Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between BellyFULL Recipes and HopeFULL Recipes?
A: The goal with the HopeFULL recipes was to make them a balanced meal or snack in an easy to eat form, while the goal with the BellyFULL recipes is to encourage adventurous whole-foods eating by children in a fun new way. All of our recipes in both of our recipe books call for fully blending the foods, so they are great for anyone who is having trouble eating due to illness or sensory issues. Our HopeFULL Gift Pack is typically sold to or for adults having difficulties eating, while the BellyFULL Kit is typically purchased to get kids eating more whole foods.

Q: What retail locations are your products currently sold in?
A: Currently The HopeFULL Gift Pack is sold at the following locations:
The Wedge Coop, Minneapolis
Lakewinds Natural Foods, Minnetonka and Chanhassen
Harvest Moon Coop, Long Lake
Ness Clinic for Natural Health, St. Louis Park
Woodwinds Natural Health Care Center

Q: I'm a retailer. Who do I contact regarding wholesale purchases?
A: Karen Van Meter of Van Liermann & Associates / 612-759-0708

Q: What are some of the other health conditions that might make it hard for people to eat?
A: Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of health issues including the following:

Q: How is The HopeFULL Company "green"?
A: We do our very best to keep waste at a minimum and choose products free of harmful chemicals. The HopeFULL mold and cooler tote are free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. The cooler tote is machine washable and sturdier than most lunch bags, making it last longer than other options. Our spoon sticks are biodegradable and most shipping boxes are certified Cradle to Cradle®.

Q: Why do I put the wood spoon-stick into the molds with the spoon side out?
A: Because rubbing your thumb in the cradle of the spoon is comforting - it feels like a worry stone! And it makes the HopeFULL easier to hold. If you prefer to freeze them the other way, that's okay too!

Q: How long does a tray of HopeFULLs take to freeze?
A: A full tray of HopeFULLs should take about three to four hours to fully freeze.

Q: How long will the HopeFULLs stay frozen in the cooler tote?
A: HopeFULLs should stay frozen in the HopeFULL cooler tote for four to five hours if transported with an ice pack.

Q: What is the easiest way to get the frozen HopeFULLs out of the molds?
A: When removing HopeFULLs from their mold gently twist and pull. The slower you pull and twist, the easier they come out.

Q: Once the HopeFULLs are frozen, when do they expire?
A: To ensure optimal freshness, consume frozen HopeFULLs within 6 weeks of freezing.

Q: Are there other ways to eat HopeFULLs besides frozen?
A: All HopeFULL recipes can be consumed frozen, at room temperature or warmed in a microwave and eaten with the wooden spoon. Our recipes can also be consumed after blending as a nutritious smoothie.

Q: What kind of ingredients are used in the HopeFULL and BellyFULL Recipes?
A: All of our HopeFULL and BellyFULL Recipes are wholesome and vegetarian. We have thoughtfully chosen each ingredient in every recipe, ensuring that each frozen whole-food pop is as tasty, satisfying and as nutrient-dense as possible, utilizing many super-foods that are known to have natural health and healing benefits. HopeFULL and BellyFULL recipes can be prepared gluten, soy or dairy free to meet specific dietary needs. All BellyFULL recipes are gluten free. Below are an example of some of the ingredients used in the HopeFULL and BellyFULL Recipes:

Q: Can I really use canned vegetables and baby food in my recipes?
A: Yes! We encourage you to make your HopeFULLs in a way that fits your lifestyle. If you aren't in the mood to wash, peel and steam or bake fresh veggies then by all means, buy them canned! Same goes for fruit, but please read product labels. It is always ideal to stay away from preservatives and unnatural ingredients.

Q: If a recipe calls for infant cereal should I prepare the cereal or just use the dry flakes?
A: If the recipe calls for infant cereal just use the unprepared dry flakes.

Q: Who came up with the HopeFULL recipes?
A: We did! Each HopeFULL recipe is an original, created by us, taste-tested by our family and overlooked by several oncologists and dietitians.

Q: Is making HopeFULLs easy?
A: Super easy! Watch our video below.