Q&A


Q & A

Q:What is Brio?

A:Ever wished ice cream could be good for you? We did, too. That’s why we decided to give ice cream a healthy makeover. We’re proud to introduce Brio, the first richly delicious, smartly nutritious frozen dairy dessert that is every bit as delicious, smooth and satisfying as super premium ice cream.

You’ll be pleased to know that Brio has approximately 25 percent fewer calories, half the fat, 65 percent less saturated fat, 75 percent less cholesterol and 10 percent less sugar than similar flavors of super premium ice creams.

Brio has just 160 to 170 calories per 4 fluid ounce serving. It is also rich in 24 vitamins and minerals and provides an excellent source of calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. Each serving rewards your body with 6 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and Omega 3-6-9 balanced fats (Omega 3: approximately 155 mg; Omega 6: approximately 532 mg).

That’s why we describe Brio as a “nourishing indulgence” to be enjoyed as a satisfying snack or dessert.


Q:Is Brio ice cream?

A:It looks like ice cream, it is made like ice cream, it tastes like ice cream, but Brio is labeled as a “frozen dairy dessert.” That’s because Brio only has 3 grams of milk fat in a 4 fluid ounce (100 gram) serving. To be officially labeled “ice cream” the FDA requires 10 percent milk fat or 10 grams. Brio consciously chose not to add 10 grams of milk fat because we want Brio to have not only less fat, but to also provide a balanced blend of other fats that support good nutrition.

Brio is rich, creamy and satisfying. We are confident that you’ll find Brio to be every bit as delicious as ice cream and worthy of a place in your freezer.


Q:How is Brio different from ordinary ice cream?

A:More than guilt-free, Brio offers – for the first time – ice cream indulgence as a nutritious choice.

Compared to the top super premium ice cream brands, Brio is every bit as delicious, smooth, creamy and satisfying. But Brio offers more nutritional benefits in every spoonful and less fat, cholesterol and sugar.

Brio is made with the ingredients that you associate with quality ice cream including fresh, r-BST-free milk from Wisconsin dairy farms.

Brio’s ingredients are sourced to be GMO-free. Brio is gluten-free, and its blend of natural sweeteners is low glycemic. Brio use real mangoes, strawberries, coffee extract and vanilla, as well as other natural ingredients, for flavoring. There are no artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors in Brio.

Brio is rich in 24 essential vitamins and minerals, including antioxidant Vitamins A, C, E and selenium. Brio is as an excellent source of calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D.

Brio provides a good source of protein, with 6 grams per 4 ounce serving. Brio also offers a balanced blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fats (approximately 155 milligrams of Omega 3 and approximately 532 milligrams of Omega 6 fats).

What’s equally important is what Brio doesn’t have. On average, when compared to similar flavors of super premium ice creams, Brio has approximately 25 percent fewer calories per 4 ounce serving, half the total fat, 65 percent less saturated fat, 75 percent less cholesterol and 10 percent less sugar.

Imagine ice cream satisfaction that’s also a good-for-you snack! There’s no other frozen dairy dessert that’s like Brio.


Q:Who is Brio for?

A:Brio is for everyone. It is a delicious good-for-you snack or dessert choice for kids, teenagers, college students, busy adults, parents and grandparents. It’s an excellent on-the-go mini-meal and a great post-recovery workout food that delivers a balanced and complete nutritional profile.

This rich, creamy treat is uniquely adaptable. For those watching their calories, Brio is a “nourishing indulgence.” Brio has approximately half the fat, one-quarter of the cholesterol and 20 to 30 percent fewer calories of similar flavored super premium ice creams and is formulated to minimize blood sugar impact. Our 4 fluid ounce single serve containers make portion control easy and contain just 160 to 170 calories.

