{"id":1115,"date":"2026-05-28T07:14:31","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T07:14:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/?page_id=1115"},"modified":"2026-06-08T07:49:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T07:49:31","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/?page_id=1115","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Frequently Asked Questions About Food Sock Meals<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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<\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Do Food Socks contain preservatives?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

No. Food Sock Meals do not contain traditional chemical preservatives. Our meals achieve a 12-month shelf life through dehydration, which naturally reduces moisture and helps preserve the product safely. This allows Food Sock Meals to remain pantry-ready, convenient, and as natural and clean-label as possible.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>What ingredients are used in Food Sock Meals?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

Food Sock products are primarily soya-based meals made using carefully selected pantry ingredients, including:<\/p>

  • Pasta<\/li>
  • Rice<\/li>
  • Flavourings<\/li>
  • Stock powders<\/li>
  • Herbs and spices<\/li>
  • Dehydrated vegetables<\/li>
  • Pulses and beans<\/li><\/ul>

    We do not intentionally use mushrooms or nuts in our recipes. However, these allergens may be present in the manufacturing facility.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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    <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Are Food Sock Meals Halaal, vegetarian, or vegan?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

    Yes. All ingredients sourced for Food Sock Meals are Halaal compliant, and we are Halaal certified through the MJCHT.<\/p>

    Most Food Sock Meals are also vegan-friendly. The only exceptions are Mac & Cheese and Melkkos products, which contain dairy ingredients.<\/p>

    Our flavourings are sourced from a reputable South African flavour house that has provided written confirmation that the flavourings contain no animal-derived ingredients, including:<\/p>

    • Meat<\/li>
    • Poultry<\/li>
    • Fish<\/li>
    • Dairy<\/li>
    • Insects<\/li>
    • Animal by-products<\/li><\/ul>

      Laboratory testing is conducted through M\u00e9rieux NutriSciences.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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      <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Do Food Sock Meals provide nutritional information?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

      Yes. Full nutritional and micronutrient information is printed on every Food Sock package label for customer reference.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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      <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>How long do Food Sock Meals take to cook?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

      Most Food Sock Meals cook in approximately 30 minutes on a stovetop at sea level using standard tap water.<\/p>

      Cooking times may vary depending on:<\/p>

      • Altitude<\/li>
      • Water quality<\/li>
      • Stove temperature<\/li><\/ul>

        At altitudes above 900 metres, water boils at a lower temperature, which may increase cooking time by 5\u201310 minutes. Hard or mineral-heavy water can also slightly extend cooking times. Using filtered water may improve cooking consistency.<\/p>

        Always follow the instructions on the packaging and test for doneness before serving.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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        <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Are Food Sock Meals suitable for diabetics?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

        Some Food Sock Meals, especially pasta-based varieties, may not be ideal for individuals managing diabetes due to carbohydrate content. However, they may still be enjoyed responsibly as part of a medically supervised eating plan.<\/p>

        Customers with diabetes should consult their healthcare professional or dietitian regarding suitability for their specific dietary requirements.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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        <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Important Product Disclaimer<\/span><\/i><\/div>

        Food Sock Meals are designed to be:<\/p>

        • Affordable<\/li>
        • Shelf-stable<\/li>
        • Nutritionally practical<\/li>
        • Easy to prepare<\/li><\/ul>

          Please note:<\/p>

          • Some products contain flavour enhancers and colourants.<\/li>
          • Products are not certified allergen-free.<\/li>
          • Customers with severe allergies should exercise caution.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Food Sock E-Numbers and Food Additives<\/span><\/i><\/div>

            Flavour Enhancers<\/strong><\/p>

            Used to improve savoury flavour profiles in selected meals:<\/p>

            • E621 (MSG)<\/li>
            • E628<\/li>
            • E630<\/li><\/ul>

              Acidity Regulators<\/strong><\/p>

              Used for flavour balance and product stability:<\/p>

              • E330 (Citric Acid)<\/li>
              • E363<\/li><\/ul>

                Stabilisers and Thickeners<\/strong><\/p>

                Used to improve texture and consistency:<\/p>

                • E412 (Guar Gum)<\/li><\/ul>

                  Colourants<\/strong><\/p>

                  Used to enhance visual appeal:<\/p>

                  • E100 (Curcumin)<\/li>
                  • E124 (Ponceau 4R)<\/li>
                  • E150c (Caramel Colour)<\/li><\/ul>

                    Anti-Caking Agent<\/strong><\/p>

                    Used to keep powdered ingredients free-flowing:<\/p>

                    • E551 (Silicon Dioxide)<\/li><\/ul>

                      Antioxidant<\/strong><\/p>

                      Used in selected oils for shelf stability:<\/p>

                      • TBHQ (E319 equivalent)<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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                        <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Allergen Awareness Information<\/span><\/i><\/div>

