Just Real Good Granola

Frequently Asked Questions:

Campaign Questions:

1). “I’ve seen crowdfunding campaigns offer a discount ? Why does the tier pricing seem higher than what I have paid for this product at other times or places?”

The objective for this campaign is essentially donation. These donations will come with a reward at certain tiers. Some campaigns raise funds for instance, to develop prototyping, and  will offer a discount on the finished product once it goes to market. Just Real Good Granola is a product already in market, but has struggled to secure capital funding to grow its operations and do so in a cost effective way. This campaign is for those who wish to see this business succeed from a place of generosity. So they are willing to pay a premium for the product they will receive.

2). “What will my contributions go towards?”

2A. Your generous contributions will fund the cost of:

• Six (6) months rent of a private commercial kitchen. 
• The purchase of a quality preowned convection oven.
• Local jurisdiction fees incurred for relocating to and operating in this new private kitchen.  Administrative fees are the County of San Diego Retail Food Processing Permit and an Annual Temporary Food Facilities Permit to continue selling at events such as Farmers Markets where I got my first customers!

2B. Six months of paid rent with your purchases will allow me to improve operating costs by producing more consistently and efficiently in a way I could not in a shared commercial kitchen. Shared kitchens often have spotty rental time slots and expensive hourly rates. This optimization will help position me for future funding from institutions or grant programs.

3). “Have you considered grant funding?”

Yes. The most accessible grants I’ve received for Just Real Good Granola were local. They are considered micro grants usually less than $5,000. It goes fast with high operating costs.

4). “Have you considered small business loans?”

Yes. However, loans have proven to be a poor financial strategy for a young business with high operating costs. Many businesses end up upside down using loans at this stage (cash-poor while still owing on the loan). Therefore, bootstrapping, friends, and family are often recommended for funding.

5). “I prefer to be an anonymous donor. Is this possible?”

Yes. You can check out as a Guest.

6). “I do not prefer to enter my credit card information online. How can I best support financially?”

Totally understandable! If electronic payments are not comfortable for you but we are not in proximity for an exchange of funds, please contact me for alternative ways to support morally, with an industry connection, on social media… we can figure out another way!

Product Questions:

7). “Is this product gluten-free?”

This product is not Certified Gluten-Free. Even as the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, they may be distributed from facilities that also process gluten-containing ingredients (barley, wheat, and rye) which is common with oats. 

8). “What makes a product Certified Gluten-Free?”

A certification. This certification ensures products are processed in facilities dedicated to excluding gluten-containing ingredients.  

9). “Does your product have any gluten - as in the ADDED ingredient?”

No.  A form of gluten may also refer to the binder that is found in stretchy foods such as pasta, sourdough, etc. This granola does not contain the added ingredient, gluten. 

10). “WWhat is ‘gluten-friendly’?”

While this is not recognized as an official food label, this is usually a way people describe foods that do not contain  added nor naturally-occurring gluten. Such foods may be accepted by customers as long as foods are processed in areas cleaned from gluten residues, although not a dedicated gluten-free facility. However, those who have serious conditions such as Celiacs Disease, do not often, if ever, rely on a “gluten-friendly” description. Food choice here is often a judgement call. You may think of Just Real Good Granola as “gluten-friendly.”

11). “What type of sweetener is used?”

Dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar is favored for its aromatic molasses content, moisture, and flavor.

12). “Could you use alternative sweeteners in your granola?”

Just Real Good Granola is exploring alternatives such as date syrup to favor lower glycemic index. While this alternative is not used currently, product testing is underway to ensure the closest match to quality of the current recipe.

13). “Does your granola contain dairy or other animal byproducts?”

No. 

14). “Are there plans to become gluten-free in the future?”

Just Real Good Granola would love to certify this granola gluten-free. A private kitchen definitely supports this. The next step is to ensure the business can sustain the cost of certified gluten-free ingredients (especially oats) and fees for a gluten-free certification. The best way to do that is to first earn healthy profits, then invest in this label. 

15). “Are there nut allergens?”

Yes. Whole tree nuts are used in certain flavors. Coconut oil is used in all flavors.

16). “How long does the granola maintain freshness?”

This granola is handmade with as few ingredients as possible and no engineered preservatives or stabilizers. Therefore this product is recommended to be consumed within 2 weeks of opening.

Check back for any new added FAQs!