Looking for high value nutrition? Brio provides meal supplement and nutritional shake users with a satisfying new choice. Compare Brio to your favorite meal supplement or nutritional shake. Brio offers 24 vitamins and minerals, 6 grams of protein and balanced Omega 3-6-9 fats in each serving. Ounce for ounce, it matches or exceeds the nutritional value of most popular meal supplements and nutritional shakes.

If you have allergy sensitivities, please note that Brio contains milk, soy (soy lecithin), and coconut (virgin coconut oil).


Q:Is Brio gluten-free?

A:Yes, all of Brio’s flavors have been tested at a certified lab, and meet the standards to be labeled as gluten free.


Q:When should I eat Brio?

A:Anytime! With Brio, you can feel good that you and your family are enjoying a nutritious snack that delivers a good source of protein and an excellent source of key vitamins and minerals that every “body” needs. Its single serve 4 fluid ounce size makes it easy to grab and go, and manage calories and portion control. For families, Brio is also available in a “small” pint (14 fluid ounce container).

We suggest…

• Serving Brio as a mid-morning or after-school snack.

• Grabbing Brio as a convenient mini meal during a busy day. Compare Brio to your favorite nutrition bar.

• Choosing Brio as a great post-workout or pre-workout snack for energizing support.

• Enjoying Brio as a delicious and satisfying alternative to your yogurt or as a replacement for a nutritional drink or shake.

• “Shaking” things up with Brio. Create a quick, easy and nourishing smoothie with a 4 fluid ounce serving of Brio blended with a banana and other fruit, plus a half cup of milk or your favorite non-dairy milk replacement. Remember, Brio contains less sugar than many flavored yogurts, is low glycemic, has balanced fats, dietary fiber and anti-oxidant protection.

• Taking a “Brio Break” when you feel a mid-morning or mid-afternoon slump. It’s a rich, satisfying and nutritious alternative to a calorie-laden coffee shop drink.

Q:Why is Brio good for kids?

A:Developed with quality ingredients, Brio has lots of kid appeal! It’s a high value, affordable and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed like ice cream.

Brio is natural, with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. It’s churned from fresh, whole milk that’s r-BST-free. Brio is made with natural low glycemic sweeteners and has less sugar per serving than many low-fat, fruit flavored yogurts and other ice creams.

Brio offers kids the key nutrients that they especially need including iron, Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, all of the B vitamins and Vitamin C. It is also a good source of protein, with a total of 6 grams per 4 fluid ounce serving.

Brio’s 4 fluid ounce single serve cups make it easy to manage portion control for children.

For children under 4 years old, we recommend one serving per day. Brio is not for infants. To best use Brio as a meal replacement, please discuss with your health care professional.

Q:Why is Brio good for seniors?

A:Brio offers ice cream deliciousness and high value nutrition, exactly what seniors enjoy and need. Brio has more complete and balanced nutrition ounce for ounce than any meal supplement that we know of. It helps meet some of the unique nutritional needs of seniors.

Brio has a natural low glycemic sweetener blend. Brio is also a good source of protein known to support muscle mass, skeletal strength and repair skin and tissues.

The need for some vitamins and minerals actually increase as we age and older adults are vulnerable to deficiencies. Calcium and Vitamin D are examples. Brio provides 30% of the daily value (DV) for calcium and 50% of the DV of Vitamin D in 4 fluid ounces.

Older adults may also need more anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Brio offers 45-50% DV for these essential nutrients.

The chart below compares Brio™ to Ensure®* and Magic Cup®* for some of the micronutrients most important to seniors.

Per 100g – %DVBrio™Ensure®*Magic Cup®
Vitamin D45-50%12.5%Not Available
Calcium30%15.0%12%
Vitamin C45-50%25.5%12%
Vitamin E45-50%12.5%Not Available
Folic Acid45-50%12.5%12%
Vitamin B1245-50%12.5%12%

*Ensure® is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories

** Magic Cup® is registered trademark of Hormel Health Labs

Q:Is Brio GMO-free?

A:Yes, Brio is GMO-free, but is not presently “verified.”