                        The following additives may be referenced on labels due to shared manufacturing environments and allergen disclosure regulations:<\/p>

                        • E102 (Tartrazine)<\/li>
                        • E210\u2013E219 (Benzoates)<\/li>
                        • E220\u2013E229 (Sulphites)<\/li>
                        • E620\u2013E650 (Flavour Enhancer Group)<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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                          <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Key Allergen Information<\/span><\/i><\/div>

                          Certain Food Sock products may contain:<\/strong><\/p>

                          • Gluten (specific soups and flavour bases)<\/li>
                          • Soy<\/li>
                          • Milk or dairy ingredients<\/li><\/ul>

                            Most Food Sock Meals do not contain:<\/strong><\/p>

                            • Nuts<\/li>
                            • Peanuts<\/li>
                            • Egg<\/li>
                            • Fish (except fish-flavoured variants)<\/li><\/ul>

                              Cross-Contamination Notice<\/strong><\/p>

                              Food Sock Meals are produced in a facility that may also handle:<\/p>

                              • Gluten<\/li>
                              • Sulphites<\/li>
                              • Tartrazine<\/li>
                              • Other allergens<\/li><\/ul>

                                Strict cleaning procedures are followed, but trace amounts cannot be completely excluded.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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                                <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Free-From Product Guidance<\/span><\/i><\/div>

                                Dietary Category<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

                                Status<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>

                                Gluten-free options available<\/p><\/td>

                                \u2714 Yes (selected meals only)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                Dairy-free options available<\/p><\/td>

                                \u2714 Yes (selected meals only)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                Nut-free<\/p><\/td>

                                \u2714 Yes (no nuts intentionally used)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                MSG-free<\/p><\/td>

                                \u274c No (present in selected products)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                Preservative-free<\/p><\/td>

                                \u2714 Yes (shelf life achieved through dehydration)<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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                                <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Why customers choose Food Sock Meals<\/span><\/i><\/div>

                                Food Sock Meals are designed for:<\/p>

                                • Long shelf life without traditional preservatives<\/li>
                                • Convenient pantry storage<\/li>
                                • Affordable family meals<\/li>
                                • Emergency food supplies<\/li>
                                • Community feeding programmes<\/li>
                                • Easy home cooking with minimal preparation time<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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                                  <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>Do Food Sock Meals contain real meat?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

                                  No. Food Sock Meals are soya-based and do not contain real meat.<\/p>

                                  Our chicken, beef, mutton, and fish flavours are artificially derived to provide familiar, comforting flavours without using animal protein.<\/p>

                                  Using soya protein offers several important benefits:<\/p>

                                  • High-quality plant protein<\/li>
                                  • Naturally cholesterol-free<\/li>
                                  • Lower fat content than most meat products<\/li>
                                  • Long shelf life without refrigeration<\/li>
                                  • Consistent quality and affordability<\/li><\/ul>

                                    This allows Food Sock Meals to remain:<\/p>

                                    • Shelf-stable<\/li>
                                    • Budget-friendly<\/li>
                                    • Nutritious<\/li>
                                    • Easy to store and prepare<\/li><\/ul>

                                      Food Sock Meals are ideal for emergency food cupboards, community feeding programmes, student accommodation, elderly care, camping, and everyday affordable family meals in South Africa.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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                                      <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>\u201cYou Don\u2019t Eat Soya\u201d \u2026 Are You Sure About That?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

                                      Many South Africans consume soya every day without realising it. Soya and soy-derived ingredients are commonly found in everyday foods, snacks, sauces, baked goods, takeaway meals, and processed products.<\/p>

                                      Common foods that often contain soya<\/strong><\/p>

                                      Processed foods<\/strong><\/p>

                                      • Bread and bread rolls<\/li>
                                      • Breakfast cereals<\/li>
                                      • Biscuits and muffins<\/li>
                                      • Crackers and savoury snacks<\/li>
                                      • Chocolate and chocolate coatings<\/li>
                                      • Margarine<\/li>
                                      • Mayonnaise and salad dressings<\/li>
                                      • Instant soups and stock cubes<\/li>
                                      • Gravy powders and sauce mixes<\/li><\/ul>

                                        Meat and convenience foods<\/strong><\/p>

                                        • Sausages and processed meats<\/li>
                                        • Burgers and meatballs<\/li>
                                        • Chicken nuggets and fish fingers<\/li>
                                        • Ready meals<\/li>
                                        • Instant noodles<\/li>
                                        • Frozen pizzas<\/li>
                                        • Takeaway burgers and wraps<\/li><\/ul>

