FAQ

Where can I buy Glenisk yogurts and milk?

Glenisk yogurts, milk and other dairy products are available from your local supermarket and independent retailer.

What Glenisk products are in the shops right now?

Glenisk yogurts, yogurt desserts, milk, goats’ products, crème fraiche, cream and kids’ fromage frais are available in the multiples now.

The yogurt range comes in 150g and 450g pots in Low Fat Vanilla, Low Fat Natural and Low Fat Strawberry. The Low Fat Raspberry and Low Fat Rhubarb Vanilla come in 150g pots. 4 x 125g multipacks come in the following varieties: Low Fat Natural, Low Fat Strawberry, Low Fat Blueberry and Aloe & Linseed and Green Tea & Psyllium Husk. Our milks are Organic Whole, Organic Low Fat, Organic Fat Free and Fresh Goat’s Milk in I litre cartons.

Our desserts in 150g cartons are Low Fat Chocolate Underground, Low Fat Blueberry Underground and Low Fat Caramel Underground.

Vertical Vanilla and So Strawberry kids yogurts are in 4 x 90g multipacks.

Organic Banana and Peach Baby Fromage Frais come in 6 x 60g multipacks and Organic Strawberry and Raspberry Fromage Frais are in 6 x 60g multipacks.

Organic Crème Fraiche and Organic Fresh Cream are in 250ml pots.

Banana and Peach Goat’s Milk Yogurts are in 4 x 90g multipacks and Strawberry and Raspberry Goat’s Milk Yogurts are in 4 x 90g multipacks.

Where is Glenisk produced?

Glenisk yogurt comes from the Cleary family-owned and run organic dairy in Ireland, which produces the most delicious organic dairy products. Glenisk yogurt is made from milk produced by over 50 organic farms in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Are Glenisk Products Pasteurised?

All Glenisk products are made from fresh, pasteurised, Irish milks.

Where do the ingredients for Glenisk come from?

Glenisk carries out stringent audits of all suppliers and its products carry certification from the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).

Fairtrade Chocolate used in Glenisk low fat desserts and bananas in the fromage frais are Rainforest Alliance Certified. All fruits are organic and all other ingredients are sourced from ethical suppliers.

Sources vary according to season and availability of ingredients. However, recent examples include:

Strawberries: from Poland. Glenisk selects the varieties with the best taste. The Polish climate encourages slow growth, which ensures depth of flavour.

Blueberries: also from Poland. Glenisk uses only wild blueberries, which have a stronger taste than cultivated varieties.

Raspberries: are hand picked in the hills of Poland, Serbia and Bulgaria.

Rhubarb: is hand-cut from family farms in the Kielce region of Southern Poland. Only the tender, less acid, first crop is used.

Peaches: come mainly from Spain and Italy.

Bananas: are from Costa Rica and are Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Sugar: organic cane sugar from Costa Rica and other Latin American origins is used. Cane sugar has a delicious, caramelised flavour.

Vanilla: Bourbon type vanilla is grown and dried in Madagascar, known as one of the best climates in the world for growing vanilla.

Chocolate: the origin of the cocoa is Latin America and it is Max Harvelor approved.

What type of packaging is Glenisk packed in? Is it recyclable?

500g and 450g packaging:

a.    Pots are sourced from SEDA Germany, made from recycled cardboard made from wood that is sourced from sustainably managed forests. They can be recycled as paper.

b.    Lids are aluminium, sourced from Alucap, Italy (we’re working on a more sustainable materials but haven’t found another material strong enough to support the weight of the larger pots).

c.    Re-useable overlids (to keep the yogurt fresh) are made of PP (Polypropylene) and are recyclable in most council recycling centres.

150g desserts:

a.       Pots: made of the same pots as (a)

b.        Lids are made of recycled PET and mixed PAP sources, recyclable in most council recycling centres.