We have documentation for each ingredient used in Brio which shows our ingredients are not genetically engineered.

Our next step is to obtain independent GMO-free verification — the next level of authenticity.

Brio is made with fresh r-BST-free whole milk. Our cows are not treated with genetically modified growth hormones to force more milk production. Our milk is not genetically modified.

The independent “verification” process requires that we document that the feed the cows receive is GMO-free. We are working on this, but do not have this verification available at this time.

Q:What is the inspiration for Brio?

A:Brio came to exist thanks to the years of hard work of twin brothers Ron and Arnie Koss, the founders of Earth’s Best Baby Foods. Focused on quality ingredients, nutrition and innovation, Earth’s Best was the first organic baby food in the United States.

Brio follows a similar theme. This nourishing frozen dairy dessert is all about quality, nutrition and innovation.

Ron and Arnie note that the inspiration for Brio was their mom, Judith Koss.

According to the Koss brothers, she loved ice cream and she wanted it to be healthy. They thought, “Great idea!” and “Why not?”

Then when she actually needed supplemental nutrition to support her health, ice cream as a delicious healthy snack and meal supplement made perfect sense.

Liquid nutritional shakes had very little appeal to their mom. And when you don’t like something or don’t have much appetite, an 8 fluid ounce can seems like a lot to drink.

Arnie and Ron wanted more and better for their mom. They wanted her to enjoy ice cream and receive the best nutrition to support a healthy diet and her health. At the time, they pledged that someday they would try to create products that their mom would have enjoyed and looked forward to eating.

“Someday” is today. Ron and Arnie Koss are proud to introduce Brio, a quality natural product made with GMO-free ingredients that any mom would be pleased to serve to her family.

Q:Is Brio low calorie?

A:With just 160 to 170 calories per 4 fluid ounce serving, Brio has 35% fewer calories than leading super premium ice creams. For example, a 4 fluid ounce serving of Ben & Jerry’s or Hagan Daz Vanilla has 250 calories, per the manufacturers’ websites. A 4 fluid ounce serving of Kirkland Premium Vanilla ice cream has 280 calories. Choose Brio’s Vanilla Caramel and you’ll save at least 80 calories.

Are there ice creams or ice milks that have fewer calories? Yes, there are. But we think that they do not offer the rich, creaminess of Brio and the many added nourishing benefits that Brio provides.

In addition, some “low cal” ice creams have more air mixed in. Brio is dense and creamy, with a texture that’s like super premium ice cream. That’s why a 4 fluid ounce serving of Brio feels so richly indulgent and satisfying.

Q:Is Brio Kosher?

A:Yes, Brio is certified as Kosher by The Orthodox Union of New York City (OU), the world’s largest kosher certifying agency, known for having one of the strictest kosher standards in the world. You will see their OU logo on each carton of Brio, our delicious frozen dairy dessert.

Q:Is Brio high in cholesterol?

A:Actually Brio is relatively low in cholesterol providing 20 milligrams or less of cholesterol per serving. However, because Brio has 3 grams of saturated fat, the FDA does not allow us to make a low cholesterol claim on our label.

Super premium ice creams have 60 milligrams – 90 milligrams of cholesterol, 2X -3X more than Brio. In fact, some of the top premium and super premium ice cream brands have 85 to 120 milligrams of cholesterol in a 4 fluid ounce serving of their vanilla flavors.

Brio is a balance between smart nutrition and deliciousness.

Q:What are balanced Omega 3-6-9 fats?

A:Brio offers a unique fat and oil blend that aims to provide you with a balance of Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids, including high value and beneficial saturated fats.

Complementing the cream naturally found in whole milk, Brio includes an Omega-3 rich non-GMO canola oil, plus a non-GMO high-oleic sunflower oil, rich (much like olive oil) in mono-unsaturated fats. Then we add a small amount of organic virgin coconut oil and ghee, also known as clarified butter.