                                          Cooking ingredients<\/strong><\/p>

                                          • Soybean oil<\/li>
                                          • Vegetable oil blends<\/li>
                                          • Lecithin (E322)<\/li>
                                          • Flavour enhancers and umami powders<\/li><\/ul>

                                            Baked products<\/strong><\/p>

                                            • Wraps and tortillas<\/li>
                                            • Pizza bases<\/li>
                                            • Hamburger buns<\/li>
                                            • Pancake mixes<\/li>
                                            • Rusks and pastries<\/li><\/ul>

                                              Snacks and confectionery<\/strong><\/p>

                                              • Potato chips and flavoured crisps<\/li>
                                              • Microwave popcorn<\/li>
                                              • Pretzels<\/li>
                                              • Marshmallows<\/li>
                                              • Toffees and caramels<\/li>
                                              • Chocolate spreads<\/li><\/ul>

                                                Sauces and condiments<\/strong><\/p>

                                                • Tomato sauce<\/li>
                                                • BBQ sauce<\/li>
                                                • Chutneys<\/li>
                                                • Curry sauces<\/li>
                                                • Stir-fry sauces<\/li>
                                                • Marinades<\/li><\/ul>

                                                  Hidden ingredient names that may indicate soya<\/strong><\/p>

                                                  • Vegetable protein<\/li>
                                                  • Vegetable oil<\/li>
                                                  • Emulsifier E322<\/li>
                                                  • Mono- and diglycerides<\/li>
                                                  • Natural flavourings<\/li><\/ul>

                                                    Soya is one of the world\u2019s most widely used food ingredients because it is affordable, versatile, protein-rich, and shelf-stable.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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                                                    <\/i><\/span><\/i><\/span>How do I keep my pantry pest-free when storing dry foods?<\/span><\/i><\/div>

                                                    Can dry foods develop weevils or pantry insects?<\/strong><\/p>

                                                    Yes. Pantry pests such as weevils, moths, and beetles are a natural environmental issue that can affect many dry food products, including:<\/p>

                                                    • Flour<\/li>
                                                    • Rice<\/li>
                                                    • Pasta<\/li>
                                                    • Grains<\/li>
                                                    • Pulses<\/li>
                                                    • Dehydrated foods<\/li><\/ul>

                                                      Reducing chemical preservatives in food production means occasional infestations can occur naturally over time.<\/p>

                                                      While unpleasant, pantry insects and weevil eggs are generally harmless if accidentally consumed, as cooking temperatures destroy them.<\/p>

                                                      Food Sock pantry storage recommendations<\/strong><\/p>

                                                      To keep Food Sock Meals fresh and pest-free:<\/p>

                                                      • Store products in a cool, dry place<\/li>
                                                      • Keep packaging sealed<\/li>
                                                      • Transfer long-term storage products into airtight containers<\/li>
                                                      • Use older stock first (\u201cfirst in, first out\u201d)<\/li>
                                                      • Freeze long-term stored products for 3\u20134 days if desired<\/li><\/ul>

                                                        Although Food Sock Meals have a 12-month shelf life, prolonged storage increases the risk of contamination from the surrounding environment.<\/p>

                                                        Our suppliers are regularly monitored and products undergo laboratory testing to maintain high food safety standards.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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                                                        <\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                        Frequently Asked Questions About Food Sock Meals Do Food Socks contain preservatives? No. Food Sock Meals do not contain traditional chemical preservatives. Our meals achieve a 12-month shelf life through dehydration, which naturally reduces moisture and helps preserve the product safely. This allows Food Sock Meals to remain pantry-ready, convenient, and as natural and clean-label […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"tpgb_global_settings":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1115","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"tpgb_featured_images":null,"tpgb_post_meta_info":{"get_date":"May 28, 2026","get_modified_date":"June 8, 2026","author_name":"admin_FS","author_url":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/?author=2","author_email":"info@ikaroo.co.za","author_website":"","author_description":"","author_facebook":"","author_twitter":"","author_instagram":"","author_role":["administrator"],"author_firstname":"","author_lastname":"","user_login":"admin_FS","author_avatar":"","author_avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cf0e59760d8601e193074c4f1f3d67ec5c2b7d745ce705385fdc403575fa2b39?s=96&d=mm&r=g","comment_count":0,"post_likes":0,"post_views":0},"tpgb_post_category":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1115"}],"version-history":[{"count":73,"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1115\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1198,"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1115\/revisions\/1198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodsocksgrt.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}