60g, 125g mulitpacks:

a.    Pots are exclusively shaped, formed at our plant, from the lightest weight PS (polystyrene) possible, recyclable in most council recycling centres.

b.    Lids are made from a composite material of PET, Aluminium, mixed PAP sources

c.    Sleeves: Recyclable cardboard made from 100% recycled pot consumer waste. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Recycle as paper.

What cultures do you use in Glenisk yogurts?

Two probiotic cultures, L.casei and Bifidus and two active yogurt cultures, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are used in Glenisk yogurts. The World Health Organisation defines probiotics as "live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host” (WHO 2002). A large number of probiotic bacteria in the gut microflora may help protect against pathogenic invasion – a common cause of diarrhoea. Probiotics can also help improve the absorption of nutrients and improve digestion.

Does freezing yogurt destroy or alter the effectiveness of the live cultures?

The vast proportion of bacteria in Glenisk yogurt are fully effective after thawing out. Glenisk yogurt should be kept at between one and four degrees Centigrade (34 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit).

Do any of your products contain gelatine or preservatives? Are they suitable for coeliacs? Vegetarians? Nut allergy suffers?

Glenisk yogurts are free of all artificial colourings and preservatives and are suitable for coeliacs as they are gluten free. They are also suitable for vegetarians. They do not contain nuts.

Can Glenisk yogurts be eaten by people suffering from lactose intolerance?

Although it varies with each case, the majority of sufferers from lactose intolerance are able to eat yogurt although unable to drink raw milk. Lactose intolerance is a very common condition that occurs when lactose (milk sugar) is not digested properly because of an enzyme deficiency. Yogurt is easier to digest than milk because its live bacteria contain lactase, the enzyme lactose intolerant people lack, and which helps lactose digestion. Lactase deficiency, which may be temporary or permanent and more or less marked, depending on the individual, produces lactose intolerance - in other words, the emergence of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal distension (bloating) or diarrhoea.

Why is it recommended to eat yogurt when taking antibiotics?

Antibiotics can destroy the beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract which help us to digest our food. This can cause diarrhoea. Live yogurt cultures like those in Glenisk yogurts can help to replace these bacteria and re-establish a healthy intestinal balance by increasing the microorganisms that are naturally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

At what age can children begin to eat fromage frais or yogurt?

The majority of children can eat yogurt at the time when they are introduced to solid food, between six and 12 months. However, the best product for young children is Glenisk’s new range of fromage frais, which is specially designed for children from six months.

What nutritional benefit does yogurt provide?

Yogurt provides high biological value and easily digestible protein, and is also a good source of calcium – for example, Glenisk yogurts contain between 19 and 23 per cent of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of calcium per 100g.

Can eating yogurt help to reduce cholesterol?

There some studies that have shown that consuming live, active cultures has a positive effect on lowering cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol reabsorption. However, those suffering from problems with raised levels of cholesterol should consult their doctor regarding appropriate treatment.

Does the Glenisk range of fromage frais contain sugar?

The sugar content of the Glenisk fromage frais is similar to, or lower than, competitive products. Sugar is necessary to balance the acidity of the fruit content. Glenisk uses only organic cane sugar.

What is organic farming?

Glenisk yogurt is certified organic by the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA), which means it comes from real fields of real grass, with healthy cows, healthy soil, clean water and safe handling. No chemicals, pesticides or antibiotics are used in the production of milk or any other ingredient. Organic foods help to protect the livelihood of small, family-run farms that keep the countryside varied, clean and full of wildlife. Organic cows frequently live to the age of 15 and enjoy a natural environment where calves feed from the udder rather than on artificial milk substitute. Organic farming also produces less carbon emissions and so helps reduce climate change.

What’s the relationship between Glenisk and Stonyfield?

Glenisk has joined forces with Stonyfield Farm, makers of the world’s best-selling yogurt, and the two companies are united in their quest to promote sustainable living and a healthy planet. With Stonyfield Europe taking a 37% stake in the company, Glenisk have completed construction of a new €8.5million eco-friendly plant.