Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the name of the company?
The inspiration for our company name, Nüssli118° comes from the Swiss-German language and means "little nut", one of the main ingredients in our snacks. 118° is the maximum temperature at which we gently dry our nuts and seeds to retain heat sensitive vitamins and enzymes.
Why are the Swiss such an inspiration?
The Swiss have a long tradition of using plant-based nutrition as a means to promote health dating back to the late 1800’s with Maximilian Bircher, a pioneering Swiss doctor, who incorporated a vegetarian diet as part of a means to healing his patients. We have created delicious snacks and treats, handmade from whole, plant-based ingredients that are minimally processed and inspired by Dr. Bircher's belief that good nutrition is key to good health.
And why 118°?
All of our nuts and seeds are soaked to begin the sprouting process. This activates enzymes giving life to the nut and nutrients are increased as the seed starts to germinate. After this initial phase, we thoroughly rinse the seeds and gently air dry at 118° to protect heat sensitive enzymes and nutrients so you get all the benefits of sprouted nuts and seeds. Sally Fallon, founder of The Weston Price Foundation and co-author of the book, Healing Traditions states sprouting increases vitamins while neutralizing enzyme inhibitors and phytic acids which otherwise blocks the absorption of important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper.
Why are all your ingredients organic?
In our food system filled with toxic chemicals, herbicides, pesticides and GMOs, we believe you should have a choice of products that are free of these dangers. We also believe in sustainably grown and fair-traded ingredients. Although we are not yet large enough to direct-source our ingredients, we work with suppliers that share our beliefs such as Tierra Farms, Nutiva, Blue Mountain Organics, and Terra Soul.
Why are your products promoted as both vegan and paleo?
We believe a plant-based diet is healthy for both our bodies and the planet. As nicely stated by Michael Pollan, New York Times writer and best-selling author on health and nutrition, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or paleo a plant-based diet leads to better health and quality of life whether you decide to eat meats or grains as a small portion of your daily diet.
Why are your products grain and gluten free? And what about buckwheat?
Gluten containing grains are a common allergen and linked to chronic inflammation and digestive problems even in those without celiac disease. Despite its name, Buckwheat is a seed, not a grain, and a protein rich ingredient we use in many of our products.
Why are your products free of refined sugars?
No refined sugar, no sugar alcohols, no brown rice syrup, or natural cane sugar which are empty calories and can lead to disease and weight gain. Instead we sweeten with whole fruits and unrefined coconut sugar which provide nutrients and fiber. Coconut sugar is the most sustainably grown sugar available.
Do you have any products that are nut free?
Our Coconut Rounds are nut free.
Why do you describe your products as nutrient-dense?
All our products are nutrient-dense meaning a little bit contains a multitude of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Most snacks and treats found in the market today are filled with empty calories – white flour and refined sugar – that contain little if any nutritional value and can be detrimental to your health and waistline. We always do our research and use only the most nutrient-dense ingredients.
What makes your products taste so good?
All our ingredients are sourced for taste and freshness, nutritional value, and environmental and community stewardship. We carefully prepare each product for taste, texture, and consistency. We do not use cheap fillers subsidized by government to increase our bottom line – no brown rice syrup, evaporated cane sugar, wheat, corn, rice, potato flour, and the list goes on. We use whole organic ingredients minimally processed and creatively combined resulting in amazing tasting nutrient-dense snacks and treats.