As a key supplier of food and drink products we know there are many customers that rely on us and we take this responsibility very seriously. With this in mind, we are in touch with local authorities to emphasize the importance of these products in the food and drink chain. Of course the health and safety of our colleagues is our highest priority and we have implemented stringent precautionary measures in the plants for the entire workforce. In addition, we have implemented a working from home policy for all colleagues in our offices and have stopped all travel in order to support social distancing.
Our planet is faced with a pandemic that affects all of us. In this difficult context, every day, Danone's teams demonstrate exceptional commitment in all the countries where we are present and are united for the same cause: to protect our supply chain so that we can continue providing you with your daily food supply. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our 100,000 employees around the world as well as that of our partners. Danone is taking radical measures to strengthen the resilience of our teams and our value chain : - All employment contracts secured and wages guaranteed for the 100,000 Danone employees worldwide until June 30. - Extensive coverage (health, childcare, quarantine) for all employees worldwide. - Specific bonus for all employees working on site during the pandemic. - Financial support of € 250M for the 15,000 small businesses in our global ecosystem (farmers, suppliers, service providers), financed by Danone's cash flow.
Please be assured we are doing everything we can to protect our employees and satisfy the needs of our customers.
Where are Provamel® products being sold?
Our products can be found in Sainsbury's and health food shops such as Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods, As Nature Intended and Planet Organic. Via Find a Shop you can easily find local shops that sell our products.
Can I eat Provamel® products every day?
Yes. Provamel products fit perfectly on the menu every day. Our products are part of a varied and balanced diet. The Food Pyramid of the Food Standards Agency indicates what you should eat every day. The Food Pyramid includes dairy products and calcium enriched soya products. Soya drinks can replace milk products provided that they are enriched with calcium. Our Provamel® Soya Drink Calcium is enriched with calcium and contains 120 mg calcium/100 ml. The other Provamel® Organic Drinks do not provide sufficient calcium. It is therefore important to include an additionalsource of calcium in your diet. Provamel® Organic Drinks are also perfect snacks. Be sure to take a look at Plant-Based Eating on our website. Here you will find a host of tips on how to easily adopt a plant-based diet. It’s good for you and for the planet too.
Do Provamel® products contain any genetically modified ingredients?
No, none of our products contain GMO. With this we want to live up to our role as pioneer in the field of natural, plant-based food that is sustainable for people and planet.
Do Provamel® products contain cholesterol?
No, our products naturally do not contain any cholesterol.
How are Provamel® Soya Drinks made?
1. After the harvest the organic soya beans are shipped to our production units ASAP. 2. The outer layers of the soya beans are removed. 3. The beans are then blanched in hot water. 4. Cold water is added after grinding. 5. The soya drink is then separated from the pulp (okara). 6. No artificial preservatives, colours or sweeteners are being added to the Provamel® Drinks. Discover our delicious Soya Drinks.
How are Provamel® Almond Drinks made?
1. We begin with selecting the right almond variety, which gives the Provamel® Almond Drink its typical flavour. 2. The almonds are then cleaned and peeled. 3. The almonds are ground and roasted slightly to obtain an almond paste. 4. This paste is mixed with water and the other ingredients. 5. The drink is heated at a high temperature for a few seconds and the packaging then filled, making it a product with a long shelf life. Discover our delicious Almond Drinks.
How is Provamel® Rice-Coconut Drink made?
1. We start by selecting the highest quality of Italian rice which gives the Provamel® Rice-Coconut Drink its typical flavour. 2. The rice is ground until it becomes rice flour and this rice flour undergoes an enzymatic hydrolysis process. This means that the carbohydrates (long chains) are partly converted into sugars (short chains) in a natural way. 3. Then coconut milk is added. 4. The drink is heated at a high temperature for a few seconds and the packaging is then filled, making it a product with a long shelf life. Discover our delicious Rice-Coconut Drink.
How is Provamel® Oat Drink made?
1. We start by selecting the highest quality of oat which gives the Provamel® Oat Drink its typical flavour. 2. The oats are mixed with water and other ingredients. 3. The drink is heated at a high temperature for a few seconds and is then filled, making it a product with a long shelf life. 4. The result is a delicious Oat Drink. Discover our delicious Oat Drink.
How is Provamel® Rice Drink made?
1. We start by selecting the highest quality of European rice which gives the Provamel® Rice Drink its typical flavour. 2. The rice is ground until it becomes rice flour and this rice flour undergoes an enzymatic hydrolysis process. This means that the carbohydrates (long chains) are partly converted into sugars (short chains) in a natural way. The rice is not cooked. 3. The rice is then mixed with water and the other ingredients. 4. The drink is heated at a high temperature for a few seconds and is then filled, making it a product with a long storage life. 5. The result is a delicious Rice Drink. Discover our delicious Rice Drink.
