General
Are any of your products gluten free?
Good question. Understanding that gluten has become a leading issue today for people, the plan for evo is to have 50% of its products wheat free by 2009.
Part of the evolution is the continual search for new and innovative product ideas and ingredients.
Are you certified Kosher or Halal?
We are not certified at the present time. As our customer base grows and the demand arises we will investigate all opportunities for our line.
Are your products organic?
No. Although elements of our products have organic components our product line is not certified organic. The company mission is to utilize as many organic components as we can within our product line as we source new ingredients. The long-term strategy of the company is to source local, sustainable, agriculturally responsible ingredients wherever possible.
Can I invest in your company?
evo is seeking strategic partnerships/alliances around the globe. If you are a person or company who shares the evo vision and values we are open to various forms of investment opportunities available under certain criteria. Please call or e-mail us with your inquiry and your inquiry will be answered.
If your investment is about making a personal change for the better you have invested already and thank you.
If you are interested in a position with evo please contact us.
If you have products which may benefit from the evo brand and represent a lifestyle change, please contact us.
Collective makes a change for the better.
Do I have to be vegetarian before I can eat your products?
No, our line was designed as a great tasting choice for everyone... all types of people -- vegetarians as well people simply trying to cut back on their family's animal protein intake.
The latest report from the World Cancer Research Fund & the American Institute of Cancer Research includes the following recommendations:
• "Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans."
• "Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats."
The new "Canada's Food Guide" says
• "Have meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu often."
evo products make it easy for you to incorporate these disease prevention recommendations into your diet!
How can I get involved with the evo movement?
Ask yourself, how can I get involved in the evo evolution? Then in your own way change what you wish to change, act on it. You have automatically joined the evo movement.
Pass our website on to others. Let others know evo is there.
Let us know how your personal evolution is going. We do care. Remember evo is about making a change for the better.
How many types of vegetarians are there?
There are many interpretations of "vegetarian". They range from those who do not eat red meat to those who do not eat any animal products whatsoever. There are typically three categories to describe vegetarianism:
Lacto/Ovo Vegetarian: An individual who does not eat any meat, fish, or poultry but does include eggs and dairy products in their diet.
Lacto Vegetarian: An individual who does not eat any meat, fish, poultry, or eggs but does include dairy in their diet.
Vegan: An individual who does not consume any animal products. No meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy or even honey. Vegans follow a strictly plant based diet.
How old can one be before they do not have to eat meat?
Vegetarian eating can be a healthy diet for individuals of all ages.
Careful planning is required to ensure adequate energy and nutrients. This is particularly true for children, adolescents, athletes and pregnant and lactating women.
Consult a Registered Dietitian to ensure that all of your nutritional needs are met.
I have heard conflicting news about soy - is it good for me or not?
Soy is a good source of protein and is the only complete plant protein. It is low in saturated fat and contains mono and polyunsaturated fats, (the good fats). It also contains fiber, Calcium, Iron and Zinc.
The most recent scientific based studies give conflicting and sometimes confusing results.
Bottom line:
• Soy is a high-quality plant protein and a good alternative to animal proteins that are higher in total fat &/or saturated fat.
• Soy rich foods can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and may reduce bone resorption and menopausal symptoms for some women.
• Soy may have a protective effect against breast cancer, particularly if consumed during childhood and adolescence.
• A more moderate soy intake is prudent for breast cancer survivors. Check with your physician regarding your personal circumstances.
• Soy and isoflavone supplements or pills are not recommended.
More research is needed. In the meantime, the moderate consumption of soy foods can be part of a healthy diet.
I notice that there is no dairy in your products but you don't say dairy free.
Although we want to leave the door open for future development of our products, currently allevo products are dairy free.
This allows us once again to provide choice to not only those looking for meat alternatives but broadening selection for those with lactose intolerances as well.
Again we say, free of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, mushrooms and dairy but never free of great taste.
Is it true that vegetarians do not get enough protein?
Plant based proteins can provide all of the protein requirements for a healthy diet. Sources of plant protein include legumes, (beans, peas and lentils), and most nuts, nut butters and seeds. Soy is a legume and soy products such as tofu are therefore also sources of protein. All of these foods are considered "Alternatives" in the "Meat & Alternatives" food group on Canada's Food Guide.
Vegetarian diets can be healthy and nutritious but they must be carefully planned to provide adequate energy and nutrients. Vegetarians and vegans in particular, need to ensure that adequate Vitamin B12, Iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids are included in their diet.
If you have any doubts, consult a Registered Dietitian to ensure that all of your nutritional needs are met.
Some of your products appear to be high in fat and sodium. Are they healthy choices?
A healthy diet should provide <30% of calories from fat. For an average 2000 calorie diet this equals no more than 65 g of fat daily.
A good rule of thumb for fat is to look for lower amounts of total fat, <2 g of artery clogging saturated fat and no trans fat (the really bad fat).
• All evo products are free of trans fat.
• All of the products (except the pot pie) have 1 g or less saturated fat.
• Only the pot pie (16 g) and Mexicali samosas (14 g for 2) have more than 10 g of total fat.
The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) upper limit for Sodium is 2300 mg. Ideally, a prepared entrÈe should contain less than 500mg of sodium.
• All evo products meet these goals except the Nature's Garden samosas (630 mg for 2)
Choose to eat foods that are higher in fat or sodium less frequently and balance these items with lower fat/sodium sides or meals throughout the rest of the day.
What have you got against eating meat?
Not one thing. That is a personal choice each of us makes. evo is not about telling people what they should and should not do. evo is about offering choice for those who wish to make a change or are looking for options in their lives, nothing more.
Why are there no eggs in your products?
Eggs have been used as a staple food in many parts of the world for many years. They are an inexpensive source of high quality protein, low in saturated fat, and free of trans fat.
However -- eggs and egg by-products are used as standard ingredients in almost all processed food, thereby making it very difficult to find food we do not prepare ourselves to be egg-free.
For many people eggs may cause an allergic reaction and must be avoided. For others, eggs represent an extension of life and therefore are not to be eaten.
We at evo chose to provide a choice for these individuals. All of our products are egg-free with no loss of taste or texture.
Why are your products mushroom-free?
Mushrooms are meat-like in texture, contain no fat and rich in nutrients and fibre. Thus they are a common substitute for meat ingredients in vegetarian products. Many of the meat alternative foods currently in the marketplace are mushroom based.
Howeverómushrooms are a fungus. Many people have yeast and mould allergies, plus many just don't care for mushrooms - if you are a vegetarian that really limits your options.
We at evo are trying to be unique in our product line and offer choices not presently available. By eliminating mushrooms we are offering more choice with no loss of taste.
Why can't I find your products everywhere?
An evolution takes time.
We are a new and a rapidly growing company. As more and more people evo you will find us cropping up everywhere. We will continually update our site (link to retailer page) so check back with us often to discover when and where we will be in your neighborhood.
Why is your product line nut-free?
Nuts are a good source of plant protein and, although high in fat, are rich in heart friendly unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant sterols.
However -- many people suffer life threatening allergic reactions to ground nuts (peanuts) and tree nuts. Living with a food allergy can be challenging and we at evo wanted to provide vegetable based nut-free alternatives.
You talk about people being "Flexitarian" - what is that?
A "Flexitarian" is a relatively new term used by individuals who do not eliminate any particular foods, but who want to improve their diet and discover new foods. By incorporating plant proteins more often into their weekly meals they are managing current dietary guidelines for a healthier diet.
Whatever type of food lifestyle you have, evo has a tasty product for you!
evo... People dedicated to the ethical treatment of people.
