FAQ

At Neue Theory, we have carefully chosen each individual ingredient from top manufacturers around the world to contribute optimal flavor, texture and efficacy.

All of Neue Theory products are manufactured in a leading industry facility that is registered with the FDA. Our manufacturing facility upholds the highest standards in nutraceutical and supplement development to ensure the most evidence-based safe products for consumers. Their certifications include: Good Manufacturing Practice Certification (GMP), Natural Organic Program (Organic Certified), NSF Sport (ANAB), and Food Safety Certification 22000 (CSQA).

Yes, all of the ingredients in our Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powders and Digest + Debloat are non-GMO.

Absolutely. At Neue Theory, we are all about transparency, safety and quality products. The general supplement industry is poorly regulated, leaving consumers susceptible to fraudulent products packed with fillers or massive quantity discrepancies, along with the potential for contamination with heavy metals and other impurities. Most supplement companies do not test their products for contaminants because third-party testing costs a lot of money. But at Neue Theory, we want you to feel confident that the supplements you have worked into your daily routine are safe and effective. Using a third-party testing facility, we thoroughly screen for endocrine disruptors, cyanic acid, melamine, phthalates, PAHs, pesticides, toxins, allergens, residues, solvents, microbes and unsafe levels of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead). We strongly suggest that any supplement product you purchase and integrate into your day is third-party tested. For more information about our results, you can check out our Standards page here.

All of Neue Theory products are manufactured in a strictly peanut-free facility and are tested for major allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, egg, peanut, walnut, almond, crustaceans and fish.

Our Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder is manufactured at a cGMP facility in the USA.

Yes! Our 2-in-1 Plant Based Probiotic Protein Powder contains no animal products and therefore are compatible with a vegan lifestyle.

Our 2-in-1 Plant Based Probiotic Protein Powder is gluten free as per our allergen testing. However, our products are manufactured in a facility that contains gluten, so it is not Certified Gluten Free.

Yes, we use a third-party testing agency to test for a wide range of contaminants including high levels of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead), mycotoxins, allergens, pesticides and endocrine disruptors. Neue Theory products have all passed all of our rigorous tests. It’s important to know that pea protein will always contain some lead and cadmium because these elements are naturally found in the earth. But at Neue Theory, we are committed to helping you minimize exposure. This is why we opted for a well studied trademarked brand of pea protein grown in Canada and America to help significantly minimize these levels. While formulating Neue Theory, we were shocked to discover that most leading pea protein bases had heavy metal levels 33x higher than PURIS pea protein. You can feel confident knowing that Neue Theory products have passed all of our rigorous internal and third party tests and that we are transparent about our results. Learn more in Our Standards page.

Yes! Pea Protein is a high quality plant-based complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s the most popular plant based protein for supplements because it’s uniquely rich in branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine, plus iron and arginine. The challenge with pea protein on its own is that it’s naturally lower in the amino acids methionine and cysteine. That’s why our blend includes hemp protein as well, which is naturally higher in these two amino acids. Together, our blend offers 22 grams of high quality protein and 5 grams combined branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). We also added additional Leucine (one of the essential branched chain amino acids that our body needs to build muscle and reduce fatigue).

Research suggests that the optimal dose of leucine for muscle protein synthesis is 2.5 g. Most plant based protein powders do not meet this standard, so we have added additional leucine to our plant based protein to help fill this gap for optimal post-workout recovery. You can read more about our ingredients here and can see our typical amino acid profile here.

All of the ingredients in Neue Theory’s Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder are certified Kosher. The only ingredient that is not certified Halal is the Ashwagandha root.

Yes! Neue Theory products have zero added sugars, are high in protein, and are sweetened naturally with monk fruit which does not affect blood sugar levels.

It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements, and that is particularly important while pregnant or breastfeeding. Generally speaking, protein powders are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of sufficient evidence to confirm safety unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider. What’s most important is choosing a high quality, third-party tested protein powder like Neue Theory to safeguard against heavy metal contamination.

While our probiotic strains are sensitive, and we prefer a cold preparation, we are pleased to report that the spore-forming bacillus strains of probiotics are incredibly hearty and can maintain stability when cooked, heated or frozen. We love to add ours to oatmeal, pancake mix and “nice cream."