How are Provamel® Desserts made?
1. Provamel® Desserts are prepared on the basis of the soya drink. 2. Among others, the following, is added to these soya drinks: raw cane sugar, wheat starch, wheat syrup, natural aroma, chocolate, vanilla extract and cocoa. 3. Provamel® Desserts are available in Chocolate flavour. 4. No artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives are added to Provamel® Desserts. 5. Gluten-free wheat starch is used as a thickener in the Desserts. Discover our delicious Desserts.
How is Provamel® Plant-based Alternative to Yogurt prepared?
1. After the harvest the organic soya beans are shipped to our production units ASAP. 2. The outer layers of the soya beans are removed. 3. The beans are then blanched in hot water. 4. Cold water is added after grinding. 5. The soya drink is then separated from the pulp (okara). 6.Provamel® Plant-based Alternative to Yogurt is prepared like classic yogurt. Cultures are added to the natural soya drink to get the structure of ‘yogurt’ and finally the fruit is added. All Provamel® Plant-based Alternatives to Yogurt do not contain any added colours or sweeteners. Discover our delicious Plant-based Alternatives to Yogurt.
How is it possible to make a Provamel® Plant-based Alternative to Yogurt free from sugars?
Provamel® is constantly assessing and testing new ingredients and new technologies, not only to launch new products, but also to improve existing ones.A plant-based alternative to yogurt free from sugars is a ground-breaking innovation that was only possible by combining thorough knowledge with the command of all different processing parameters and many years of intensive research and development. The result is a delicious, soft plant-based alternative to yogurt with 0 gram sugar.
How are Provamel products sweetened?
This depends on the product. Some products are completely sugar free or unsweetened. Some products are naturally sweet. We add a sweetening ingredient to other Provamel® products such as agave syrup. You can check in the list of ingredients on our website to see which sweetener is used in your Provamel product. In any case, we do not add artificial sweeteners to any of our products.
Does Provamel use artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives in its products?
No, we do not use artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives in any of our products.
What is the shelf life of Provamel products?
This varies from product to product. The Provamel range contains both fresh and long life products. We clearly mention the expiration date and the storage condition of our products on the packaging. We also mention the best way to store opened packaging and for how long.
Why do some Provamel® products have such a long storage life?
Thanks to the ultra high temperature treatment (UHT). No preservatives are added.
Why do some Provamel® products contain (sea) salt?
We add this for flavour purposes. We always try to keep the amount as low as possible. Without adding salt, no matter how little, our products do not meet the taste requirements of our consumers. During the development phases of our products we always evaluate the ideal (sea) salt content we need to add. A number of our products are tasty without adding (sea) salt, namely our Soya® Natural Drink and Almond Drink.
Why do most Provamel® products not contain added calcium/vitamins/minerals?
Products can only have the "organic" label if they are 100% natural, so without adding non-organic minerals or vitamins. This is why we do not add any extra calcium, vitamins or minerals to our products. The naturally occurring calcium, vitamins and minerals in the ingredients are included in our products. Provamel® Soya-Calcium Drink and the Provamel® Rice Calcium Drink contain organic sea algae, making them a source of organic calcium. Vitamins and minerals are added to some products. These products cannot carry the ‘organic’ label, although the other ingredients are organic.
Are Provamel® products gluten-free?
All our products, except for our spelt and oat drink are gluten-free. Moreover, we are certifying all our products by Coeliac UK Organisation, so they can carry their Crossed Grain symbol, to ensure our consumer that these products do not contain gluten. Products that carry the Crossed Grain Symbol must meet a range of criteria to ensure that they are gluten-free, both in terms of the ingredients and the production process.
Are Provamel® products part of a healthy diet?
You can use all our products as part of a varied and balanced diet. Soya products can replace milk products provided that they are enriched with calcium. Our Provamel® Soya-Calcium Drink is enriched with calcium and contains 120 mg calcium/100 ml. The other Provamel® Organic Drinks do not provide enough calcium. Therefore it is important to include an additonal source of calcium in your diet. Provamel® Organic Drinks are also a great snack.Don’t forget to have a look at Plant-based eating on our website, where you can find plenty of tips on how to follow a plant-based diet. This is good for you and for the planet too.
Are Provamel® products suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Absolutely. All our products are 100% plant-based and free from animal ingredients. They are therefore perfect for vegetarians and vegans, but also for people who simply want to eat something different. This is why we include the Vegan logo on all our packaging.