Combined, these fats are complementary and we believe deliver healthy value. Omega 9 or mono-unsaturated fats (MUFA) are known to improve blood cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. MUFA’s may also benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control. Omega 3 and Omega 6 or polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) are called “essential” because you need them and can only get them through food. They are involved in cell growth, hormone messaging, blood clotting and nerve transmission.

Balance is the key.

The typical American diet is, in fact, out of balance tending to contain 14 -25 times more Omega 6 than Omega 3 fatty acids. Brio offers a ratio of less than 4:1, considered to be more optimal and supports balanced essential fat intake and the healthy value you want.

Q:Is Brio “low fat”?

A:The FDA defines “low fat” as 3 grams of fat or less per 100 gram. Brio is not “low fat.”

Compared to premium and super premium ice cream, Brio is significantly lower in fat, but legally we cannot say or suggest that we are low fat.

We studied the nutrition facts on three leading premium and super premium vanilla ice cream brands and found that they pack 50% or more of the recommended daily value of saturated fat into a single 4 fluid ounce serving. These three premium ice creams also have 16 to 19 grams of fat and 85 to 120 milligrams of cholesterol in a 4 fluid ounce serving.

In contrast, a similar serving size of Brio has just 3 grams of saturated fat (only 15% of the recommended daily value). In all, Brio has just 6 to 7 grams of fat and only 15 to 20 milligrams of cholesterol.

At the same time, Brio has fats that are considered healthy, such as Omega 3 and Omega 9 fats, in balance with the Omega 6 dairy fats.

The fats included in Brio helps you assimilate essential fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. It also leaves you feeling more satisfied than non-fat products.

Q:What is fructose and why do you use it in Brio?

A:Fructose is a simple sugar found in many plants such as fruits. Our pure, all-natural, non-GMO fructose comes from sugar cane or beet. It is a concentrated sweetener with an important unique advantage. It is “low glycemic.” When compared to most other sweeteners it is reported to have a minimal impact on blood sugar and related insulin response.

When used in moderation and balanced with high value protein, essential minerals like magnesium and chromium, dietary fiber and the innovative fat profile found in Brio, this translates into what we find to be “sustained energy.” And sustained energy is one of the building blocks of Brio.

Our high value, certified kosher pure fructose makes an important contribution.

Q:What is the difference between fructose and high fructose corn syrup?

A:The difference is quality, purity and value. The fructose that we use in Brio is a pure, all natural, GMO-free sweetener from sugar cane or beet; our fructose is “low glycemic” meaning that when compared to most other sweeteners it has a minimal impact on blood sugar and related insulin response.

High fructose corn syrups (HFCS) are cheap sweeteners derived from genetically modified corn. Unlike our pure fructose, HFCS (containing glucose and fructose) are not low glycemic and can adversely impact blood sugar and insulin response when consumed excessively as they typically are. Because of government commodity subsidies and the artificially low prices of corn, HFCS are often found in empty calorie and poor nutritional value foods like soda and candy.

Q:Is Brio low glycemic?

A:Yes, Brio is low glycemic and formulated for sustained energy while intending to minimize the impact on blood sugar and insulin response. Unlike any ice cream and frozen dessert in the marketplace today, Brio is also a good source of protein; offers balanced essential fats; provides prebiotic dietary fibers; and is rich in 24 essential vitamins and minerals providing valuable antioxidants and key nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. And Brio is delicious.

Q:Is Brio organic?

A:Brio is not certified organic, although some of our ingredients − dried cane syrup, agave syrup, coconut oil and caramel – are certified.

The foundation of Brio is r-BST-free whole milk from Wisconsin dairy farms. Our dairy farmers do not use the controversial artificial growth hormone r-BST (also known as r-BGH).

We source ingredients that are not genetically engineered (GMO-free).

We never use corn syrups, erythritol, monk fruit or stevia in our products. Brio is made without artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

We have worked hard to accomplish all of this and believe our quality ingredients are important features of Brio. Our goal is to provide this delicious nutritional dynamo at an affordable price.