Our Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder should ideally be stored away from direct sunlight at 15-30°C (59-86°F).

We try to think green as often as we can. What is recyclable includes the protein scoop and the shipping packaging box. The protein powder bag is not recyclable as we have been unable to source a bag that maintains the integrity and protection of our spore-based probiotic. We are working on it, though!

Yes! Neue Theory’s Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder is stored in a BPA-free bag which has also been tested for traces of other endocrine disruptors like phthalates.

We use natural monk fruit sweetener in our Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder so there is no added sugar in our products. If you prefer extra sweetness, feel free to add a scoop to a shake with your favorite fresh fruit, dates, honey or maple syrup!

Monk fruit is also known as Luo Han Guo or swingle fruit. It’s a natural no-calorie sweetener that is up to 250 x sweeter than sugar, so we only have to use a tiny bit! Unlike a lot of other low or no calorie sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, it doesn’t trigger bloating or IBS symptoms. It also does not affect blood sugar levels so it is safe and recommended for folks with Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance or those trying to manage their blood sugars.

Without getting too detailed, MCTs or medium chain triglycerides are fatty acids with 6 to 12 carbons in length. MCTs (which are found in coconut oil as well) are metabolized differently than other fatty acids, with research suggesting they may help regulate hunger hormones, improve body composition, and enhance exercise performance. We love all those perks, but we also love a protein powder that tastes great. And adding MCT (and coconut oil powder) into our blend helped us achieve a smooth creamy mouthfeel without having to resort to synthetic “mystery masks”. Most plant-based protein powders use something called a “mask” to help soften the “earthy” or “chalky” texture of pea protein. This is labeled simply as “Natural Flavors” on an ingredient list. Unfortunately, even manufacturers are not privy to what goes into these masks.

At Neue Theory, we’re all about transparency and if we can’t have any information on any of the ingredient components (even if they’re all 100% safe), we just don’t feel comfortable putting them in our products. Read more about our ingredients here.

I know we tend to think bacteria = bad, but our body is made up of 39 trillion microbe cells, we are literally made of bacteria! The health of those bacterial microbes (aka our microbiome) affects the health of everything else: our weight, digestion, chronic disease risk, mental health, and so much more. We specifically chose a unique blend of spore-forming bacillus strains of bacteria (Optibiome® Bacillus Subtilis BS50 and Bacillus Coagulans SNZ 1969) because they are hearty enough to survive the harsh environments of a protein blend (most probiotics would not), and they are uniquely beneficial for reducing IBS-type symptoms like bloating.

There are no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives used in our Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powders. We use real cocoa, vanilla bean and either natural chocolate flavor or natural vanilla flavor to provide a luxurious rich flavor.

Hemp protein isolate is a high quality plant-based complete protein, but it is uniquely rich in the amino acids methionine and cysteine, which are found in lower amounts in pea protein. By adding hemp protein to our pea protein base, we achieve a better balance of amino acids compared to pea protein alone. In fact, our blend contains 3 x the methionine as traditional pea protein! Some of our competitors may try to improve their methionine levels by adding some brown rice protein to balance the amino acid profile. But we opted for hemp protein to avoid the potential risk of arsenic contamination in brown rice based products.

Natural flavors derive their aroma or flavor chemicals from plant or animal sources including fruit, meat, fish, spices, herbs, roots, leaves, buds of barks that are distilled, fermented or manipulated in a lab. Natural flavors are absolutely safe and must be free from the top eight allergens.  That said, there are different classes of Natural Flavors. When a label says Natural Flavors, it means that it is made from an ingredient whose flavor mimics the ingredient in question, but it contains none of the actual ingredient. So for example, a Natural Flavor in a strawberry flavored powder would not contain any real strawberries. We chose to use a higher class of Natural Flavors that is made from the actual food it’s intended to taste like. Our Natural Chocolate Flavor is made with real cocoa, and our Natural Vanilla Flavor is made with real vanilla bean. These Natural Flavors are meant to compliment the whole food vanilla bean and cocoa powder in our formula because they are ultimately made of the same base ingredient, rather than another ingredient that simulates the whole food. So bottom line, all natural flavors are safe, but ours tastes extra delicious!

