Frequently Asked Questions
General
Where does the name ‘Califia Farms’ come from?

Just like our California home, we’re named after the legend of Queen Califia. As an inspiration to our founder, Greg Steltenpohl, the legend of Queen Califia inspires us to protect and nourish our environment and community.


Where can I buy Califia? If my store doesn't have it, what can I do?

If you’re looking for our products, please check out https://www.califiafarms.com/where-to-buy to find Califia near you! You can filter your search to produce results for the specific product you are looking for by selecting the product image from the menu below the zip code field. You can also use the “Buy Now” feature on each of our product pages to find local online and physical retailers.


If you can’t find Califia Farms in store, we want to hear from you. Please contact our Consumer Care Team at hello@califiafarms.com. You can also ask to speak to a store manager and request that they carry Califia Farms products.


Can I still order from your website?

In 2021, we decided to formally close our direct-to-consumer business. Starting January 1st, 2022, we will no longer be accepting, shipping, or processing orders on our website. You can still purchase online from our great retail partners. Please use our store locator to purchase locally in store by clicking here.


Still have questions? Please contact our Consumer Care Team by clicking here or email hello@califiafarms.com.


How long do your products stay fresh?

You should drink our products by or before their expiration date, and within 7-10 days of opening them.


Does my product need to be refrigerated before opening?

Our bottled products (plantmilks, creamers, cold brew coffees, juices and some seasonal items) are perishable and must always be refrigerated.


However, our products packaged in cartons (Better Half, select creamers, Barista Blends, and select concentrated cold brews) are shelf stable and can be left unrefrigerated before opening.


Always double check the label instructions. With all of our products, please refrigerate after opening and consume within 7-10 days of opening.


I own a small business, and I’d like to stock Califia Farms. What do I do?

Send us an email at sales@califiafarms.com and let us know the distributors from which you order.


What’s next for Califia? Do you have any plans to expand into new categories?

We’ll continue to innovate and explore ways of introducing more delicious, plant based, dairy-free products. We know that health is a key driver for our category, and we will continue to bring both improved nutrition and taste to continue the growth of plant-based products. We are looking to keep consumers curious about plant-based options.


Help! I still have questions.

Contact us by emailing hello@califiafarms.com or calling 1 (844) 237-4779. Our Consumer Care team is happy to help!


Products
My new bottle has a slightly different cap shape and there was no foil seal underneath. Is it safe to use?

This alternative cap design uses a different safety seal feature than our bottles made at our West Coast facility. It contains a smaller interior cap with a plug-like safety seal and tamper evident plastic ring. When opening, there should be a cracking of the small plastic fasteners along the inside edge of the cap to ensure product safety. Although visually different, both versions of our caps provide a complete seal and product integrity is maintained.


Are your products 100% non-GMO?

Yes. We certify our products through Non-GMO Project.


Are your products organic? If not, do you know if your oats were sprayed with glyphosate pre-harvest?

No, our products are not organic. Our oat and almond products are third-party certified as Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project. Learn more here. In the search criteria, type in Califia, and you will see all our certified products!


Do you have carrageenan in your products?

All Califia Farms products are 100% carrageenan free!


Are your products gluten free?

Yes, our products are gluten free according to FDA guidelines, which require gluten free products to contain less than 20ppm of gluten.


What allergens are present at your facilities?

Our PET plastic bottle products are made in a facility that processes tree nuts, and our laminated carton products are processed in a facility that processes dairy, tree nuts and soy. Califia Farms has Food Safety protocols in place to eliminate the risk for cross-contamination at our production facilities.


Califia Farms has a thorough allergen program in place that is properly validated and verified by independent third-party analysis. All equipment is tested following cleaning using methods and procedures that are approved for use in food plants to verify allergen status.


Are your products Kosher?

Yes, all our products are kosher. They are all under the supervision of the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union. All our products are dairy free and vegan.


Your products say “homogenized.” What does that mean?

Homogenization is a physical process, where pressure is applied to the beverage to ensure smoothness and to prevent separation. Homogenization does not affect the nutritional content of the beverage, and as a physical process, it does not introduce any new materials.


Why and how do you pasteurize your products?

Pasteurization is a very common process in the beverage manufacturing industry, and we pasteurize for food safety reasons. We use flash pasteurization, meaning that our products are heated up quickly for short periods of time to make sure they are safe for consumption.


Is there corn in your products?

No. There is no corn in our products.


What accounts for the sodium content in your products?

