Frequently Asked Questions

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/store-locator 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 Customer Care Team at hello@califiafarms.com. You can also ask to speak to a store manager and request them to carry Califia Farms products.

Or if you prefer to have them delivered to your doorstep, shop direct from www.califiafarms.com or your favorite online grocery retailer.

How long do your products stay fresh?
You should drink our products by or before their expiration date, and within 10 days of opening them.
Does my product need to be refrigerated before opening?

Our bottled products (Plant Milks, Creamers, Cold Brew Coffees, Juices and some Seasonals) are perishable and must always be refrigerated.

However, our products packaged in cartons (Better Half, select Creamers, Barista Blends, and select Concentrated Cold Brew) 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 10 days of opening.

What is the product packaging made of?
All Califia Farms products are brought to you in recyclable packaging— whether it’s clear PET or HDPE plastic, glass or aluminum bottles, or cartons.
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.

Help! I still have questions.

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

Can I still order on your website?

This year, 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 partners at Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Instacart. Please use our store locator to purchase locally in store by clicking here.

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

What does being a sustainable business mean to Califia Farms?

We believe that the impact of our business is a lot bigger than how many bottles we sell. We want to build the food and beverage company of the future, and sustainability is at the heart of our values and guides us in our plant-powered innovation. The environmental impact of meat and dairy consumption makes it more important than ever to find plant-based solutions for our diets. We endeavor to make plant-based foods that are delicious and easily accessible so that choosing health and caring for the environment is available to everyone and doesn’t mean compromising on taste.

Sustainability has been a core value of ours ever since we started, and we’re beyond excited to announce that we’re embarking on a range of initiatives to improve our environmental footprint. From improving our packaging materials to using renewable energy, from recycling our process-water to local agriculture and developing Direct Trade relationships, we’re putting together a comprehensive program that will also include new ways to communicate our goals and progress. We invite you to join us on this journey toward a sustainable, plant-powered future.

Is your packaging recyclable?

All of our products are brought to you in recyclable packaging— whether that is plastic bottles, cartons, glass or aluminum bottles. Both the label sleeves on bottles as well as the plastic caps are recyclable. Please note: removing the label allows for better color sorting and assures greater value of the materials. If you can spare the extra ten seconds, rip off the label for the planet! It’s important to check to assure the right facilities exist in your community. Please visit RecycleCartons.com or check with your local recycling program.

For our e-commerce site, all refrigerated product is shipped to consumers in a foam-free packaging alternative to styrofoam. We use an estimated 75% recycled content in all our corrugated cardboard for shipping. Right now, we’re working on ways to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging even further by including recycled materials in our packaging.

How do you source your ingredients?

One of our core aspirations of sustainability is to improve value for our farmer-partners through direct-sourcing partnerships. By shortening the supply chain, we can assure we bring you the highest quality ingredients while ensuring that the stewards of our land benefit from our business. We recently completed a robust Direct Trade coffee sourcing program. Beginning 2018, all of the 100% Arabica beans used in Califia’s products are sourced directly from farmer-partners in Central and South America, and East Africa.

When it comes to almonds used in our products, we work primarily with one grower-processor that is led by a 3rd generation family operation. They use only the most technologically-progressive irrigation practices and manage their own beehives to assure that these important pollinators thrive. More than 80% of the almonds we buy are grown and processed within a 20 mile radius of our bottling facility.

Califia Farms began as a juice company, pressing the bounty of the Cuties Lil’ Zipper tangerines into refreshing quenchers. We were founded with the intention of making good use of blemished, perfectly-imperfect fruit that couldn’t be sold for fresh eating, thereby reducing food waste — a contributor to climate change. Although our product line has since grown to include more than just juices, we remain just as committed as ever to bringing you high quality citrus — packed with sunshine — in a variety of fresh flavor combos.

How are you making your facilities more energy efficient?

Our goal is to transition to 100% renewable power by 2020. To get there, we’re finding innovative ways to reduce our energy needs while also boosting our production of renewable energy. We’ve managed to cut the amount of energy needed to produce one bottle of our Almondmilk by 23% between 2016 and 2017. Next up, we’ll look to install a massive solar array at our manufacturing plant to harness the power of the California sunshine. We’re also in the midst of a year-long energy efficiency study that will guide further improvements.