Leucine is an essential branched chain amino acid that our body needs to build muscle and promote recovery. Research suggests that the optimal dose of leucine for muscle protein synthesis is 2.5g. Most plant-based protein powders do not meet this standard, so we have added additional leucine to our Plant-Based Probiotic Protein to help fill this gap for optimal post-workout recovery.

There is emerging research that L-Glutamine may help aid in post workout recovery (a,b,c,d), the gut microbiome (a,b,c,d) , and IBS symptoms (a,b,c) . We generally need between 5-10g of glutamine daily, but folks who exercise may need more. So to complement what you’re getting in the rest of your diet, plus our pea and hemp protein base, we’ve supplied a “top up” for extra support.

Silica is a mineral naturally found in a variety of plant-based foods like leafy greens, bell peppers, oats and beets. It’s a commonly used anti-caking agent that helps our Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder from clumping. It has been thoroughly studied and deemed safe by the FDA as the silica we consume in our diets does not accumulate in our bodies. Theresearch on dietary silica has found no adverse effects, and no association with cancer, mortality, reproductive health or body weight.

Spore-forming Bacillus probiotic strains (like those used in neue theory’s 2-in-1 plant-based probiotic protein powders) have been used in multiple studies (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i) and have demonstrated benefits for reducing IBS symptoms and improving the overall health of the gut microbiome. Bacillus strains are also uniquely hearty, so they they can survive a medium like protein powder, heat, freezing, and the harsh environment of our gut. Bacillus strains also are considered some of the safest probiotics for folks with functional gut disorders like SIBO or motility issues (ie. constipation) because unlike other probiotic strains, they can self propel themselves to the large intestine to colonize the gut quickly and on relatively low doses. For this reason, they are incredibly effective at delivering clinical results efficiently compared to a lot of other strains. The two specific strains we used -Optibiome® Bacillus Subtilis BS50 and Bacillus Coagulans SNZ 1969 have been tested in independent research by the manufacturers of the strains (BIO-CAT) where they found improvements in digestion, bloating, gas, bloating, gut motility, IBS symptoms and the overall composition of the gut microbiome. If you’re wondering if industry funded research can be trusted, know that research results canneverbe fabricated. Our decision to use these specific strains over generic bacillus strains was grounded in the the robust body of evidence to date, its premier performance in a medium like protein powder, and the bonus testing by the manufacturers to confirm benefits from these specific strains.  

This is a great question! Our co-founder and resident dietitian, Abbey, has generally been vocal about her disdain for products that feature massive proprietary blends in their products. The reason for her criticism is that it allows manufacturers to pack dozens of functional ingredients (most of which don’t have synergistic properties) into a long list of ingredients. The result is that the consumer has no ability to ascertain if any one of those functional ingredients is going to yield anywhere close to a clinical dose. For example, an adaptogen could be present in 0.1 mg, or 100 mg doses, and the consumer would not know the difference. In the case of the OPTIZIOME blend of peptidase and protease, our dietitians and science advisors were encouraged by research published in the Journal of Nutrition, conducted by world-renowned protein researcher, Dr. Nick Bird and his team of scientists.

Their research clearly showed statistically significant differences in plasma Essential Amino Acids, BCAAs and Leucine concentrations following administration of the enzyme blend, and most impressively, a 36% greater release of total amino acids around 45 minutes after protein injection. This research was unique because it utilized this exact blend of digestive enzymes and specifically tested them using pea protein, which we know is digested differently than whey, potentially due to its particle size. Using a specific trademarked blend with published research to support the synergy of its enzymes provided us with data that we would not have had if we chose to simply add peptidase and protease individually.

Tart cherries are packed with unique anti-inflammatory anthocyanin antioxidants that have been shown in multiple studies (a,b,c,d,e) on athletes to help reduce muscle soreness and muscle breakdown, while speeding up recovery post-workout. Since research on tart cherries for workout recovery have been done using tart cherry juice or whole fruit preparations, there is no ‘officially’ recognized equivalent clinical dosage in tart cherry powder. Using the clinical judgment and expertise of our large group of internal and external scientific advisors including RDs, PhDs and NDs, we added a dosage estimated to offer an equivalent potency, while also taking into consideration our competitors and current industry standard.

