FAQs

General FAQs

Why did you start Levelle?

There's a long answer and a short answer to this one. The short answer is that we think women deserve fuel formulated to their physiology, and we weren't finding that on the market. The long answer is a little more interesting, but, well, longer. You can read the whole origin story here.

What is an energy purée?

Great question! This is probably one we get asked the most. Succinctly, energy purées are products that provide a concentrated source of energy. They are typically made from a blend of fruits and vegetables, and are designed to be easily consumed and digested.

For more questions about energy purées, check out the dedicated FAQ section below.

Energy Purée FAQs

What are the benefits of energy purées?

Energy purées offer several benefits, including:

  1. Quick and convenient source of energy: Energy purees are easy to consume, requiring minimal digestion time, making them a convenient option for on-the-go energy needs.
  2. Nutritional value: Energy purees are often packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the fruits and vegetables used in their preparation. They can provide a range of nutrients to support overall health and well-being.
  3. Enhanced performance: Energy purees can help athletes and active individuals maintain energy levels during prolonged physical activity, leading to improved endurance and performance.
  4. Digestive ease: The pureed form of these products makes them easier to digest, which can be beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

How and when should I use energy purées?

Our purées are ready to eat. Simply open (rip the top or unscrew the cap) and squeeze. You don't need to mix them with anything, although feel free to do so: oatmeal, granola or ice cream work! Because they are made with water, you don't need to drink additional water in order to digest them (although water is important for hydration regardless).

Energy purées are typically consumed before or during physical activity to provide a quick and sustained source of energy. They can also be eaten afterwards, to help replenish your energy stores. They can also be consumed as a snack between meals or whenever an energy boost is needed. (Hint: they fit perfectly in a purse, and cause much less damage than a banana.)

Are energy purées suitable for everyone?

As best as we could make them. We want our products to be safe for women to consume and so we include only real-food ingredients. Our purées avoid the top nine FDA allergens and are made with low-and moderate-glycemic organic and vegan fruits. They don't contain any artificial ingredients, flavors or colors. However, it's always important to consider individual dietary needs and any specific health conditions or allergies. We recommend always reading the ingredient label and talking to your health care provider when starting a new nutritional regime.

What is the difference between an energy purée and an energy gel?

The main differences between energy purées and energy gels lies in their consistency, composition and consumption:

Consistency: As their name implies, energy gels have a gel-like consistency. Energy purées on the other hand, have a thicker and (minimally) textured consistency, since they are made from puréed fruits, vegetables and water.

Composition: Energy gels are formulated to provide a concentrated source of high-glycemic carbohydrates, electrolytes, and sometimes caffeine. They are designed to be quickly absorbed and provide an immediate energy boost during intense exercise. Energy purees, on the other hand, are typically made from a blend of fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. They provide a combination of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also easy to consume, but take longer to digest, because they are made of real-food, complex carbs. Rather than a spike and a crash, they provide a more stable stream of energy.

Consumption: Energy gels are primarily used by endurance athletes during prolonged physical activity. Energy purées are more versatile and can be used as a snack in addition to providing energy during physical activity. They are often consumed by individuals looking for a convenient and nutritious option to fuel their bodies or as a quick energy boost between meals.

I'm more familiar with the term "energy gel." Why did you decide to call your products "energy purées"?

Well, we actually initially called them gels, because that's what endurance athletes knew. But feedback from consumers encouraged us to change it to purées. There were several reasons behind the change:

  • By definition, they ARE purées: they are made from fruits.
  • They are real-food options, made with ingredients you can find in a supermarket, rather than those manufactured in a lab.
  • They have a consistency that (we think) is more natural to consume.
  • Because they are made with water, you don't need to consume additional water in order to digest them.
  • Our products are vegan, and so we wanted a distinct separation from gelatin, which is derived from the collagen in animal skin and bones.
  • Because they are made with food, they taste like food, and we didn't think "gel" conveyed that.

Why don't you add salt or other electrolytes to your purées?

While we will likely include some salt in future savory flavors, our two current flavors don't include it because - honestly - we think salty fruit is gross. On the other hand, we use dates (paste or syrup) in both recipes, and dates are a great source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus (especially when compared with alternate sweeteners). We also found that many athletes already supplement with electrolyte tablets, rendering additional sodium unnecessary.

Are your energy purées allergy-friendly?

Our purées avoid the top nine FDA allergens, but we still process in a facility that processes nuts and gluten. We follow best practices to avoid contamination, and are building out our own manufacturing to address this in the future.

Are your energy purées certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, or kosher?

Ok, that's five questions.

Organic: We use certified organic ingredients and will be pursuing certification, but are not yet certified.

Non-GMO: Certified organic ingredients are also non-GMO. We will be pursuing this certification, but are not yet certified.

Vegan: We use only vegan ingredients and will be pursuing certification, but are not yet certified.

Gluten-free: We use only gluten-free ingredients, but we manufacture in a facility that is not gluten-free. We eventually plan to manufacture in a gluten-free facility and will pursue that certification.

Kosher: Our products are Kosher, but are not certified as such.

Fulfillment and Shipping FAQs

How quickly will my order be fulfilled?

Orders placed before noon Eastern time will generally go out same day, while afternoon orders will likely ship out the next day. Orders placed after 10:30 a.m. Eastern on Friday will be shipped out the following Monday. Our fulfillment center is also closed on federal holidays.

We use Mid-Hudson Works, a non-profit mission-based business resource that works to provide job opportunities to physically & medically disabled veterans. To learn more about their mission - "To Generate Dignified Livelihood Opportunities for Every Person with a Disability" - visit their website at https://midhudsonworks.org/ourstory/.

How long does shipping usually take?

Shipping times vary depending on the shipping method and destination. Standard shipping can take anywhere from 1 to 7 business days. We ship from New York state, so the closer you are to our fulfillment center, the faster you will receive your order.

Can I track my package?

Yes. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email that will include a tracking number.

Do you ship internationally?

Unfortunately, we are not yet shipping internationally. But please check back in the future, because we do plan to expand our availability.

Can I cancel or modify my order after it has been placed?

We will do what we can, but it depends on whether the order has already shipped. It's best to contact us immediately at support@levellenutrition.com to inquire about any modifications or cancellations.

What if my package is lost or missing?

If your package is lost or missing, please contact us at support@levellenutrition.com and we will work to get the issue resolved.

If an order is returned to us due to an insufficient or incorrect shipping address, you are responsible for covering the cost to reship.

What happens if my package is damaged during shipping?

If your package is damaged in transit, contact us at support@levellenutrition.com and we will work to get the issue resolved.

Warning: Do NOT consume damaged food products. It is crucial to exercise caution and refrain from eating any food items that show signs of damage, such as packaging leaks, bulging, dents, or an off-putting odor. Consuming damaged food products can pose serious health hazards, including foodborne illnesses.

Returns and Refunds FAQs

What is your return policy?

Because we sell consumable products, we don't accept returns or do exchanges. If your order was damaged, incorrect or incomplete, please reach out to us immediately at support@levellenutrition.com. You can find our complete Return Policy here.

(Hint: If this is your first time trying our products, we suggest you start with the Variety Pack, so you can figure out your favorites.)

Can I get a refund?

We hope you love our products as much as we do, but if that's not the case, please reach out to support@levellenutrition.com within 30 days of receiving your order. Due to the nature of our products, we handle refunds on a case-by-case basis. You can find our complete Return Policy here.