The sodium content is mostly derived from the added sea salt. The salt is a flavour potentiator, which gives flavour in our products more of a punch.


What kind of water do your products contain?

We start with potable well water, which we run through a reverse osmosis unit that filters and purifies beyond the standards of ordinary drinking water by removing virtually all of the dissolved solids from the water.


What are the "natural flavours" listed on your ingredient list?

Our natural flavours are a proprietary blend of essences, extracts, and other components of natural food materials to provide added enjoyment using safe and natural ingredients. The flavour components that we use are not manufactured in a lab — they are obtained from real food ingredients to impart flavour. At Califia Farms, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our products, but we cannot divulge the components of our proprietary flavour blend because our recipes are… well… proprietary!


What kinds of sweeteners do you use?

In our sweetened products, we use pure cane sugar and/or monk fruit, a natural sweetener. To find out what’s used in a specific product, please check the list of ingredients on the bottle or on the product page on our website.


Is the sugar in your products processed using bone charcoal?

No. The sugar in our products is not processed through bone charcoal.


How long are the seasonal products available?

Our seasonal products are produced for a limited period of time every year, usually beginning in September. From past years, we’ve learned that we usually sell out of product by January 1st, so if you’re eager to snag our dairy free Pumpkin Spice Latte or Holiday Nog, we recommend picking it up sooner rather than later.


Sustainability
Is your packaging recyclable?

All of our products are brought to you in recyclable packaging— whether that’s plastic bottles and caps, labels, or cartons. Starting in 2022, all of our packaging in the United States and Canada will display the How2Recycle label, which helps consumers understand how to properly recycle or dispose of empty packaging. For more information on the How2Recyle program, please visit https://how2recycle.info/.


How do you source your ingredients?

At Califia, we pride ourselves in selecting only the highest-quality ingredients from whole food plant sources. We work with a network of suppliers in North America and throughout the world to produce our delicious range of dairy-free plant-based products.


When it comes to the almonds used in our products, most of our almonds come from a grower-owned processor led by a 3rd generation almond-growing family. They use solar powered irrigation systems and technologically progressive irrigation practices and manage their own beehives to ensure that these important pollinators thrive. In 2021, 65-68% of the almonds we purchased came from certified bee friendly farms through Pollinator Partnership.


North American grown oats are used in our oat milks and creamers, while our coconuts are sourced from Indonesia. To achieve the desired roast and flavor profiles in our coffee, we use 100% Arabica coffee beans sourced from South and Central America.


How are you making your manufacturing facility’s energy use cleaner and more efficient?

We have a set a goal to be Zero Waste at the end of 2023 at our owned facility. During our first full year in the program, we have achieved a 65% landfill diversion rate. We remain committed to maintaining carbon neutrality at our Bakersfield facility. In 2021, we have purchased renewable energy to match 100% of our operational electricity consumption.


We’ve also worked to find innovative ways to reduce our energy use. For example, we use a boiler economizer to consume less gas in our heat generation, and we have installed skylights for natural lighting in the packaging area.


How are you conserving water?

We all know H20 is a precious resource, especially in our home state of California. We work with almond farmers who use efficient, technologically advanced irrigation practices. By using drip irrigation and live weather and soil moisture monitoring, these farmers ensure that the almond trees get the appropriate amount of water they need without waste.


We’ve implemented a water filtration technology at our owned manufacturing facility where 100% of the water used is recycled into the local water table. Additionally, in 2020 we switched from RO water filtration to NANO filtration, which is 16% more efficient–meaning we can use 16% less ground water to get the same amount of clean water.


What other actions has Califia taken to reduce its carbon footprint?

Since 2019, we have made progress in reducing the total amount of plastic used in our bottles as well as increasing the recyclability of our packaging.


We completed a Scope 1, 2, and 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory at the beginning of 2022 and are making emissions reduction commitments.


What about bee health and Califia Farms?

The health of the natural world is a priority of ours, and the health of honeybees is critical to our company’s supply chain — without bees, almond trees can’t grow almonds! That’s why we work with our growers to protect the bees; in fact, our largest almond supplier has their own in-house honeybee operation, which protects bee health year-round.


Are you affiliated with any other third-party associations?

We are proud to be founding members of the Plant Based Foods Association, a trade organization formed with the following mission: to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace for businesses selling plant-based foods intended to replace animal products such as meats, dairy, and eggs, by promoting policies and practices that improve conditions in the plant-based foods industry and educating consumers about the benefits of plant-based foods.


