General FAQs
1. What is CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™?
CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ is a great-tasting, nutritious breakfast drink that provides complete and balanced nutrition. Each serving provides approximately 220-250 calories. This creamy drink also provides at least 25% of the Daily Value of B Vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12) which help convert food to energy. Start your morning with one glass of CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ - with 25% daily value of protein, 50% daily value of calcium, and 21 essential vitamins and minerals, you'll get the nutrition and energy you need to stay on top of your busy day.
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2. Why did Carnation® Instant Breakfast® change its name to Carnation® Instant Breakfast Essentials™?
People who skip breakfast miss out on daily essential vitamins and minerals that are unlikely to be made up later in the day. Studies show that eating breakfast can be essential in helping you manage your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Importantly, clinical evidence also shows that eating a nutritious breakfast can improve concentration as well as memory.
With 2 times the protein of an egg, 2 times the calcium of a 6-fl-oz cup of yogurt and 21 essential vitamins and minerals in every prepared serving, CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ drink is not just a quick, convenient “instant breakfast”, but rather it’s essential nutrition to start your day right. A good breakfast is essential for good health, and CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ drink has all the essential daily nutrients you need for a healthy foundation to the day.
In order to better capture the importance and need for this essential nutrition at breakfast, Essentials was added to the name to better convey the nutritional quality of the brand that has always been there!
Did anything about the CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ product change other than the name? Is it still the same product with the same ingredients?
The only thing that changed was the name. CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ powder and ready to drink are the exact same products, with the exact same ingredients, and the exact same nutrition as in Carnation Instant Breakfast products. It’s the same great taste that you love, in the same delicious flavors that you count on every morning.
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3. What flavors does CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™come in?
CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ is available in a variety of powder flavor packets and ready-to-drink single serving bottles:
Powder
Classic Chocolate Malt
Classic French Vanilla
Dark Chocolate
Rich Milk Chocolate
Strawberry Sensation
No Sugar Added Classic French Vanilla
No Sugar Added Rich Milk Chocolate
Ready-to-Drink-Bottle
Classic French Vanilla
Rich Milk Chocolate
No Sugar Added Rich Milk Chocolate
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4. Can I heat CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™?
To avoid potential nutrient losses, we recommend these directions: Pour 8 fl. oz. skim milk into a microwave-safe mug. Microwave on high (100%) power for 1 minute and 45 seconds or until hot. Add contents of one envelope, stir.
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5. How much caffeine is in a CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ serving?
Our Chocolate varieties of CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ contain 5 to 8 mg of caffeine per serving. There is no caffeine in the Vanilla or Strawberry flavors.
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6. Can I use CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ is a creamy, delicious drink providing balanced nutrition. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased needs for protein, folic acid, Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Each great-tasting serving provides at least 25% of the Daily Value for these nutrients. Chocolate flavors contain only a small amount of caffeine (<10 mg/serving), similar to the level in decaffeinated coffee. Check with your obstetrician for more information.
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7. Can toddlers/children use CARNATION®INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™?
CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ is a creamy, delicious drink providing balanced nutrition. For children under two years of age, we suggest providing half the labeled serving size (½ packet powder mixed with ½ cup of milk, or ½ bottle of Ready-To-Drink). Each great-tasting drink contains 21 essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, which is especially important during the growing years to help build strong bones.
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Nutrition FAQs
1. How much protein does CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ have, and why is it important?
Every prepared serving of CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ has roughly 13 grams of protein, which is twice the protein in one egg. When not mixed with milk, CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ powder has 5 grams of protein. Protein is an important nutrient, essential for muscle development. It’s present in every cell of your body. And unlike with fat or carbohydrates, your body has no way to store protein, so it’s important to get enough protein every day. An average person needs to consume approximately 9 grams of protein per day for every 20 pounds of body weight. So if you weigh 120 pounds, you need approximately 54 grams of protein every day.
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2. How much calcium is in CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™and what role does that play in health?
Calcium is an essential nutrient, necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It also plays a role in proper muscle contraction, the transmission of nerve impulses, and fluid balance in the cells. Adults need between 1,000 and 1,300 mg of calcium in their diet every day. A single serving of CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Ready-To-Drink and Powder, when mixed with one cup of fat-free milk, supplies 50% of your daily requirement, as defined by the USDA.
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3. Do CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™products contain gluten?
The flavorings used in CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Ready-To-Drink contain barley extracts, which contribute less than 1 part per million of barley gluten in the final product. We have recently added a statement to the label indicating the existence of barley in these products. The products have not changed, but, as a service to our consumers, we chose to disclose all sources of gluten. The degree of sensitivity to gluten varies among individuals, please discuss with your physician if you have concerns.
For our Powders, the only variety containing gluten is Classic Chocolate Malt, which has wheat flour and barley extracts. All other Powder varieties do not contain gluten.
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4. What are antioxidants and why are they important?
