Question 1

What is Buckwheat?

Accepted Answer

Buckwheat is not a grain, it’s a fruit seed. It belongs to a group of foods commonly called pseudocereals. Pseudocereals are seeds that are consumed as cereal grains but don’t grow on grasses. Other common pseudocereals include quinoa and amaranth. Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is gluten-free.

Question 2

What is Buckwheat Mylk (buckwheat beverage)?

Accepted Answer

BUCK Buckwheat mylk is a gluten-free, dairy-free, allergen friendly plant-based milk alternative using Canadian- and US-grown buckwheat and is made from clean, simple ingredients. It starts with buckwheat and water. Sunflower oil and enzymes are added to the mix to break down the starch and create a creamy texture. Blended with vitamins and minerals the end result is a smooth, delicious beverage.

Question 3

Does Buckwheat contain wheat? (i.e. gluten?)

Accepted Answer

Buckwheat is not a wheat plant in spite of its name; it’s a fruit seed and is gluten free.   All our BUCK products are 100% gluten free. All the ingredients that we use in our products are thoroughly examined to make sure they’re gluten free.

Question 4

How is buckwheat good for my health?

Accepted Answer

Often referred to as a superfood, buckwheat contains 18 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids the body can’t produce on its own – i.e. it contains high quality protein. Naturally rich in minerals, contains vitamin B12, a pre-biotic and contains rutin and other flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants and supports cardio-vascular health. To learn more about the health benefits of buckwheat, click here.

Question 5

How is buckwheat good for the planet?

Accepted Answer

On the environmental front, buckwheat requires very little water to grow compared to soy, almonds and even oats. It requires no herbicides or pesticides helping farmers eliminate or reduce harsh chemicals, thus reducing CO2 emission. Since buckwheat requires little or no chemicals (that is detrimental to the lives of bees) to grow, it is a favorable crop for bees. It is estimated that 1 acre of buckwheat field supports 1 beehive.  To learn more about the environmental benefits of buckwheat, click here.

Question 6

Are your products vegan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both our BUCK beverages and gelatos are vegan.

Question 7

What varieties of BUCK products are available?

Accepted Answer

BUCK Beverages are available in Original and Chocolate.   BUCK Gelatos are available in our award-winning Strawberry Sass, Vanilla Cool, Cocoa Loco and Maple Walnut. We have a seasonal flavor (fall/winter) in Pumpkin Spice.   Check back often to find out about our new flavours and exciting new buckwheat based products.

Question 8

Where is your buckwheat sourced from?

Accepted Answer

Our Buckwheat is sourced from Canada and USA. Saint Michael Foods is committed to supporting our local farmers.

Question 9

Where can I buy BUCK products?

Accepted Answer

Visit our 'Where to Buy' page for your nearest retailer or online grocer.

Question 10

If my store doesn't have BUCK, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

We are working hard to grow our brand and continuously adding new locations where our BUCK products can be found. If you can’t find BUCK in your local retailer, we ask that you become our champion by asking to speak to the store manager and request them to carry BUCK products.

Question 11

How long do your products stay fresh?

Accepted Answer

Our BUCK beverages (mylks) have a shelf-life of 12 months from their production date (please see Best Before Date on packaging). Once open, please refrigerate and consume within 7-10 days of opening.  Our BUCK gelatos may be consumed up to 18 months of their production date (please see production date on the packaging) as long as they’re kept frozen.

Question 12

Does BUCK Mylk need to be refrigerated before opening?

Accepted Answer

No, it can be left unrefrigerated before opening as it is shelf-stable.

Question 13

What goes into producing quality plant-based products that BUCK stands for?

Accepted Answer

Ingredients with integrity – to create our BUCK products, much time was spent thoughtfully handpicking ingredients for their nutritional and environmental benefits while doing away with unnecessary fillers and processing.  Supporting local farmers - part of our decision to craft buckwheat-based products was rooted in protecting the livelihoods of our domestic farmers while helping to put Canada back on the map as a top international buckwheat exporter. While utilizing buckwheat from other countries would be a major cost-saving option, it isn’t one that is ethically aligned with our founding principles. Sustainable practices - everything we do, from our commitment to reducing food waste, to the packaging we use to seal our products, has been sourced consciously to support the well-being of Mother Earth. The paperboard we use for our food and beverages has been sourced sustainably through companies that are aligned with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). This ensures that the materials we use are made using forest-based materials from FSC-certified forests or reclaimed sources. Our BUCK mylk and plant-based ice cream products are packaged using recyclable paperboard.   In short, we care about the nutrition we provide for our families. We care about the livelihood of the farmers in our own communities. We care for and respect the land on which we work and play. Each decision we make is rooted in spreading goodness.  To learn more, click here.

Question 14

What allergens are present at your facilities?