We are also members of Plant-Based Foods of Canada, the European Alliance for Plant-Based Foods, and Business for Social Responsibility Califia is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.


We’re members of RE100. to build our renewable energy strategy for the future.


Califia Farms Statement Regarding Slavery and Human Trafficking

Our Business


At Califia Farms, we are on a mission to create a future where plants replace dairy, without compromise.


We produce innovative, healthy, and great-tasting plant-based alternatives to dairy, including a wide range of plantmilks, creamers, barista products, and brewed-to-blend coffees. We pride ourselves in selecting only the highest-quality ingredients from whole food plant sources.


Califia was an early mover in the plant-based space and today is one of the leading plant-based beverage brands in the U.S. In 2017, to help meet rising international demand, we established on-the-ground operations in the U.K., Australia, and Canada. Through a network of smaller distributorships, we also have a presence in several other countries.


Califia is headquartered in Los Angeles, with main operations located in Bakersfield, California.


Assessing Supply Chain Risk


At Califia Farms, we focus on creating long-term, collaborative relationships with our supplier base, which provide stability and certainty for our operations. Our procurement team works directly with suppliers to ensure a reliable supply of goods and services and is responsible for managing supplier relationships end-to-end. Califia Farms currently sources ingredients, goods, and services from over a hundred suppliers globally.


Our supply chain is complex and effectively assessing and addressing supply chain issues such as slavery, human trafficking, and other human rights concerns is often challenging. To accomplish this, in 2021 we began using an independent third-party tool to conduct a risk analysis of our ingredient and manufacturing supply base with the goal of identifying any suppliers that pose an increased risk. This process is ongoing. If suppliers rated as high-risk are found, we will further engage with that supplier and pursue a third-party audit where risks are most salient or in the absence of information.


Respecting Human Rights


Califia Farms has a Supplier Code of Conduct that aims to protect the human rights of workers in our manufacturing sites and supply chain by:


– Prohibiting forced, bonded, child, or involuntary labor or excessive working hours


– Prohibiting the use of any corporal punishment, physical or psychological abuse, or threats of violence or coercion to secure or keep its employees


– Requiring safe and hygienic working conditions


– Requiring payment of living wages


– Prohibiting restrictions on workers’ freedom of association and


– Prohibiting discrimination


Our Supplier Code of Conduct is based on the Ethical Trade Initiative Base Code, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Rights and Principles at Work and was first published in December 2021. The Code applies to both Califia Farm’s own manufacturing sites and our direct suppliers. By signing Califia Farm’s Supplier Code of Conduct, our suppliers certify that they and their upstream sub-suppliers are in compliance with the Code.


Training


In 2021, Califia Farms began providing annual human rights training for employees working with suppliers, our entire Senior Leadership team including our Chief Supply Chain Officer, and our Board of Directors. We are in the process of adding this training as a required element for onboarding of all new Califia Farms employees.


Reporting


We encourage anyone who is aware of violations of the law or our Supplier Code of Conduct to notify their management, our Sustainability Steering Committee, or to utilize Califia Farms’ employee hotline at (877) 355-0411 or logging on to www.califiahotline.com.


Governance


This policy has been approved by the Califia Farms’ CEO. The Califia Farms Executive Leadership Team has ultimate accountability for the company’s social and environmental responsibility programs and performance. We also have a Sustainability Steering Committee, which is overseen by our VP of Sustainability and includes our CEO and internal leadership from Supply Chain, HR, and Marketing; the Committee provides oversight of global Responsible Sourcing efforts, including human rights due diligence, collaborates on implementation of our sustainability initiatives and proactively communicates with external stakeholders and monitor trends and best practices in this area. The Committee meets monthly or more frequently if needed.


Plantmilks
What makes your plantmilks so creamy?

Cows don’t own creamy. Our almond beverages use whole blanched almonds that are carefully ground for a rich, creamy taste and texture. Our coconut and coconut-blended beverages use real coconut cream for a delicious, smooth flavour. And our oat beverages are perfectly blended to maintain the natural creaminess that oats already have.


Are your plantmilks organic?

While not organic, all Califia Farms products are 100% plant-based, non-GMO, carrageenan-free, gluten-free, vegan and made with no artificial ingredients.


Can I cook with your plantmilks?

Our plantmilks and creamers are great for cooking — the best part is that you can use the exact same amount of plantmilk in cooking and baking recipes as cow’s milk.


Can I use Califia's plantmilk in coffee, or will it curdle?