Q:Why is Brio formulated with r-BST-free milk?

A:Our Wisconsin dairy farmers do not use the artificial growth hormone r-BST. Bovine somatotropin (BST) is a protein hormone naturally produced in the pituitary glands of cattle. The Monsanto Corporation developed a recombinant or genetically modified version of this natural hormone, r-BST, by using a genetically engineered E. coli bacterium. Sold under the brand name “Posilac,” some dairy farmers inject this artificial growth hormone into their cows to boost production.

According to the Organic Valley website (http://www.organicvalley.coop) “Posilac packaging lists possible side effects of the drug, including visibly abnormal milk, hoof disorders and a need for more drug treatments for health problems. Cows treated with rBST face a nearly 25% increase in the risk of clinical mastitis (infection), a 40% reduction in fertility, and 55% increase risk of lameness.” (The Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 2003)

Today Posilac is prohibited in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and in the 27 countries of the European Union.

In addition to the many concerns about genetically modified organisms, we do not believe a gallon of additional milk production per cow justifies the increased risk of infection and the possible increased use of antibiotics. And it appears that cows are more likely to suffer due to related foot problems and lameness.

The FDA insists that there is no significant difference between milk from r-BST treated and untreated cows. We believe differently and have committed to keeping Brio r-BST-free.

Q:Why are there saturated fats in Brio?

A:All saturated fats are not created equal. They are not all bad. Some actually offer healthy value.

In general, moderate consumption of saturated fat is a good reliable underlying dietary approach.

Brio has only 3 grams of saturated fat per serving (4 fluid ounces or 100 grams) and on average 15 milligrams of cholesterol. This compares, for example, to 9 -11 grams of saturated fat and 60-90 mg of cholesterol found in many super-premium ice creams.

Brio offers not only moderation, but a unique saturated fat profile. Virgin coconut oil is an example of a predominately saturated fat that is not only delicious, but good for you. Approximately 65% of the saturated fats in coconut are medium chain saturated fats with reported immune response benefits as well as energy supporting attributes.

“Ghee,” as it is known in East Indian food culture or clarified butter, also offers delicious nourishing value as a predominately saturated fat. Ghee has not only significantly more medium chain saturated fats then butter; it has a fat constituent known as CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which again, when consumed moderately, is believed to have immune supporting benefits. And our ghee is delicious!

Q:Does Brio have artificial sweeteners?

A:No. Brio does not have artificial sweeteners, monk fruit, Erythritol or stevia. Brio is also free of corn syrups.

Brio is sweetened with pure crystalline fructose, organic dried cane syrup and organic agave syrup.

Q:Why are vitamins and minerals in Brio? Why not just take a multiple vitamin pill?

A:The average American diet is reported to be deficient in multiple nutrients; vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B6, folic acid and chromium for instance. Magnesium levels have also dropped in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet. Narrowly chosen or restricted diets can impact the availability of zinc and vitamin B12.  The increasing prevalence of indoor activity and lack of sunlight can reduce vitamin D levels. Stress, whether it be exercise induced or life circumstance and lifestyle created often translates into added demands for nutrition above and beyond regular dietary intake.

With a regimented optimized whole foods diet, additional supplementation may in fact not be necessary. This is an individual decision. In any case, moderate levels of supplementation, such as found in Brio, certainly poses no harm. For most people however, we believe it is beneficial if not essential to supporting well-being, sustained energy and of course “brio” in life.

Regarding the multiple vitamin pill question, Brio starts out as a complete and balanced whole food that naturally has many vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. We use that whole food as a foundation to build a complete nourishing indulgent dessert, a balanced nutritious snack or an occasional meal replacement or supplement to regular eating.

Vitamin pills do not offer protein, essential fats, dietary fiber, prebiotics or sustained energy. They also do not offer deliciousness and enjoyment.