Accepted Answer

Our products are made in facilities that may process nuts, dairy and other allergens. Our co-producers have stringent Food Safety Protocols (cleaning methods and procedures) in place for all of the major allergens that eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

Question 15

Do you have gluten in your products?

Accepted Answer

All our products are 100% gluten free. Our main ingredient, buckwheat, is not a wheat plant in spite of its name; it’s a fruit seed and is gluten free. All other ingredients that we use in our products are also thoroughly examined to make sure they’re gluten free.

Question 16

Are your products 100% Non-GMO?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our products are 100% Non-GMO. We're working with each of our facilities to enable official certification.

Question 17

Are your products organic?

Accepted Answer

While our products are not certified organic, they’re 100% plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, carrageenan-free, vegan, and made with no artificial ingredients.   Buckwheat is a hardy plant that requires no herbicides or pesticides as it naturally mitigates weeds. This plant can serve as a bridge to transition farmers to more regenerative practices by decreasing their chemical inputs and working with nature, rather than against it.

Question 18

Are your products free of nuts?

Accepted Answer

All our BUCK beverages are nut free.   All our BUCK gelatos nut free with the exception of our Maple Walnut flavour.

Question 19

Is buckwheat an allergen?

Accepted Answer

Buckwheat is not classified as an allergen in North America. (Please note, buckwheat may be considered a food allergen in other countries, such as Japan and Korea.)

Question 20

Are your products Kosher?

Accepted Answer

Our BUCK Original and BUCK Chocolate beverages are COR Kosher certified. They’re certified by the Kashruth Council of Canada.

Question 21

Are your products Halal?

Accepted Answer

Our BUCK Original and BUCK Chocolate beverages are Halal certified. They’re certified by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of Canada.

Question 22

Does BUCK Mylk contain protein?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our BUCK products contain protein that comes from buckwheat. Buckwheat contains 18 amino acids (including all 9 essential amino acids that must come from diet!) and is often referred to as the building blocks of protein. Because of its well-balanced amino acid profile, the protein in buckwheat is very high quality.

Question 23

How much calcium does BUCK Buckwheat Mylk contain?

Accepted Answer

1 cup (250ml) serving of BUCK Original mylk contains 225mg of calcium. (There is roughly 300mg of calcium in a 250ml serving of cow’s milk.)

Question 24

Is the calcium added?

Accepted Answer

While buckwheat contains some calcium naturally, our BUCK beverages are fortified with calcium.

Question 25

What kind of sweeteners do you use?

Accepted Answer

Our BUCK Original is unsweetened and contains no added sugar;  all the sugar in this beverage comes from naturally occurring sugar from the buckwheat.  Our BUCK Chocolate beverage and all our gelatos are sweetened with raw cane sugar.

Question 26

Does BUCK beverages contain oils?

Accepted Answer

Our BUCK buckwheat-based mylks and gelato products contains mid-oleic sunflower oil. To learn more about the use of sunflower oil, please click here.

Question 27

Why do your products include sunflower oil?

Accepted Answer

The use of sunflower oil increases the nutritional fats and provides the smooth, rich texture of our BUCK products. Oleic sunflower oil (not to be confused with linoleic sunflower oil!)  nutritional profile is similar to avocado oil. It is relatively high in “good” monounsaturated fats and is thought be a healthier option because of its omega-9 fatty acid content. (Please note, we do NOT use linoleic sunflower oils in our products.)

Question 28

Does BUCK products contain artificial flavours or colours?

Accepted Answer

None of our products (beverages or gelatos!) contain any artificial flavours or colours. We don’t compromise on quality and we strive for using simple, clean ingredients that you can pronounce.

Question 29

Is your packaging recyclable?

Accepted Answer

Both our mylks and gelatos are brought to you in 100% recyclable packages. The paperboard we use for our food and beverages has been sourced sustainably through companies that are aligned with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). This ensures that the materials we use are made using forest-based materials from FSC-certified forests or reclaimed sources. Our BUCK mylk and plant-based ice cream products are packaged using recyclable paperboard.  Please check with your local recycling program the proper way to recycle these materials.

Question 30

How are you reducing waste?

Accepted Answer

Our choice of packaging reflects our mission to help reduce food waste and its effect on climate change.  We look at reducing food waste from the entire value chain from growing each plant from a seed to preparing the finished product and placing it into a container.  We achieve this by partnering with the entire value chain of companies that is aligned with the same purpose.  Our mylk in our carton containers are prepared with no chemicals and are packed to stay fresh for 12 months from the date of food production without the need of refrigeration before opening.

Question 31

How are you supporting bees?

Accepted Answer

Since buckwheat requires little or no chemicals (that is detrimental to the lives of bees) to grow, it is a favourable crop for bees. Beekeepers love buckwheat as it helps to preserve and expand their bee population. In fact, 1 acre of buckwheat field supports 1 beehive.