No, our plantmilks will not curdle in coffee. So, feel free to experiment and find your perfect match! We also have a variety of products specifically formulated to pair with coffee, no matter how you like it. Try any of our Creamers, Iced Cafe Mixers, and Better Half. And don’t forget about our Barista Blends which froth & steam beautiful lattes and have become the plantmilk of choice at many of the nation’s top coffee shops.


Can I freeze the plantmilks?

All our labels say “do not freeze” because the product will change texture once it is frozen; even if you try to re-liquefy the product, it will no longer have the same texture and it will not be enjoyable. That’s why we do not recommend freezing our product. Please let us know if you have any other questions.


Do your plantmilks have calcium? And is it added?

Our plantmilks have 40% more calcium than cow’s milk, and yes, we do add calcium (as do many breakfast favourites, such as orange juice and other milk-substitute products, because calcium is good for you!). Calcium is an essential mineral — it is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, nervous system and for a healthy heart. We add extra calcium to our plantmilks by adding calcium carbonate, a plant-based and commonly used source of calcium fortification.


What type of oats are used in your oat milks and oat creamers?

Our oats are made with North American-grown, gluten-free oats.


Creamers
What’s the difference between Califia’s creamers and traditional creamers?

Our dairy-free creamers have no hydrogenated oils or artificial colors – but still deliver that rich, creamy flavour you love. So go ahead, pour away.


What’s the difference between your Creamers and your Barista Blends?

Our Creamers are formulated to complement your morning coffee while providing a creamy mouthfeel and taste. Add a tablespoon to your hot or iced coffee for the perfect balance of flavour and sweetness. They’re also available in a variety of flavours.


Our Barista Blends are ideal for espresso-based drinks. These blends are specifically designed to make a great latte (and better latte art!), meaning the best foam quality and volume with a light taste and texture.


What about your Iced Café Mixers? How are they different?

Our Iced Cafe Mixers are designed with optimal whitening, extra creaminess, and enhanced flavours for making perfect creamy iced coffees at home. We recommend pairing them with either our Blonde Roast or Medium Roast Cold Brew Coffees.


Can I still use your Creamers in cold coffee?

Absolutely! Our Creamers are delicious with your favourite warm or cold coffee.


What makes your Better Half so creamy?

In addition to our already dreamy, creamy almond milk, we blend our Better Half with real, rich coconut cream.


Can you bake or cook with the Better Half and your creamers?

Yes! In fact, they are excellent in recipes that call for cream or other similar ingredients. Check out our recipes on The Bounty for some plant-based meal prep goodness!


Are your oat milk creamers processed in the same facility as your almond milk creamers?

Yes, they are processed in the same facility as our almond milk products.


My new bottle of Creamer has a smaller cap and there was no foil seal underneath. Is it safe to use?

The smaller caps contain an inner plug-like seal and tamper evident plastic ring. When opening, there should be a cracking of the small plastic fasteners along the edge of the cap to ensure product safety. Although visually different, both versions of our caps provide a complete seal and product integrity is maintained.


Coffee
What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew coffee is brewed at lower temperatures than those used for traditional brewing methods that use hot water. By using less heat, cold brew coffee retains more of the desirable flavour notes that are often lost when coffee is brewed with hot water. The result is a smoother and more balanced cup of coffee.


All our coffee is sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in Brazil and Central America.


What kind of coffee do you use in your Califia Farms Cold Brew?

To achieve our desired roast and flavor profiles, we use 100% Arabica coffee beans sourced from South and Central America.


How much caffeine is in your cold brew?

Caffeine levels in hot coffee typically range between 80mg (home brewed) to 160mg (coffeehouse).


Our products have a wide range of caffeine content. Check the packaging for each variety for more information.


Our products have a wide range of caffeine content. Check the caffeine meter on the back of each label for more information.


I know it’s cold brew, but what happens if I heat it up?

You’re in luck — our cold brew coffees were formulated so that you can enjoy them cold or hot. Check out The Bounty section for some recipe inspo!


Juices
Where do you get the fruit that you use in your juice?

The vast majority of our citrus juice is grown, picked, and squeezed in the San Joaquin Valley of California.


Your Pure Squeezed Lemonade says it’s made with Meyer lemons. What are they and why do you use them?

Meyer lemons are smooth and naturally sweet, so they make delicious and refreshing Pure Squeezed Lemonade. We chose Meyer Lemons to give our juice that extra sweetness to complement its tangy zip and they are a prominent ingredient in California’s culinary heritage.