We've Got Answers

Every year 4C Foods receives hundreds of calls, letters, and e-mails with questions about our family of 4C products. So to save you a stamp and maybe a little time we've put together some of our most frequently asked questions. If you don't see your questions here, feel free to write us or send an e-mail inquiry to inthekitchen@4C.com; we'll be happy to satisfy your curiosity.

What are Panko breadcrumbs?

Panko is the japanese word for breadcrumb. Panko crumbs are made using bread without the crusts. The resulting dried product makes a much lighter, more delicate and crispier bread crumb. Larger and flakier than most crumbs, Panko crumbs will make all your recipes lighter and crunchier. Perfect for chicken and shrimp tempura.

Why should I use whole wheat bread crumbs?

Whole wheat bread crumbs are the perfect way to add whole grain goodness to all your recipes. 4C Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs can be part of your plan for healthful eating.

Do your tea and drink mixes contain caffeine?

That's a great question! Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance in nature found in the leaves and seeds/beans of over 60 plants. The most well known of which being the coffee, cocoa, kola, and, the tea plants. Therefore, all of our 4C Tea Mixes contain some level of caffeine, even the decaffeinated teas, (which is done using a natural water decaffeination process), still contains a very small amount of caffeine. Decaffeinated does not mean caffeine free, no decaffeinating process can remove 100% of the caffeine content. We have included the approximate caffeine content information in the "Family of Products" section next to each one of our 4C Tea Mix Products, (or click here). It is important to note that the caffeine values are "approximate" because since caffeine is a naturally forming substance, it can vary slightly from one production batch to another. Just as a point of reference - our 4C Tea Mixes range from less than 2mg-to-18mg per 8oz., while a can of a carbonates cola soft drink has anywhere from 34-to-46.8mg of caffeine per 8oz., and brewed drip coffee is between 80-to-135 milligrams per 8 oz. cup. None of our other 4C drink mixes contain any caffeine, 0mg. of caffeine, excluding our Energy Rush™ drink mix products.

I know what Black and Green teas are, but what's Red Tea?

Red Tea is a herbal tea, what some people refer to as a "tisane", a liquid infusion of herbs from a plant other than the traditional tea bush. Red Tea comes from a plant called a Rooibos, (pronounced like "roy-boss"), that grows in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Red Tea's flavor is described as being sweet (without sweetener added), with a slightly nutty taste. The folks at 4C Foods added a dash of peach to our Red Tea to help enhance the tea's delicate quality. Red Tea has become so popular due to its high level of antioxidants and lack of the caffeine and low tannins that are usually found in traditional tea products. Although most people drink Red Tea in water (per package instructions), may we suggest you try our 4C Red Tea with Peach in hot milk, which is the way Red Tea is usually prepared and consumed in South Africa. 4C's Red Tea with Peach drink mix is available sweetened with either sugar or Totally Light™ sweetened with Splenda®.

Your Totally Light 2Go™ Energy Rush™ say "with Taurine", what is Taurine?

Taurine is a non-essential amino acid, that is naturally occurring in the human body. Besides having antioxidant properties, Taurine has an invigorating and regenerative effect on muscle tone. Combined with Caffeine Taurine significantly prolongs the duration of the drink's stimulating properties at a higher level of intensity than just Caffeine alone. Remember all Caffeine drinks have a stimulating influence on breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and the central nervous system — so always use caffeine products wisely.

What's all the fuss about Green Tea?

For hundreds of years, the Asian culture has praised the benefits of green tea. It is said that green tea is a powerful antioxidant, enhances health, reduces harmful cholesterol and controls high blood pressure, to name a few. Our specially formulated 4C Green Tea Iced Tea Mix is made from only the finest premium green tea leaves and is processed with absolutely no chemicals or processing agents. 4C Green Tea is sweetened with a blend of honey and natural sugar to create the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.

What does more tea taste mean?

When you enjoy a glass of 4C Iced Tea Mix, you will notice that you can truly taste the tea in every sip. That's because 4C has more tea in each serving than any of the competition. That makes us special and gives you the most flavorful glass of tea ever. Not only will your thirst be refreshed, you won't have any effects from carbonation, as you do with soda.

I've heard a lot of bad publicity about NutraSweet. Is that what you use to sweeten 4C Totally Light Tea and Drink Mixes?

4C Light low calorie iced tea mix is sweetened with Splenda®. Splenda® is the brand name for the ingredient Sucralose, the no calorie sweetener made from sugar. Since Sucralose is made from sugar, it tastes like sugar, with no unpleasant aftertastes often associated with low calorie sweeteners. Sucralose is made by a multi-step process that starts with cane sugar and converts it into a no calorie, no carbohydrate sweetener. Since it's made from sugar, it's great for the whole family.

Is there anything different about 4C Cheeses?

4C cheeses are the finest grated cheeses around. That's because our jar of cheese is just cheese - no fillers, no whey, no added salt, no preservatives - just what you pay for - cheese. All we do is grate the cheese, bottle it in a glass jar, vacuum pack it for freshness, and hope you enjoy it!! You can choose from 100% imported Italian Pecorino Romano, Parmesan or a blend of Romano and Parmesan.

What makes 4C bread crumbs so tasty?

4C Seasoned Bread Crumbs are made using our time-honored recipe of Grandma Celauro's favorite seasonings. 4C Seasoned Bread Crumbs are the only bread crumb with 100% imported Italian Pecorino Romano cheese added to the blend, making for the perfect start to your cooking. For those of you who prefer a more subtle taste, we offer plain bread crumbs as well.

Are your soups any different from anyone else's?

Our noodle soup is better than the competition. Our noodles are both larger and thicker, after all - what else do you want in a noodle soup. Our onion soup is made with a unified blend of onion flakes, which gives you more onions per spoon - making our soup or dip tastier than the rest.

I'm always pressed for time but still need to cook my family dinner. Any suggestions?

4C Crumb & Bake Coating Mix is the perfect mealtime solution. Offered in two flavors, chicken and pork, you'll end up with a crispy and crunchy meal, without the fat associated with frying. All you do is open the box, coat the meat and bake. Your family will think you were in the kitchen for hours!

I have recently moved and cannot find 4C products in my supermarket. What should I do?

Simply ask the store grocery manager to stock it. He/she can go to the "General Information" section of this website to find a 4C Foods broker serving their area - or - try our 4C e-Store, where 35 of our most popular products are available on-line.