Is Provamel suitable for infants?
Provamel® soydrinks can be used as part of a varied and balanced diet from the age of three. Provamel® Soya-Calcium Drink is enriched with calcium and can replace milk. It contains high-quality proteins and as much calcium as milk (120 mg calcium/100 ml). The other Provamel® Organic Drinks should not be regarded as a singular milk substitute, but as an additional snack that is 100% plant-based. Plant-based products contain less saturated fat, more fibre than animal products and are less harmful to the environment.Provamel® Rice Drink and Rice-Coconut can be used from the age of five.If you have any questions about your child's diet please contact your pediatrician or a state registered dietitian
Is Provamel suitable for children?
Provamel® soydrinks can be used as part of a varied and balanced diet from the age of three. Provamel® Soya-Calcium Drink is enriched with calcium and can replace milk. It contains high-quality proteins and as much calcium as milk (120 mg calcium/100 ml). The other Provamel® Organic Drinks should not be regarded as a singular milk substitute, but as an additional snack that is 100% plant-based. Plant-based products contain less saturated fat, more fibre than animal products and are less harmful to the environment.Provamel® Rice Drink and Rice-Coconut can be used from the age of five.If you have any questions about your child's diet please contact your pediatrician or a state registered dietitian
Is Provamel® suitable for diabetics?
Diabetics have specific dietary needs, which is why we recommend discussing your diet with your doctor or dietician if you have diabetes. If they recommend a healthy dietary pattern, our products can be included.
Are Provamel® products lactose and cow’s milk protein free?
Yes, all our products are naturally lactose and cow’s milk protein free.
What is lactose intolerance and what can I do about it?
You can find all information about lactose intolerance here.
What is gluten intolerance and what can I do about it?
You can find all information about gluten intolerance here.
What is cow’s milk protein allergy and what can I do about it?
You can find all information about cow’s milk protein allergy here.
What is a nut allergy?
You can find all information about nut allergy here.
Are Provamel® products nut free?
Today we are producing hazelnut and almond drinks in separate locations from where we produce our Rice Unsweetened Drink, Rice Calcium Drink, Oat Drink and all our soya products. Recently we decided to anticipate on integrating the production of almond and hazelnut containing products at the site where we produce our Rice Unsweetened Drink, Rice Calcium Drink, Oat Drink and all our soya products. Production lines at this site will be dedicated to producing soya, rice and oat drinks OR to almond, hazelnut and coconut drinks. Any avoidable risk of cross-contamination is thus excluded. In our production site where we produce our PROVAMEL® blends, our almond, hazelnut, spelt, macadamia, cashew and coconut drinks, all measures are taken to avoid possible cross-contamination. In this light the claim ‘may contain traces of’ is no longer necessary for soya, rice and oat drinks, soya alternatives to cream and soya desserts, but it is necessary to keep it on alternatives to yogurt as well as nut drinks such as almond, hazelnut, but also for spelt, macadamia and coconut.
Why does some of the Provamel packaging mention ‘may contain traces of almond and hazelnuts’ while others don’t?
We currently produce all our drinks with hazelnuts and almonds at separate locations from where we produce our Unsweetened Rice Drink, Rice Calcium Drink, Oat Drink and all our soya products. We recently decided to start preparations to integrate the production of products containing almonds and hazelnuts in our branch where we produce our Unsweetened Rice Drink, Rice Calcium Drink, Oat Drink and all our soya products. The production lines in this branch will be separated, so any preventable risk of cross-contamination is excluded. Drinks, desserts and cream alternatives based on soya, rice and oats do not have a ‘may contain traces’ claim. In our production site where we produce our PROVAMEL® blends, our almond, hazelnut, spelt, macadamia, cashew and coconut drinks, all measures are taken to avoid possible cross-contamination. However, there is limited experience about nut allergen management on these specific production lines. Only if validation of the production lines confirms there is no avoidable risk for cross-contamination, the claim 'may contain traces of’ may be removed. As we are convinced that honesty is the best policy, the claim will remain until there is a guarantee that the products do not contain these allergens.
Can you lose weight with Provamel® products?
If you want to lose weight, it is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet. This means making good choice and sufficient variation. Our products can be used in any healthy and balanced dietary pattern. All products also clearly mention nutritional information, such as energy value, on the packaging.
Are our products good for the planet?
Absolutely, see Good for the planet.
Are our products CO2 neutral?