Although an excellent source of 24 vitamins and minerals, Brio is fortified moderately to accommodate almost everyone. It is not trying to be a mega-vitamin pill that can deliver micro-nutrients many times the recommended daily value.

Brio brings delicious and nutritious together in a dairy frozen dessert. It offers far more value than a vitamin pill.

Q:Where can I buy Brio?

A:Brio is currently available at these featured locations:

ILLINOIS
The Grand Food Center at 606 Green Bay Road in Winnetka and at 341 Hazel Avenue in Glencoe, IL
Potash Markets at 875 North State Street, 1525 North Clark and 175 East Delaware, Chicago, IL
Anton’s Fruit Ranch at at 300 Skokie Valley Road in Highland Park, IL
Windy City Sweets at 3308 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL
Sunset Foods at 812 Green Bay Road in Highland Park, 825 S. Waukegan Road in Lake Forest, 1451 W. Peterson in Libertyville, Corner of Rt. 83 & Aptakisic in Long Grove and 1127 Church Street in Northbrook
The Marketplace Foodstore at 521 West Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL
Carnival Foods at 458 W Dickens Ave, Chicago, IL
Milk and More at 702 W Diversey, Chicago, IL
Loyola University’s Damen Student Center
DePaul University
J D Mills Health Food Market Evanston IL

INDIANA
Healthy Horizons, 7034 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN

MARYLAND
Yes! Organic Market, 5331 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD

NEW YORK
Downtown Natural Market, 1701 Church Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Downtown Natural Market, 51 Willoughby St., Brooklyn, NY
Healthy Corner Pharmacy, 11665 Queens Blvd., Flushing, NY
Westerly Natural Market, 911 8th Ave, New York, NY
Matter of Health, 138 Rockland Plaza, Nanuet, NY

VIRGINIA
Cool Spring Organics Market and Cafe, 30 Greenhouse Road, Lexington, VA

PENNSYLVANIA
Sunny Bridge Natural Foods and Cafe, 130 Gallery Dr, McMurray, PA
Nature’s Way Market, 796 Highland Ave, Greensburg, PA
Martindale’s Health Foods, 1172 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA
Essene Market & Cafe, 719 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA

NEW JERSEY
Basil Bandwagon, 31 Reaville Ave, Flemington, NJ

VERMONT
Healthy Living Market & Cafe, 222 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT
Hunger Mountain, Stonecutters Way, Montpelier, VT
Natural Provisions, 329 Harvest Ln, Williston, VT

WASHINGTON
Yes! Organic Market, 2123 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Yes! Organic Market, 1825 Columbia Rd NW, Adams, Morgan, Washington, DC
Yes! Organic Market, 3809 12th St NE, Brookland, Washington, DC
Yes! Organic Market, 410 8th St SE, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Yes! Organic Market, 3425 Connecticut Ave NW, Cleveland Park, Washington, DC
Yes! Organic Market, 4100 Georgia Ave NW, Petworth, DC

WISCONSIN
Sendik’s Food Market at 280 N. 18th Avenue, West Bend, WI
Sendik’s Food Market at 3600 S. Moorland Road, New Berlin, WI
Sendik’s Food Market at 5200 W. Rawson Ave, Franklin, WI
Sendik’s Food Market at 10930 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI

ONLINE
Have Brio shipped frozen and ready to enjoy, directly to your front door, via The Ice Cream Source

Don’t see Brio at your favorite natural foods store? Please ask them to carry this new ice cream innovation!

Q:Is Brio good for people who are diabetic?

A:Brio is neither a medical food nor a dietary supplement. It is not formulated to treat or manage any disease or medical condition including diabetes.

We formulate Brio with a low glycemic sweetener blend. This blend consists of non-GMO, non-corn pure fructose, organic agave syrup and organic dried cane syrup. The fructose and the agave sweeteners are both low glycemic. The dried cane syrup is not.