A common concern is that herbs like ashwagandha may not be safe long term because most of the clinical trials are only ever designed to last weeks or months. Research on supplements and herbs is notoriously sparse, and rarely lasts longer than a few weeks. So the absence of long term research does not mean that it is automatically unsafe. Ashwagandha is one of the most well studied adaptogens with an incredibly high safety and tolerance profile. According to this review, on the basis of centuries of use in various preparations and in raw form, in conjunction with the research to date, there is no reasonable grounds for concern for Ashwagandha use long term. There have been a handful of case studies associating Ashwagandha with liver damage, but these reports have been scarce, inconclusive, and confounded by a multitude of different potential contributors completely unrelated to the use of the herb. Research specifically looking at the safety and tolerance (a,b) of Ashwagandha in healthy individuals confirmed the lack of toxicity in the raw materials.

That is pure flavor! Depending on the variety, it is either pure vanilla bean or cocoa powder. The more, the merrier!

No. While Digest + Debloat can help support digestion of triggering ingredients like FODMAPs, it will not reduce the risk of a reaction from eating a food you’re allergic to or are medically required to eliminate (ie. gluten for those with Celiac disease).

Lactaid and Lacteeze are commercially available lactase enzyme supplements that aid in the digestion in dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream. Digest + Debloat has the same amount of lactase (9000 FCC ALU) as Lactaid and more than twice the amount found in Lacteeze, alongside additional digestive enzymes and gut-soothing herbs for an effective formula that supports healthy digestion.

Beano is a commercially available alpha-galactosidase enzyme supplement that helps the digestion of FODMAPS found in various beans, legumes, and vegetables. Digest + Debloat has the same amount of alpha-galactosidase (600 GalU) as Beano in combination with other digestive enzymes and gut-soothing herbs.

We recommend taking about 3-5 bites of your meal, then taking up to 3 capsules with 1-2  cups of water. You can then continue with the rest of your meal.

We recommend taking them within the first few bites of the meal to allow the enzymes to work immediately on the digestion of the meal at hand, while reducing any discomfort that some people may experience from consuming powerful herbals on an empty stomach. That said, taking Digest + Debloat after the meal (or when you start to feel bloated) will still offer significant benefits. In fact, if your bloating is caused mainly by poor motility or constipation, the gingerols may actually work best when taken between meals.  Our instructions are based on best practices for the average user but we suggest experimenting to find the timing that works best for you.

Everyone’s needs and outcomes will be unique. Our formula uses evidence-based clinical doses, so our general recommendation based on the literature is to take 3 capsules for optimal results. That said, depending on your individual needs and the size or composition of your meal or snack, one or two capsules might be the perfect dosage for you. We recommend experimenting, or starting with one or two capsules and titrating up to three capsules if you are not getting full relief.

Unlike a lot of our competitors which use “window dressing” dosages, we are committed to providing supplements that actually work. Ginger is a robust and well tolerated prokinetic motility agent, but if taken without adequate water or food in the gut, it can cause a mild “burning” sensation as it gets to work. This generally subsides after consistent usage (though some people actually really like the sensation because it’s an obvious feeling that something is happening!) If you find that you are sensitive, we recommend starting with one capsule, and working your way up to the full clinical dose of three capsules. We also recommend taking Digest + Debloat with a few cups of water, and experimenting with the timing to ensure there is enough food in your stomach before you take the supplement to provide a buffer.

Peppermint extract is often used for its antispasmodic benefits, which is why you may see some of our competitors include peppermint in their “proprietary blends”. The problem with this comes down to optimum delivery. Peppermint is quite volatile and can be irritating to the lining of the stomach, and is therefore notorious for causing GERD or reflux. So when it is taken as part of a proprietary blend in a standard capsule that is designed to start working in the stomach, you’re very likely to experience painful symptoms. To help reduce this risk, the best peppermint extract supplements use enteric coated delayed release capsules, allowing the peppermint oil to bypass the stomach and get to the small and large intestines where it can act as a smooth muscle relaxant. The problem in mixed supplements is that if you use an enteric-coated capsule to prevent peppermint-induced GERD, some of your other active ingredients will bypass the stomach where you want them to work. In other words, if you’re combining the alpha-galactosidase (which is designed to get to work in the stomach) with peppermint (that’s best to bypass the stomach), you’re compromising on one or the other. This is why we skipped triggering peppermint and instead used equally powerful but non-irritating antispasmodic herbs like fennel seed, licorice root and chamomile instead.