Yes, our production process has been CO2-neutral since 2010 as a result of saving energy, replacing fossil fuels by green energy and the investment in external projects to reduce CO2 emission.*
*Following energy efficiency programs in our production sites in Europe, 2,450 t direct CO2 emissions remain attributed to Provamel production (2019 Scope 1+2, Greenhouse Gas Protocol). All 2,450 t are compensated by financial support to re-forestation project in India (The Khasi Hills Community REDD+) through www.weforest.org (Provamel CO2 Retirement Certificate, 11.07.2020).
Which material is Provamel® packaging made of?
The material of our 1 L Drinks and 4 x 125 gram dessert pots consists of Tetra Pak®. Tetra Pak® has the lowest environmental impact of all strong drinks packages. Tetra Pak® is made of eco-friendly materials and no harmful substances are used during the production process. When you’ve finished your Provamel® drink, the Tetra Pak® can therefore be completely recycled. Discover more on www.tetrapak.com
Is Provamel® part of the WWF Climate Savers Programme?
Yes, Alpro, which Provamel is part of, became the first European food company to be part of the WWF Climate Savers programme in 2011. Specifically, this programme means that leading companies such as Alpro can draw up ambitious plans with WWF to considerably reduce the emission of GHG (greenhouse gasses). With this they show that economic growth and a lower CO2 emission can easily go hand in hand. Climate Savers was founded in 2000 and in total 30 companies are part of this WWF programme, including well-known brands such as Tetra Pak, Sony, HP, Volvo and Coca-Cola.
Can Provamel® products be heated?
All our drinks, plant-based alternatives to cream and desserts can be heated. Our plant-based alternatives to yogurt cannot.
Can Provamel® Drinks be used as coffee milk?
All our drinks are delicious in coffee or tea. Sometimes, depending on the type of coffee or tea used, there is a chance that our soya drinks might curdle. Pour the soya drink in the cup first, before adding coffee or tea to reduce the chance of curdling.
Can Provamel® Cuisine be used as coffee milk?
Yes. Pour Provamel® Cuisine into a cup and then pour the coffee.
With which Provamel® product can you make whipped cream?
Our Soya Single Alternative to Cream can be beaten in combination with agar-agar to a nice foam. This enables you to give all sweet and savoury dishes an added touch. Make organic cooking delicious!
Can you also make pudding with Provamel® Drinks?
Absolutely. The cooking time may be a little longer or shorter depending on which drink you use.
Can I store Provamel® products in the freezer?
We do not recommend this as the quality or structure of the products can diminish when thawing. Recipes using Provamel® products can be frozen according to the freezing guidelines.
Where are our soya beans from?
Provamel gets all its soya beans directly from non-GMO farms, an essential characteristic of organic farming, in Europe. Since early 2012 we no longer use soya beans from Brazil because our quality requirements (quality beans, GMO-free, etc.) can no longer be guaranteed there.
Is soya protein a good substitute for animal fat?
Yes, soya protein is a high quality protein and therefore contains all essential amino acids (protein building blocks), which the body cannot make itself. These amino acids are sufficiently present to be a good alternative for animal protein.
Is there enough protein in Provamel® soya products for the daily requirement?
Provamel soya drinks, alternatives to yogurt and desserts are a source of protein. An adult needs 0.8 g protein per kg bodyweight every day. Pregnant and nursing women have a higher protein need. Children also need more protein, depending on their age. Soya products provide high-grade protein that contains a sufficient amount of all essential amino acids that cannot be made by the body itself. You can find the protein content of the various Provamel® products on the nutritional table of the products.
Are the proteins in other Provamel® products a good animal protein substitute?
No, only soya protein is a good alternative to animal protein. All Provamel products are 100% plant based and naturally lactose free. Provamel nuts and grain drinks are a pleasant snack and fit in a healthy diet. For instance, Provamel® Oat Drink is a source of fibre. The nutritional information can be found on each product.
Is there a maximum amount of soya you are allowed to eat a day?
Soya has been part of the daily diet in Asian countries for ages. Soya products are also part of the Active Food Pyramid and therefore fit in with a healthy and varied diet. Three-four glasses (450-600 ml) of calcium enriched soya drinks or derived products and 15-30 g tofu (alternative for meat, fish and eggs) are recommended a day. It remains important though to have a varied diet.
How much soya products fit in a varied and balanced diet?
A healthy lifestyle including a varied and balanced diet is important for health. Excessive intake of one single food component in the diet is to be avoided.1-3 Soya products per day fit in a varied and balanced diet; as an example starting the day with a soyadrink on cereals , having a soya meat alternative at lunch and enjoying a soya alternative to dairy yoghurt as a dessert or healthy in-between.See specific info regarding use in children and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Are soya products suitable during pregnancy
Soya products can be consumed during pregnancy. 1 portion of soya products per day fits in a varied diet during pregnancy. Provamel® soya products are 100% plantbased, source of protein, low in saturated fat . Always consult your dietician or doctor for specific dietary advice.