We use cool technology to lower our carbon footprint throughout our energy-efficient distribution center:

  • 16” insulated walls. Eight independently functioning condenser units, which activate as directed by a multi-zone network of temperature sensors.
  • Energy efficient motors with Variable Frequency Drives.
  • A boiler economizer to consume less gas in our heat generation.
  • Skylights in the packaging area of our plant so that we can turn off the majority of the area lighting during sunny days and motion sensors so that if we’re not using the lights, they shut off automatically.
How are you conserving water?

We all know H20 is a precious resource, especially in our home state of California.

Califia Farms Supports Water-Friendly Farmers

  • We work almost exclusively with almond farmers who use only the most efficient, technologically advanced irrigation practices.
  • By using drip irrigation and live weather and soil moisture monitoring, our farmers ensure that the almond trees get the appropriate amount of water they need.

Califia Farms is Increasing Water Efficiency

  • In our manufacturing 100% of the water leaving our Bakersfield plant is now captured and reclaimed by the farmers who grow our almonds just up the road.
  • Over the past year, we have reduced the amount of water required to produce each bottle of our Almondmilk by 16% through efficient production planning.
How are you reducing waste?
Over 90% of the production waste (shrink wraps, pallets, cardboard and paper) from our facility is diverted from the landfill to recycling. The small amount of organic food waste left over after production is given to local farmers to be repurposed. We are currently working to achieve Zero Waste Certification.
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, we have chosen to work almost exclusively with an almond supplier that has their own in-house honeybee operation to protect and grow the bee population. Almond farming is a key industry for bee health: the almond bloom is the first opportunity for bees to find forage every year, which provides them with the food they need to increase in population and continue on to pollinate crops across America. We can all help protect the bees by planting more forage; learn how Califia’s retail partner Whole Foods is “sharing the buzz” here: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/sharethebuzz.
Are you affiliated with any other third-party associations or charity groups?

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.

In 2017 we became involved with the Ron Finley Project. Meet Ron in our “Cultivators” Video and learn more about what he’s doing for the future of food.

In 2017, we also joined the RE100 initiative to further our commitment to source 100% renewable electricity by 2020.

In 2018, we became a supporter of Equal Origins - an organization that promotes gender equality through training workshops and educational programs within the global coffee supply chain.

The team at Califia also supports other local non-profits and charities, and each employee receives a full paid day off to volunteer at the organization of their choice.
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 plant milks, 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 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 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.

Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee

Califia Farms is proud of our commitment to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees. One of our suppliers recently had an issue securing freight for our material and they are unable to deliver enough of the certified coffee to meet our needs.

This means that from 1/09/22 to 3/06/22, our cold brew coffees with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal are only able to contain 21.5% of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee.

We expect this to be resolved by 3/06/22, and plan to return to sourcing 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for these products at that time.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we remain committed to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees.

