our children to the same flavors multiple times and in different settings, they become more accepting of those same flavors over time. Yet, 1 out of every 4 parents draws premature conclusions around their child’s food preferences after merely two or fewer exposures. If the broccoli ends up on the floor on the first day, give it a few days and try again. Your baby will likely recognize the flavor on the second or third (or tenth!) try and realize it’s just good food after all. Never force your baby to eat something she’s rejecting, but don’t give up on food or your baby, either. Food and babies are a delicate balance of exploration and palate formation. With repeated practice comes familiarity, and with familiarity comes mastery! 

It used to be that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended starting with cereals or bland foods first, then veggies and finally fruit. Now, the AAP says there is no scientific evidence to prove that foods need to be introduced in any particular order. If you are unsure about a specific food or ingredient for your baby, please consult with your pediatrician.   

Shipping and delivery times have been affected during the holidays. Rest assured, we are working hard to deliver your order as soon as possible, while keeping our team and our community safe. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Orders placed Monday - Friday will ship within 2-7 business days. Orders are shipped via USPS, UPS and Fedex ground. We do not ship on the weekends. You will receive a tracking number once your order has shipped. If you have not received a tracking number within 7 business days of placing your order, please email us at info@freshbellies.com .