Correct! Our pancreas and other digestive organs naturally produce and release digestive enzymes like amylase, protease and lipase to break down carbs, protein and fats,  respectively.  Babies are also born with the ability to produce an enzyme called lactase which breaks down the milk sugar lactose (a common FODMAP found in breast milk and cow’s milk) into easier to digest simple carbohydrates. Unfortunately, as we are weaned off of dairy and ultimately age, our lactase production starts to wane, explaining why 65% of adults experience lactose intolerance or digestive symptoms from poor digestion of dairy.

There are also some enzymes we don’t naturally produce, like alpha-galactosidase and a novel enzyme developed by Bio-Cat called OPTIZIOME Fructanase which help break down common FODMAPs that often trigger digestive distress and bloating. Since humans lack these enzymes, the undigested oligosaccharides and fructans that reach the colon are fermented by the gut  bacteria, leading to gas and bloating.

No strong evidence supports the idea that taking digestive enzymes suppresses your body's own enzyme production in healthy individuals.  Our body’s natural enzyme production is primarily regulated by what and how much you eat.  Supplemental enzymes mainly work in your GI tract, aiding digestion alongside your natural enzymes. This is especially helpful when your own output of enzymes is naturally low, non-existent (as in the case of most FODMAP digestive enzymes for adults), or unable to meet the demands of FODMAP intake.

Digest + Debloat is not meant for weight loss or to be used as a “skinny pill”. All bodies bloat, and this is a supplement meant to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and help you enjoy food without discomfort. At Neue Theory, we’re focused on symptom management, not looking a certain way! That said, because our formula is designed to significantly reduce or prevent bloating, if your bloating is causing visible distention, it may appear that you have lost weight in the midsection. It’s not fat loss, it’s a reduction in waste, water and air.

Digest + Debloat works with a variety of foods! The lactase enzyme digests lactose-rich dairy products, while fructanase and alpha-galactosidase break down high FODMAP foods like beans, garlic, and certain fruits and vegetables. But even if your bloating isn’t ingredient or FODMAP specific, the combination of prokinetic, antispasmodic, anti-gas, and anti-inflammatory herbals also work to actively reduce active bloating and indigestion. We love using Digest + Debloat to enjoy balanced, nutrient-dense meals like bountiful salads, as well as fun foods like cheese pizza and ice cream with friends, and everything in between.

You can take Digest + Debloat daily or on occasions when you’re eating a meal that you suspect to be more triggering. Most people find that one dose a day helps provide relief for subsequent meals, but if you need additional support, speak to your doctor or dietitian about  taking it with each meal.

Yes, we use a third-party testing agency to test for a wide range of contaminants including high levels of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead), mycotoxins, allergens, pesticides and endocrine disruptors. Neue Theory products have all passed our rigorous tests and we are transparent about our results. Learn more in Our Standards page.

At this time, we are not certified Kosher or Hala. That said, all of the raw ingredients in Digest + Debloat do not contain porcine and therefore should be considered Halal. All of the raw ingredients are Kosher, except for the fennel extract.

It is ideal to keep the capsules in the bottle and store between 15° and 30° C (59°- 86° F.

Yes! The Digest + Debloat capsules and ingredients contain no animal products and therefore are compatible with a vegan lifestyle.

Our products are all gluten free as per our allergen testing. However, our products are manufactured in a facility that contains gluten, so it is not Certified Gluten Free.

Yes. Digest + Debloat is manufactured in a strictly peanut-free facility and is tested for major allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, egg, peanut, walnut, almond, crustaceans and fish.

We recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.

We do not recommend Digest + Debloat for young children as the clinical doses have been tested and evaluated for healthy adults. It is best to speak to your teen’s doctor or dietitian to determine if Digest + Debloat is appropriate for them.