Who is Queen Califia and why did you name the company after her?
Drawing on Califia Farms’ deep roots in California, founder Greg Steltenpohl became inspired by the legend of Califia, the beautiful black Queen who has come to be known as the “Spirit of California.” Her story was memorialized in an ancient text published as a Spanish novel in 1510, in which the mythical Queen led a formidable army of women warriors who protected their bountiful paradise, later to become recognized as the state of California. We share her passion for protecting and nourishing our environment and our community. Queen Califia is both the symbol for our brand and our muse as we build a modern army of wellness warriors, nourishing and inspiring others with the power of what plants can do.
Are your products 100% non-GMO?
Yes. All of our products are 100% non-GMO.
Do all of your products have the non-GMO Verification Project label?
Some of our products have the non-GMO Project Verification Label, and others have our own Verified Label stating they are non-GMO, as tested by an approved third party verifier of the non-GMO Project to validate our 100% non-GMO status.
Are your products organic?
While our full line is not organic, all Califia Farms products are 100% plant-based, non-GMO, carrageenan-free, gluten-free, vegan and made with no artificial ingredients.
Why aren't all your products organic?
The sourcing of certain ingredients, particularly organic nuts, makes it challenging to produce all of our products as organic. While our full line is not organic, all Califia Farms products are 100% plant-based, non-GMO, carrageenan-free, gluten-free, vegan and made with no artificial ingredients. Some of our consumers want an organic option, so that’s why we also have a line of USDA Certified Organic Homestyle Nutmilks. As a leader in the nut-beverage category, we consider it our responsibility to deliver consistent and delicious taste through quality ingredients, all while building a reliable and enduring supply chain. Califia Farms want to bring everyone access to great-tasting, plant-based options that have a lighter impact on the environment than traditional dairy.
Do you have carrageenan in your products?
All Califia Farms products are 100% carrageenan-free!
What ingredients changed in your products when you removed carrageenan?
When we removed carrageenan, we replaced it with the natural thickener locust bean gum, which is extracted from the seeds of the carob tree and delivers on our Almondmilks’ signature creaminess and taste.
Do you have gluten in your products?
Our products are gluten-free.
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 peanuts. Califia Farms has Food Safety protocols in place to eliminate the risk for peanut cross -contamination at our production facilities, and our almond and other tree nut (cashew, macadamia, and coconut) suppliers have exclusively tree nut processes. 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 of our products are kosher. They are all under the supervision of the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union. All of 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 flavor potentiator, which gives flavor 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 Flavors" listed on your ingredient list?
Our natural flavors are a proprietary blend of essences, extracts, and other components of natural food materials to provide added enjoyment using safe and natural ingredients. The flavor components that we use are not manufactured in a lab — they are obtained from real food ingredients to impart flavor. At Califia Farms, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our products, but we cannot divulge the components of our proprietary flavor blend because our recipes are… well… proprietary!
What kinds of sweetener 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.
Plant Milks
What makes your Plant Milks so creamy?
Cows don't own creamy. Our Almondmilks use whole blanched almonds that are carefully ground for a rich, creamy taste and texture. Our coconut and coconut-blended milks use real coconut cream for a delicious, smooth flavor.
Are your Plant Milks organic?
While our full line is 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 Plant Milks?
Our Plant Milks and Creamers are great for cooking — the best part is that you can use the exact same amount of Plant Milk in cooking and baking recipes as cow’s milk.
Can I use Califia's Plant Milk in coffee, or will it curdle?
No, that's actually what our Plant Milk products were originally intended for. Because of this, our Barista Blends have become the plant milk of choice at many of the nation’s top coffee shops. So go ahead and steam it!

And have you tried our dairy free Coffee Creamers and Better Half?! They don’t have any of the partially hydrogenated oils that conventional dairy free creamers use -- ours are made with pure almond and coconut cream for a smooth, perfect pairing.

Can I freeze the Plant Milks?
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 Plant Milks have calcium? And is added?
Our Plant Milks have 40% more calcium than cow’s milk, and yes, we do add calcium (as do many breakfast favorites, 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 Plant Milks by adding Calcium Carbonate, a mineral that is mined from Mother Earth, and then milled to a very fine powder like consistency.
Cold Brew Coffees
Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee

Califia Farms is proud of our commitment to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees. One of our suppliers recently had an issue securing freight for our material and they are unable to deliver enough of the certified coffee to meet our needs.

This means that from 1/09/22 to 3/06/22, our cold brew coffees with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal are only able to contain 21.5% of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee.

We expect this to be resolved by 3/06/22, and plan to return to sourcing 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for these products at that time.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we remain committed to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees.

What is Cold Brew Coffee and why is Califia Farms’ unique?
Cold brewing captures many of the flavor components that “hot brewing” doesn’t catch. The result is a less acidic taste because heat releases oils that give coffee its high acid profile.

We start with 100% Arabica beans sourced via Direct Trade from Central and South America and East Africa. We then custom roast these beans in a light Scandinavian-style at our own roasting facilities located in Oakland, CA and Downtown Los Angeles.