Are soya products suitable during breastfeeding?
Soya products can be consumed during breastfeeding. 1 portion of soya products per day fits in a varied diet during breastfeeding. Provamel® soya products are 100% plantbased, source of protein, low in saturated fat . Always consult your dietician or doctor for specific dietary advice.
Where do the almonds in the Provamel® Almond Drinks come from?
Three elements are important for the purchase of our ingredients: 1) Where do these ingredients naturally grow? 2) What is the ecological footprint? 3) What is the relationship with our current suppliers? We always prefer long-term relationships with our farmers. Taking this into account, we buy our almonds in Europe. All information about almonds can be found here.
How many almonds does 1 L Provamel® Almond Drink contain?
On average 50 almonds are needed to make 1 L Provamel® Almond Drink.
Are the almonds peeled first?
Yes, the almonds are peeled and roasted first before they are used to make Provamel® Almond Drink.
Where do the hazelnuts in the Provamel® Hazelnut Drink come from?
Three elements are important for the purchase of our ingredients: 1) Where do these ingredients naturally grow? 2) What is the ecological footprint? 3) What is the relationship with our current suppliers? We always prefer long-term relationships with our farmers. Taking this into account, we buy our hazelnuts in Europe. All information about hazelnuts can be found here.
Where does the rice in Provamel® Rice Drinks come from?
Three elements are important for the purchase of our ingredients: 1) Where do these ingredients naturally grow? 2) What is the ecological footprint? 3) What is the relationship with our current suppliers? We always prefer long-term relationships with our farmers. Taking this into account, we buy our rice in Europe. All information about rice can be found here.
Where do the oats in the Provamel® Oats Drink come from?
Three elements are important for the purchase of our ingredients: 1) Where do these ingredients naturally grow? 2) What is the ecological footprint? 3) What is the relationship with our current suppliers? We always prefer long-term relationships with our farmers.Taking this into account, we buy our oats in Europe.All information about oats can be found here.
Where do the macadamia nuts in the Provamel® Macadamia Drink come from?
Three elements are important for the purchase of our ingredients: 1) Where do these ingredients naturally grow? 2) What is the ecological footprint? 3) What is the relationship with our current suppliers? We always prefer long-term relationships with our farmers.Taking this into account, we buy our macadamia nuts in Kenya and Guatemala. All information about macadamia nuts can be found here.
What are you doing at the moment to reduce carbon emissions and water waste?
Well, quite a bit. Grab a glass of our cold Almond Drink and get comfortable. Production: since 2011, we’ve been making investments for efficient energy use and switched to 100% green electricity. By doing that, we reduced the direct CO2 emissions per product by 35%. By 2025 we're aiming for another 30% CO2 reduction. But there’s more we want to do by then: our other goal is to have 50% of the energy use in our factories coming from renewable sources. Other than that, we’re also working on an action plan to significantly reduce food waste. And minimise the risk of food getting lost in the supply chain, by investigating every step in the process. We’re also enhancing the recycling of waste generated in our operations and reducing the non-recycled waste stream to a bare minimum. You see, we already recycle most of the waste from our factories. Only a little ends up as landfill, yet we’re working to minimize this even more. The final part is our water consumption: we’re committed to reduce it by 60% per kg product by 2025. We’ve started implementing advanced water treatment installations in our production sites, allowing us to reuse water that would otherwise go to waste (like water from cleaning for example). Packaging: we are - switching to paper straws in 2021 and paper pots by 2025 (producing paper packaging emits far less carbon). - using PP (polypropylene) instead of PS (polystyrene) for our dessert-packaging by 2022. - changing the composition of our small pots to 50% PET and 50% RPET (recycled PET) by 2022. We already successfully reduced plastic by removing the plastic lids on our big pots, saving 8 tonnes of plastic per year. And for our drink packs, we're committed to go for 100% (instead of 88%) plant-based and recycled materials by 2025. Transport: we’re figuring out how to use more railway transport and (river) boats instead of trucks for our EU ingredients. To get the ingredients from across the oceans to us, we use sea transport (to minimize our carbon footprint). Of course our main goal is to source our core ingredients as close to home as we can. Raw Materials: we’re working with farmers to help them reduce their emissions - or even to become carbon positive - through regenerative agriculture. Check out our commitments on healthy soils here (link to save our soil page).For more information, check our sustainability page and our Manifesto. Okay, you can breathe again. Next question?