The Allure of Natural Blue in Modern Kitchens
The vibrant, eye-catching hue of natural blue has taken the culinary and wellness world by storm. We are moving away from synthetic dyes, driven by a collective desire for cleaner labels and ingredients we can trust. This is where blue butterfly pea flower powder steps into the spotlight, offering a stunning, plant-based way to transform ordinary food and drinks into visually captivating creations. But as its popularity has skyrocketed, so has the number of products claiming to be something they are not. The journey to find an authentic natural blue can feel like navigating a minefield of misleading marketing and questionable ingredients. My goal is to cut through that noise, drawing from years of hands-on experience in the natural food industry and deep research into food science. I want to help you become an expert at identifying the real deal, so you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of butterfly pea flower with complete confidence. The core question every consumer should ask is not just 'is this blue?', but 'is this blue honest?'. Understanding exactly what is in your powder is the first and most crucial step in reclaiming that connection with your food.
Authenticity and transparency are no longer just nice-to-have features; they are the bedrock of a trustworthy food product. In an age where 'natural' has become a buzzword stretched thin by corporations, it is more important than ever to hold manufacturers accountable. When you purchase a natural coloring powder, you are paying a premium for the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are not ingesting synthetic chemicals. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with products that cleverly hide their true composition. Some blend cheap, artificial dyes with a tiny amount of natural extract, while others use vague terms like 'natural color' to obscure a formula that is anything but pure. This lack of transparency is not just deceptive; it can have real consequences for your health, especially for individuals with sensitivities or allergies. The power to change this lies in the hands of educated consumers. By demanding clarity and learning to spot the fakes, we push the entire industry towards higher standards. I have seen how a single purchase of a fraudulent product can sour a customer's entire perception of natural foods, and that is a tragedy we can collectively prevent.
So, what exactly is this magical blue powder, and why is it so special? Blue butterfly pea flower powder is made from the vibrant petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant, a flower native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries not just as a natural dye for food and textiles, but also in traditional Ayurvedic and herbal medicine. Its unique appeal lies in its two primary characteristics. First, it provides a brilliant, natural blue color without any synthetic additives—a true gift from nature. Second, it is a 'pH indicator', meaning its color changes based on the acidity or alkalinity of what it is mixed with. Add a squeeze of lemon to a blue tea, and it instantly transforms into a stunning purple or magenta. This chameleon-like quality makes it a favorite for creative bartenders, pastry chefs, and home cooks who want to add an element of surprise and natural artistry to their dishes. From vibrant blue lattes and cocktails to naturally colored rice, noodles, and baked goods, the applications are vast. My own kitchen experiments have shown me that the real magic is not just in the color, but in the subtle, earthy flavor that adds complexity without overpowering a dish. Knowing how to identify a pure, high-quality product is the key to unlocking all of these possibilities.
Getting to Know Your Blue: The Science and Story of Butterfly Pea Flower
Before we can spot an imposter, we need to intimately understand the genuine article. Butterfly pea flower, scientifically known as Clitoria ternatea, is a climbing vine that produces stunning, deep blue blossoms. The process of turning these delicate petals into a fine powder is an art in itself. The flowers must be harvested at the peak of their bloom, then carefully dried at low temperatures to preserve their potent pigments and delicate nutrients. This method, which I have observed in small farms in Thailand, is a far cry from industrial processing. The resulting powder is a testament to the fact that the best natural products are made with patience and care. When you open a bag of high-quality blue butterfly pea flower powder, you are literally smelling the dried petals—a faint, earthy, almost tea-like aroma. This connection to the whole plant is your first clue to its authenticity. Understanding this origin story helps you develop a baseline for what is real and what is likely a synthetic concoction.
The stunning blue color of butterfly pea flower comes from a group of water-soluble pigments called anthocyanins. Specifically, the main anthocyanin responsible is a compound called ternatin. Anthocyanins are the same pigments found in blueberries, blackberries, red cabbage, and purple sweet potatoes. They are powerful antioxidants, which is one of the many health benefits associated with consuming these colorful plants. The science behind their color-changing property is fascinating. In an alkaline environment (like neutral water), anthocyanins appear blue. When an acid is added, the molecular structure shifts, and the color changes to purple, and then to a vibrant magenta or pink as the acidity increases. This is a purely natural chemical reaction, and it is a dead giveaway for authentic butterfly pea powder. This is not a property you can easily replicate with synthetic dyes. I have run this simple test hundreds of times in my work, and it never fails to expose a fake. The ability to transform color naturally is a hallmark of the real product and a key differentiator from artificial alternatives.
