Yes. Refrigeration keeps our items fresh. Cool temperatures help retain the live probiotic cultures created during fermentation. This ensures the maximum nutritional benefit, extends the shelf-life and preserves the taste and texture that make our products so special. It is important to note that natural fermentation is an incredibly robust preservation process so our products are actually quite stable in an ambient environment. Much like wine and cheese which are often left out to breathe before enjoying, the same can be true for our products. It is safe to leave them out and enjoy them when they reach room temperature. We do recommend placing all of our items back in the refrigerator when you're done.

Big Picture Foods have clean ingredient panels are contain NO GMOs, and nothing added. NO Emulsifiers, NO acids, NO preservatives. In fact, they contain just 4 ingredients: Deep Well Mineral Water, Unrefined Sea Salt (with trace minerals present), Organic Kosher Wine Vinegar, and our fermented Regenerative Organic produce. Can other specialty foods say the same?

We think long and hard about the materials we use, how we use them and what will happen to them once they're no longer needed. The hard truth is all packaging material has their pros and cons. Ultimately, our decision came down to risk reduction. Retailers were not inclined to take our products in glass because of their placement in the produce/deli section of the store and the concern that glass can break causing danger if consumed and lots and lots of spoilage on their end.

Plastic is a lot lighter than glass which saves on transportation-related emissions. Lighter weight means less material, and less material means a smaller environmental footprint. We make an effort to use only recycled cardboard, cartons, corrugate, and our label is printed on recycled paper pulp. 

Until that "perfect package" comes along, the plastic used in our trays are marked and coded #1 (which is the most easily recycled), and we hope that if you can't reuse the container, you will recycle it.

We also chose a high-quality, BPA-NI grade to eliminate concerns about leaching.

We're working on adding a product locator to the website so you can find the store nearest you that carries the items you're looking for. Currently, you can find Big Picture Foods in the refrigerated set of more than 300 natural and independent grocers throughout the country. If you don't see us, please ask for it at your local grocery store and shoot us an email so we can let our sales team know where you want to see our products next!

We expect to introduce our bulk program in early 2022 beginning with food service. If you're a Restaurant / Chef looking for better - you've come to the right place! Big Picture can elevate your offering and help to bring exciting, nutrient dense fermented foods to your menu. Please reach out directly at Hello@BigPictureFoods.com.

Live probiotic cultures are destroyed at around 115°F, meaning that your fermented Big Picture Foods (Olives, and now Peppers and Capers, too!) should be used at the end of cooking if you want to preserve their gut health benefits.