The roasted beans then undergo a proprietary cold brew immersion technique that results in more water contacting more of the coffee grounds, imparting more flavor to the final brew because this technique captures more of the great-tasting coffee compounds and leaves behind the less desirable compounds. Our process also guarantees the coffee stays fresher because there’s less exposure to air, meaning less oxidation and degradation.

What kind of coffee do you use in your Califia Farms Cold Brew?
We use 100% Arabica beans sourced via Direct Trade from Central and South America and East Africa.
Where do you source your coffee?
Our 100% Arabica beans are sourced from Central and South America and East Africa.
What is your roasting style?
Our roasting style is close to a Scandinavian light roast — it brings out the bright notes in the coffee. We wait for the exact right look, smell, and taste to indicate that the beans are properly roasted and ready for grinding.
Is Cold Brew more caffeinated than hot 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.

How much sugar is in your Cold Brew Coffees, and do you use artificial ingredients? They taste like a treat.
This is the best part! Our Cold Brew Coffees have NO saturated fat, are soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and are cholesterol-free. Our blended brews are also lower in sugar -- by at least 25% -- versus the other guys. We also use real ingredients like caramel in our Salted Caramel Latte, or pumpkin puree in our Pumpkin Spice Latte.
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.
Creamers and Better Half
What’s the difference between Califia’s Creamers and Better Half?
Califia Farms’ Better Half is a delicious, dairy free one-for-one swap to Half and Half. It is blended with a bit more coconut cream, making it slightly thicker than our Creamers. Plus, the flavored varieties of our Better Half have no added sugar.

Our dairy free Creamers have no hydrogenated oils or artificial colors – but still deliver that rich, creamy flavor you love. They are also lower in sugar and calories than traditional creamers. So go ahead, pour away.

What makes your Better Half and Creamers so creamy?
In addition to our already dreamy, creamy almondmilk, we blend our Creamers and Better Half with real, rich coconut cream.
Can you bake or cook with the Better Half and Creamers?
Yes! In fact they are excellent to use in recipes that call for cream, or other similar ingredients. Check out our recipes on The Bounty for some plant-based meal prep goodness!

General
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/store-locator 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 Customer Care Team at hello@califiafarms.com. You can also ask to speak to a store manager and request them to carry Califia Farms products.

Or if you prefer to have them delivered to your doorstep, shop direct from www.califiafarms.com or your favorite online grocery retailer.

How long do your products stay fresh?
You should drink our products by or before their expiration date, and within 10 days of opening them.
Does my product need to be refrigerated before opening?

Our bottled products (Plant Milks, Creamers, Cold Brew Coffees, Juices and some Seasonals) are perishable and must always be refrigerated.

However, our products packaged in cartons (Better Half, select Creamers, Barista Blends, and select Concentrated Cold Brew) 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 10 days of opening.

What is the product packaging made of?
All Califia Farms products are brought to you in recyclable packaging— whether it’s clear PET or HDPE plastic, glass or aluminum bottles, or cartons.
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.

Help! I still have questions.

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

Orders & Shipping
Can I still order on your website?

This year, 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 partners at Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Instacart. Please use our store locator to purchase locally in store by clicking here.

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

Sustainability
What does being a sustainable business mean to Califia Farms?

We believe that the impact of our business is a lot bigger than how many bottles we sell. We want to build the food and beverage company of the future, and sustainability is at the heart of our values and guides us in our plant-powered innovation. The environmental impact of meat and dairy consumption makes it more important than ever to find plant-based solutions for our diets. We endeavor to make plant-based foods that are delicious and easily accessible so that choosing health and caring for the environment is available to everyone and doesn’t mean compromising on taste.

Sustainability has been a core value of ours ever since we started, and we’re beyond excited to announce that we’re embarking on a range of initiatives to improve our environmental footprint. From improving our packaging materials to using renewable energy, from recycling our process-water to local agriculture and developing Direct Trade relationships, we’re putting together a comprehensive program that will also include new ways to communicate our goals and progress. We invite you to join us on this journey toward a sustainable, plant-powered future.

Is your packaging recyclable?