Antioxidants are molecules that help to slow or prevent oxidation in the cells of your body. They do this by neutralizing the “free radicals” in your system. Free radicals are molecules that are missing an electron, and so steal one from the molecules in your cells, causing an oxidizing chain reaction. Antioxidants can donate an electron while still remaining stable, stopping the reaction. Antioxidants can benefit your health in many ways, including supporting heart health, supporting your immune system, maintaining healthy vision and healthy joints, and helping you maintain healthy skin. Each serving of Carnation Instant Breakfast Dark Chocolate Flavor has 190 mg of antioxidants, as much as in a cup of green tea.
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5. Why is fiber important for health?
Fiber is important for your health in a number of ways. Most importantly, fiber is essential for healthy digestion and regularity – it keeps food moving through your digestive tract at the right pace, not too fast and not too slow. It can also play an important role in slowing of glucose absorption, which may be beneficial with glucose control. There’s also evidence that it can lower the risk of heart disease, have a positive effect on cholesterol levels in your blood, and may even reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer.
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No Sugar Added Varieties FAQs
1. How does No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™measure up against other popular reduced-carb shakes?
In research, No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ is preferred by 8 out of 10 consumers over a leading reduced-carb shake (Nestlé Custom Research, 1/04.)
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2. Is No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ appropriate for diabetics?
No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ can be used by diabetics managing their caloric and carbohydrate intake. Total carbohydrate for the powder mixed with 8 fl oz skim milk is 27g. The Dietary Exchanges for the powder mixed with 8 fl oz skim milk are: 1 skim milk plus 1 starch. For the Ready-To-Drink product, total carbohydrate 15g and exchange is: 1 starch.
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3. How is the “No Sugar Added” product different from the “For The Carb Conscious” product?
The “No Sugar Added” powder product is identical to the "For The Carb Conscious" product. Because of the growing consumer interest in watching their sugar intake, we went back to the original name of the product, “No Sugar Added.”
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4. Can I use No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ is a creamy, delicious drink providing balanced nutrition. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased needs for protein, folic acid, Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Each great-tasting serving provides at least 25% of the daily value for these nutrients. Chocolate flavors contain only a small amount of caffeine (<10 mg/serving), similar to the level in decaffeinated coffee. Check with your obstetrician for more information.
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5. Can toddlers/children use No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™?
No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ is a creamy, delicious drink providing balanced nutrition. For children under two years of age, we suggest providing half the labeled serving size (½ packet powder mixed with ½ cup of milk, or ½ bottle of Ready-To-Drink). Each great-tasting energy drink contains 21 essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, which is especially important during the growing years to help build strong bones.
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6. What are the nutritional benefits of No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™
For people monitoring either sugar or total carbohydrate intake, No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ provides the nutrition of a complete breakfast with 0g sugar carbs added and 55% less total carbs than original CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™. Each great-tasting serving contains at least 25% of the daily value for protein and is an excellent source of 21 essential vitamins and minerals.
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7. What is Splenda®?
Splenda® is the brand name for the ingredient sucralose. Sucralose is a no-calorie sweetener that’s made from sugar. Like sugar, sucralose has a sweet flavor – in fact it’s much sweeter than sugar in a gram-per-gram comparison. But unlike sugar, sucralose is not recognized by the body as a carbohydrate, so it passes through your system undigested. Thus, it’s considered a no-calorie sweetener.
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8. What’s the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, and which kind is in No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Powder varieties?
There are two kinds of fiber, soluble and insoluble, with different health benefits. Soluble fiber is fiber that dissolves in water. It prolongs the time it takes the stomach to empty, which may help to regulate blood sugar. It has also been associated with reduced cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber is fiber that may absorb water, but doesn’t dissolve. It passes through your system largely intact and promotes regularity. Most good sources of fiber have both soluble and insoluble fiber in them. Inulin, the fiber in CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Powder varieties, is a soluble fiber found in various vegetables and fruits, including chicory, leeks, garlic and jicama.
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9. How much fiber is in No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Powder varieties, and how much do I need?
Nutrition experts recommend consuming between 25 and 35 grams of fiber a day, with a minimum of at least 20 grams. On average, though, most Americans only get 15 grams of fiber a day. That means they’re getting just over half the fiber they need. The No Sugar Added Powder varieties of CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ have at least three grams of fiber in each serving.
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10. What is inulin? How does it affect the flavor of No Sugar Added CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Powder varieties?
Inulin is a kind of soluble fiber found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including chicory, garlic, leeks and jicama. By itself, it has a slightly sweet flavor, and doesn’t significantly affect the flavor of CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Because it’s a fiber, you’re body is not able to break it down into simple sugars, so it passes through your small or upper intestine undigested. Inulin serves as a valuable food source for the friendly bacteria in your lower intestine, and some research indicates that it may also aid in the absorption of some nutrients.
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