In the Wonderlab, we’re inspired by the connections between what we eat, how we feel, and the health of our planet. Our goal is to create better-for-you plant-based treats from ingredients that are good to the earth. Using superstars like organic hemp and oats as the base of our delicious Doozy Pots makes this possible.  Why? Simple – they both nourish people and planet alike. Read on below to find out how.  

Hemp  

Hemp is one of the world’s most versatile crops and while it seems like it’s the hot trend of 2019, it has been used by humans for thousands of years. 

Instead of cream in our gelato, we use oil from the hemp seed heart, which is a little nutritional powerhouse, containing substantial amounts of friendly polyunsaturated fats. According to The American Heart Association, polyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels, which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news for your body doesn’t end there. Hemp seed oil is one of the richest plant-based sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (in the right ratio for optimal health too). These fatty acids are vital for rebuilding cells and forming molecule-sized messengers that transmit signals around the body. As a bonus, the oil also contains high concentrations of vitamin E and other micronutrients. Using these friendly fats to give our Doozy Pots their indulgent, dreamy texture means we don’t need to use much of the less friendly heavily saturated fats found in things like coconut (and dairy).  

When grown responsibly through organic or regenerative practices, hemp is kind to the earth. Research and experience in other countries has shown that hemp’s fast-growing canopy blocks sunlight from reaching the ground, meaning weeds can’t thrive as well, which reduces the use of harmful pesticides (often to zero). Its long root system draws nutrients from deep in the earth closer to the surface, helping to heal past damage and provide fertility for the next crop in rotational systems. Hemp can also pull carbon dioxide out of the air and store it in the ground at a rapid rate, making it a great candidate for use in systems designed to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Now that it's finally legal to grow hemp in the United States (more on that in a later blog post – but hooray!), US researchers and farmers are discovering more about the benefits of responsibly growing hemp every day. One of the most advanced studies, from our friends at the legendary organic farming organization the Rodale Institute, has demonstrated that hemp can be a viable, valuable cover crop with the potential to suppress weeds and increase yields for subsequent crops. 

Farmers also benefit because the plant is so versatile: different parts can be used for clothing, textiles, paper, construction materials, and biofuel, as well as food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. That means it can be a lucrative as a cash or cover crop, helping to support farming communities worldwide.  

We think that’s pretty cool!

Oats 

Turns out oats are pretty cool too, and not just because they thrive in colder northern regions.  

As we were developing our recipes, our founder Kirsten, discovered that oats were the perfect complement to hemp to create a smooth, creamy dessert. We use whole oat flour which contains beta glucans, a form of soluble fiber that has been proven to lower cholesterol. Oats also contain a significant amount of resistant starch, which acts like fiber and feeds your friendly gut bacteria. A large proportion of the carbohydrates contained in oats are slowly digested, guarding against hunger and blood sugar spikes.  

Organic farmers love to grow oats as part of their rotations because they require relatively few resources and provide crop diversity which reduces soil erosion and controls plant diseases, insects, and weeds without the heavy use of harmful pesticides. Oats grown as part of long-term organic rotations don’t just protect the soil and defend against pest build up, they help increase yields of other crops grown in the rotation too, rewarding farmers who are committed to the responsible stewardship of their land.  
 
Our Doozy Journey 

We created Doozy Pots to give you a better plant-based option. Thanks to the use of hemp, oats and food science smarts, our recipe is lower in saturated fat and sugar than most of the leading frozen treats. We  believe that there is a clear connection between the health of the soil our food grows in, the overall condition of our planet, and our own personal well-being. We know that responsible, forward-thinking farmers around the world are keen grow organic hemp, oats, and other crops as part of rotations that help protect the soil – but they are only able to do that if they can sell what they grow. We’re proud to be creating a market for products that can support well-intentioned farmers while delivering delightful treats in a healthier way. We welcome you on our journey to create a vibrant, deliciously sustainable future for all. 

If you’d like to know more about hemp, oats or any of our other thoughtfully sourced ingredients get in touch at hello@wonderlabdoozy.com!