All of our products are brought to you in recyclable packaging— whether that is plastic bottles, cartons, glass or aluminum bottles. Both the label sleeves on bottles as well as the plastic caps are recyclable. Please note: removing the label allows for better color sorting and assures greater value of the materials. If you can spare the extra ten seconds, rip off the label for the planet! It’s important to check to assure the right facilities exist in your community. Please visit RecycleCartons.com or check with your local recycling program.

For our e-commerce site, all refrigerated product is shipped to consumers in a foam-free packaging alternative to styrofoam. We use an estimated 75% recycled content in all our corrugated cardboard for shipping. Right now, we’re working on ways to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging even further by including recycled materials in our packaging.

How do you source your ingredients?

One of our core aspirations of sustainability is to improve value for our farmer-partners through direct-sourcing partnerships. By shortening the supply chain, we can assure we bring you the highest quality ingredients while ensuring that the stewards of our land benefit from our business. We recently completed a robust Direct Trade coffee sourcing program. Beginning 2018, all of the 100% Arabica beans used in Califia’s products are sourced directly from farmer-partners in Central and South America, and East Africa.

When it comes to almonds used in our products, we work primarily with one grower-processor that is led by a 3rd generation family operation. They use only the most technologically-progressive irrigation practices and manage their own beehives to assure that these important pollinators thrive. More than 80% of the almonds we buy are grown and processed within a 20 mile radius of our bottling facility.

Califia Farms began as a juice company, pressing the bounty of the Cuties Lil’ Zipper tangerines into refreshing quenchers. We were founded with the intention of making good use of blemished, perfectly-imperfect fruit that couldn’t be sold for fresh eating, thereby reducing food waste — a contributor to climate change. Although our product line has since grown to include more than just juices, we remain just as committed as ever to bringing you high quality citrus — packed with sunshine — in a variety of fresh flavor combos.

How are you making your facilities more energy efficient?

Our goal is to transition to 100% renewable power by 2020. To get there, we’re finding innovative ways to reduce our energy needs while also boosting our production of renewable energy. We’ve managed to cut the amount of energy needed to produce one bottle of our Almondmilk by 23% between 2016 and 2017. Next up, we’ll look to install a massive solar array at our manufacturing plant to harness the power of the California sunshine. We’re also in the midst of a year-long energy efficiency study that will guide further improvements.

We use cool technology to lower our carbon footprint throughout our energy-efficient distribution center:

  • 16” insulated walls. Eight independently functioning condenser units, which activate as directed by a multi-zone network of temperature sensors.
  • Energy efficient motors with Variable Frequency Drives.
  • A boiler economizer to consume less gas in our heat generation.
  • Skylights in the packaging area of our plant so that we can turn off the majority of the area lighting during sunny days and motion sensors so that if we’re not using the lights, they shut off automatically.
How are you conserving water?

We all know H20 is a precious resource, especially in our home state of California.

Califia Farms Supports Water-Friendly Farmers

  • We work almost exclusively with almond farmers who use only the most efficient, technologically advanced irrigation practices.
  • By using drip irrigation and live weather and soil moisture monitoring, our farmers ensure that the almond trees get the appropriate amount of water they need.

Califia Farms is Increasing Water Efficiency

  • In our manufacturing 100% of the water leaving our Bakersfield plant is now captured and reclaimed by the farmers who grow our almonds just up the road.
  • Over the past year, we have reduced the amount of water required to produce each bottle of our Almondmilk by 16% through efficient production planning.
How are you reducing waste?
Over 90% of the production waste (shrink wraps, pallets, cardboard and paper) from our facility is diverted from the landfill to recycling. The small amount of organic food waste left over after production is given to local farmers to be repurposed. We are currently working to achieve Zero Waste Certification.
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, we have chosen to work almost exclusively with an almond supplier that has their own in-house honeybee operation to protect and grow the bee population. Almond farming is a key industry for bee health: the almond bloom is the first opportunity for bees to find forage every year, which provides them with the food they need to increase in population and continue on to pollinate crops across America. We can all help protect the bees by planting more forage; learn how Califia’s retail partner Whole Foods is “sharing the buzz” here: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/sharethebuzz.
Are you affiliated with any other third-party associations or charity groups?

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.

