Edible surplus is the term we use for food and ingredients that are suitable and safe for human consumption but would otherwise be wasted. This expands the definition beyond simply ugly fruits and vegetables and includes everything from Grade 1 to an expanded definition of "processing grade". Additionally, we have redefined what are considered "usable ingredients" and are achieving in excess of 90% - 95% in processing and manufacturing by using parts of plants and vegetables that would typically be trimmed and discarded.

Currently, Spare Starter is only found in a food service format and isn't available for retail purchasing. Spare Starter was developed specifically for chefs working in the food service sector, from corporate dining rooms to college campuses and healthcare facilities. There is no immediate plan to release Starter as a CPG product. We'll let you know when that changes!

Working all the way upstream with growers and produce aggregators, we identify sources of vegetables that would otherwise be wasted. Having a broad supplier base across multiple agricultural zones allows us to maintain a consistent ingredient stream throughout the year.

Spare Starter has a room temperature shelf life of 1 year from the time of manufacturing. Once opened, Spare Starter will last in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Spare Starter has a potentially limitless array of applications in a professional kitchen. Chefs add it to pasta sauces, dips, soups, egg dishes or substituted for animal proteins in blended burgers and meatballs. Spare Starter is not only an exciting culinary addition to the chefs' pantry, but also significantly reduces waste in kitchens and promotes more plant-forward dishes on the menu.

We prefer to think of this as “of course, whey!” Whey is the by-product of cheese and yogurt production. We exclusively use whey from strained yogurt manufacturing. It is the delicious liquid that remains after milk has been acidified, curdled and strained to give you your cup of Greek-style yogurt. For thousands of years, people have known that whey contains billions of probiotics, vitamins and minerals that support gut health, boost the body’s immune response, and ensure that you remain hydrated.

We currently source all our whey from yogurt manufacturers in the Northeast. We've tasted and tested dozens of samples and work closely with select partners to purchase the fresh whey which makes up 80% - 90%+ of every can of Spare Tonic.

Spare Tonic is crafted, brewed and canned in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Yes. The primary ingredient in Spare Tonic is whey which is the by-product of yogurt manufacturing. While it may not look like a traditional dairy product, whey is 100% dairy-derived.

Spare Tonic does contain a small amount of lactose so if you are truly lactose intolerant, you probably shouldn’t drink it. That said, much of the lactose that occurs naturally in whey gets consumed during the fermentation process and as is true for many fermented dairy products, the lactose in whey is more easily digestible than in milk (likely because of the probiotic profile of the drink).

Spare Tonic is not organic. Where possible, we strive to source local and organic ingredients and you will see more organic ingredients used in Spare Tonic over time. Our whey is produced from small batch yogurt made with milk from family farms in the Hudson Valley. All of our products are Non-GMO.

Yes and no! Like kombucha, Spare Tonic is a mildly acidic, effervescent fermented beverage. Unlike kombucha, Spare Tonic is made with fermented whey, not sweetened tea. It is also naturally richer in protein, vitamins and electrolytes than kombucha. Oh, and Spare Tonic is a much more sustainable drink.

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LABs) are a group of beneficial bacteria that consume sugars and produce lactic acid as a by-product of their metabolism. LABs are especially important for digestive health and immune support. LABs are commonly used in the food industry in the production of cheese, yogurt and other fermented foods.

To balance the natural acidity of whey and fruit, we add a little honey to Spare Tonic. Not only are we fans of its distinct natural flavor, but we also love the health benefits that honey brings to the party - trace amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. You can’t say that about most other sweeteners out there. And we also want to do whatever we can to support the local honey bee industry and all the miraculous and essential benefits that pollinators provide. That's what we call a good sugar!

Spare Tonic should always be kept refrigerated. You’ll get the best flavors and drinking experience when enjoyed chilled!