Low glycemic sweeteners are metabolized differently than other sugars. Because of this alternate metabolic pathway, they are known to have a reduced impact on blood sugar and the related insulin response. This is a key reason that people who have regulating issues may find that Brio works for them as a good-for-you snack.

Each person with a blood sugar regulating issue needs to make their own determination, perhaps as necessary with the guidance of their health care practitioner, as to whether Brio works for them.

In 2003, a study was published in Today’s Dietician reporting some of the benefits of our fortified frozen dairy dessert. There was a small group of people with diabetes that were part of this study. The results suggested that a low glycemic formulation may be appropriate for those with diabetes (insulin and non-insulin dependent). However, the size of the group was small and further study is required to substantiate the significance of the glycemic control effect.

In addition to being formulated with a low glycemic sweetener blend, each serving of Brio offers an excellent source of micronutrients known to be of value for those people with regulating issues. These nutrients include chromium, magnesium, niacin, folic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.

Brio also provides a good source of protein, balanced omega 3-6-9 fats and even soluble dietary fiber (approximately 2 g/serving) derived from inulin and guar gum.

Bottom-line is that Brio offers a unique healthy snack choice that just happens to taste just like deliciousice cream. And it may be, subject to careful consideration, an excellent option for those managing blood sugar regulating issues.

Q:Why does Brio include fiber?

A:Fiber is important to our general health and most people do not get enough of it. Brio provides approximately 2 grams of soluble dietary fiber representing about 7% of the recommended daily value. We add Sunfiber® derived from the guar bean and inulin derived from the agave plant. They both have valuable attributes.

Sunfiber is a natural “prebiotic” fiber. That means that it is believed to help improve the beneficial friendly probiotic bacteria in our gut including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. Also, soluble fiber is also reported to have a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity by moderating blood sugar levels. This is an important feature in a dessert-type product that we believe works synergistically with Brio’s low glycemic sweetener blend.

Complementing the Sunfiber guar is agave inulin, also a soluble prebiotic natural fiber known to support healthy gut bacteria. One of the central purposes of healthy intestinal flora is to support immune function. Agave inulin is also low glycemic.  Another benefit is that inulin is known to support calcium absorption when regularly consumed.

Fiber is important. The prebiotic fiber in Brio is another important part of our nourishing indulgence story.

Q:Why don’t you use stevia, monk fruit or sugar alcohols?

A:Some dessert products tout the advantage of their “low carbs” and low calories by using sugar substitutes such as stevia, monk fruit or sugar alcohols. Brio is formulated from a different vantage-point. Rather than offering “low carbs,” Brio is focused on delivering “smart” carbs to support sustained energy and minimal blood sugar impact. Rather than simply offering low calories, Brio is focused on delivering calories with high value nutrition, including protein, balanced essential fats, fiber, antioxidant protection and much more.

Q:Where can I learn more about Brio?

A:For more information about Brio visit www.brioicecream.com, email [email protected] or call toll-free 1-844-800-4441. You may also write to: Nutricopia, Inc., P.O. Box 1250, Montpelier, VT 05601. Follow Brio on Twitter @BrioIceCream; Facebook at www.facebook.com/brioicecream and on Instagram at brio_ice_cream

Q:Q. Is there a way to order Brio if it’s not available at my local store?

A:A. Brio can be ordered online at the Ice Cream Source at www.icecreamsource.com. The Ice Cream Source will ship Brio to your home, frozen and ready to enjoy!

Q:What does Brio mean?

A:rio, while not commonly used in everyday conversation, is an actual word (noun) with an Italian origin. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Brio as: enthusiastic vigor, vivacity, verve. Related words include: liveliness, spirit, vibrancy, gusto, healthiness, wellness, dynamism.

Brio perfectly describes our ice cream innovation because it captures the tangible and intangible value we have aspired to manifest and deliver to our customers. When you do something with “brio” you do it with great energy and confidence, you go for it!