In 2017 we became involved with the Ron Finley Project. Meet Ron in our “Cultivators” Video and learn more about what he’s doing for the future of food.

In 2017, we also joined the RE100 initiative to further our commitment to source 100% renewable electricity by 2020.

In 2018, we became a supporter of Equal Origins - an organization that promotes gender equality through training workshops and educational programs within the global coffee supply chain.

The team at Califia also supports other local non-profits and charities, and each employee receives a full paid day off to volunteer at the organization of their choice.
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 plant milks, 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 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 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.

Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee

Califia Farms is proud of our commitment to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees. One of our suppliers recently had an issue securing freight for our material and they are unable to deliver enough of the certified coffee to meet our needs.

This means that from 1/09/22 to 3/06/22, our cold brew coffees with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal are only able to contain 21.5% of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee.

We expect this to be resolved by 3/06/22, and plan to return to sourcing 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for these products at that time.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we remain committed to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees.

Our Brand
Who is Queen Califia and why did you name the company after her?
Drawing on Califia Farms’ deep roots in California, founder Greg Steltenpohl became inspired by the legend of Califia, the beautiful black Queen who has come to be known as the “Spirit of California.” Her story was memorialized in an ancient text published as a Spanish novel in 1510, in which the mythical Queen led a formidable army of women warriors who protected their bountiful paradise, later to become recognized as the state of California. We share her passion for protecting and nourishing our environment and our community. Queen Califia is both the symbol for our brand and our muse as we build a modern army of wellness warriors, nourishing and inspiring others with the power of what plants can do.
Are your products 100% non-GMO?
Yes. All of our products are 100% non-GMO.
Do all of your products have the non-GMO Verification Project label?
Some of our products have the non-GMO Project Verification Label, and others have our own Verified Label stating they are non-GMO, as tested by an approved third party verifier of the non-GMO Project to validate our 100% non-GMO status.
Are your products organic?
While our full line is not organic, all Califia Farms products are 100% plant-based, non-GMO, carrageenan-free, gluten-free, vegan and made with no artificial ingredients.
Why aren't all your products organic?
The sourcing of certain ingredients, particularly organic nuts, makes it challenging to produce all of our products as organic. While our full line is not organic, all Califia Farms products are 100% plant-based, non-GMO, carrageenan-free, gluten-free, vegan and made with no artificial ingredients. Some of our consumers want an organic option, so that’s why we also have a line of USDA Certified Organic Homestyle Nutmilks. As a leader in the nut-beverage category, we consider it our responsibility to deliver consistent and delicious taste through quality ingredients, all while building a reliable and enduring supply chain. Califia Farms want to bring everyone access to great-tasting, plant-based options that have a lighter impact on the environment than traditional dairy.
Do you have carrageenan in your products?
All Califia Farms products are 100% carrageenan-free!
What ingredients changed in your products when you removed carrageenan?
When we removed carrageenan, we replaced it with the natural thickener locust bean gum, which is extracted from the seeds of the carob tree and delivers on our Almondmilks’ signature creaminess and taste.
Do you have gluten in your products?
Our products are gluten-free.
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 peanuts. Califia Farms has Food Safety protocols in place to eliminate the risk for peanut cross -contamination at our production facilities, and our almond and other tree nut (cashew, macadamia, and coconut) suppliers have exclusively tree nut processes. 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 of our products are kosher. They are all under the supervision of the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union. All of 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 flavor potentiator, which gives flavor 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 Flavors" listed on your ingredient list?
Our natural flavors are a proprietary blend of essences, extracts, and other components of natural food materials to provide added enjoyment using safe and natural ingredients. The flavor components that we use are not manufactured in a lab — they are obtained from real food ingredients to impart flavor. At Califia Farms, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our products, but we cannot divulge the components of our proprietary flavor blend because our recipes are… well… proprietary!
What kinds of sweetener 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.

Our Products
Plant Milks
What makes your Plant Milks so creamy?
Cows don't own creamy. Our Almondmilks use whole blanched almonds that are carefully ground for a rich, creamy taste and texture. Our coconut and coconut-blended milks use real coconut cream for a delicious, smooth flavor.
Are your Plant Milks organic?
While our full line is 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 Plant Milks?
Our Plant Milks and Creamers are great for cooking — the best part is that you can use the exact same amount of Plant Milk in cooking and baking recipes as cow’s milk.
Can I use Califia's Plant Milk in coffee, or will it curdle?
No, that's actually what our Plant Milk products were originally intended for. Because of this, our Barista Blends have become the plant milk of choice at many of the nation’s top coffee shops. So go ahead and steam it!

And have you tried our dairy free Coffee Creamers and Better Half?! They don’t have any of the partially hydrogenated oils that conventional dairy free creamers use -- ours are made with pure almond and coconut cream for a smooth, perfect pairing.

Can I freeze the Plant Milks?
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 Plant Milks have calcium? And is added?
Our Plant Milks have 40% more calcium than cow’s milk, and yes, we do add calcium (as do many breakfast favorites, 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 Plant Milks by adding Calcium Carbonate, a mineral that is mined from Mother Earth, and then milled to a very fine powder like consistency.
Cold Brew Coffees
Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee

Califia Farms is proud of our commitment to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees. One of our suppliers recently had an issue securing freight for our material and they are unable to deliver enough of the certified coffee to meet our needs.

This means that from 1/09/22 to 3/06/22, our cold brew coffees with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal are only able to contain 21.5% of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee.

We expect this to be resolved by 3/06/22, and plan to return to sourcing 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for these products at that time.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we remain committed to sustainability and sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for our cold brew coffees.

What is Cold Brew Coffee and why is Califia Farms’ unique?
Cold brewing captures many of the flavor components that “hot brewing” doesn’t catch. The result is a less acidic taste because heat releases oils that give coffee its high acid profile.

We start with 100% Arabica beans sourced via Direct Trade from Central and South America and East Africa. We then custom roast these beans in a light Scandinavian-style at our own roasting facilities located in Oakland, CA and Downtown Los Angeles.

The roasted beans then undergo a proprietary cold brew immersion technique that results in more water contacting more of the coffee grounds, imparting more flavor to the final brew because this technique captures more of the great-tasting coffee compounds and leaves behind the less desirable compounds. Our process also guarantees the coffee stays fresher because there’s less exposure to air, meaning less oxidation and degradation.

What kind of coffee do you use in your Califia Farms Cold Brew?
We use 100% Arabica beans sourced via Direct Trade from Central and South America and East Africa.
Where do you source your coffee?
Our 100% Arabica beans are sourced from Central and South America and East Africa.
What is your roasting style?
Our roasting style is close to a Scandinavian light roast — it brings out the bright notes in the coffee. We wait for the exact right look, smell, and taste to indicate that the beans are properly roasted and ready for grinding.
Is Cold Brew more caffeinated than hot 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.

How much sugar is in your Cold Brew Coffees, and do you use artificial ingredients? They taste like a treat.
This is the best part! Our Cold Brew Coffees have NO saturated fat, are soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and are cholesterol-free. Our blended brews are also lower in sugar -- by at least 25% -- versus the other guys. We also use real ingredients like caramel in our Salted Caramel Latte, or pumpkin puree in our Pumpkin Spice Latte.
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.
Creamers and Better Half
What’s the difference between Califia’s Creamers and Better Half?
Califia Farms’ Better Half is a delicious, dairy free one-for-one swap to Half and Half. It is blended with a bit more coconut cream, making it slightly thicker than our Creamers. Plus, the flavored varieties of our Better Half have no added sugar.

Our dairy free Creamers have no hydrogenated oils or artificial colors – but still deliver that rich, creamy flavor you love. They are also lower in sugar and calories than traditional creamers. So go ahead, pour away.

What makes your Better Half and Creamers so creamy?
In addition to our already dreamy, creamy almondmilk, we blend our Creamers and Better Half with real, rich coconut cream.
Can you bake or cook with the Better Half and Creamers?
Yes! In fact they are excellent to use in recipes that call for cream, or other similar ingredients. Check out our recipes on The Bounty for some plant-based meal prep goodness!