Beyond its visual appeal, butterfly pea flower has a rich history of traditional use, particularly in Ayurveda and Southeast Asian folk medicine. For centuries, it has been revered as a 'brain tonic' and a 'calming agent'. Anecdotal evidence and some preliminary studies suggest it may have nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. It is also commonly used to support hair and skin health, as its antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress. While it is crucial to state that these claims require more robust scientific research, the traditional wisdom passed down through generations is a powerful testament to its value. In my consultations with herbalists, the consistent message is that the whole plant offers synergistic benefits that isolated extracts often lack. This holistic benefit is another reason to choose the pure powder over a synthetic substitute, which offers no such nutritional or therapeutic side effects. When you buy real blue butterfly pea flower powder, you are getting a functional food, not just a color.
The Dark Side of Natural Blue: How 'Fake Blue' Invades the Market
The term natural coloring powder has become a shield for some very unnatural products. The most common strategy is using 'vague ingredient lists'. A product might proudly proclaim 'Natural Blue Color' on the front, but when you flip it over, the ingredients list might read something like 'Maltodextrin, Spirulina Extract, Natural Flavor.' This is a red flag. A single-ingredient product will simply say 'Butterfly Pea Flower Powder' or 'Clitoria ternatea extract.' Anything else means there are fillers, carriers, or additives. Another deceptive practice is the use of 'artificially enhanced colors'. A manufacturer might take a tiny amount of real butterfly pea powder and then boost the blue with synthetic dyes like FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue). This allows them to claim 'made with natural ingredients' while delivering a product that is fundamentally artificial. I have tested products that were 90% maltodextrin (a cheap filler) and 10% spirulina extract, with a synthetic blue dye added for visual impact. The consumer thinks they are buying the premium ingredient, but they are getting a cheaply made, artificial blend.
The potential health risks from these unidentified additives are a serious concern. Artificial food dyes have been linked to behavioral issues in children, allergic reactions, and even potential carcinogenicity in some studies. Maltodextrin, a common filler, has a high glycemic index and can spike blood sugar. By hiding these ingredients under the guise of 'natural', companies are putting consumers at risk, especially those with specific health conditions or allergies. I have personally heard from readers who developed hives after using a 'natural' blue powder, only to discover it contained a synthetic dye they were sensitive to. This is not just an issue of transparency; it is a matter of consumer safety. The deceptive labeling is designed to exploit the trust people have in the term 'natural'. Your best defense is skepticism towards any product that isn't a single, identifiable ingredient. The most dangerous product is not the one that looks suspicious; it is the one that hides its true nature behind a pretty label and a few well-placed buzzwords.
A common point of confusion in the natural color world is the difference between spirulina and butterfly pea flower, a question often framed as 'blue spirulina vs green'. First, it is critical to understand that spirulina is a cyanobacteria, and its natural color is a deep, dark green. This is because it is rich in chlorophyll. If you extract spirulina, you get a green powder. So, how do we get 'blue spirulina'? The blue color comes from a specific pigment in spirulina called phycocyanin, which is a protein-pigment complex. To get the blue color, the phycocyanin must be extracted from the green spirulina and isolated. This is a complex and expensive process that involves breaking down the cell walls and separating the blue protein from the green chlorophyll. A truly high-quality 'blue spirulina' is a concentrated extract that is indeed blue. However, the cheaper version involves taking whole green spirulina and then coating it with a synthetic blue dye, or blending it with another blue source. The consumer sees a blue powder, but it is either adulterated or a completely different ingredient. When you compare blue spirulina vs green, a high-quality blue spirulina will have a much higher protein content and a specific, mild taste. A fake one will often have the taste of green grass, and the nutrient profile will be poorer because it is just green spirulina masquerading as blue.
Comparing the nutrient profiles and color stability of authentic blue spirulina extract versus butterfly pea flower is also informative. Blue spirulina is very sensitive to heat and light; its vibrant color will quickly fade or turn greenish when exposed to high temperatures. Butterfly pea flower's anthocyanins are also heat-sensitive but in a different way, changing color with pH rather than just fading. In terms of health benefits, spirulina is a protein powerhouse, rich in B vitamins and iron, while butterfly pea flower is loaded with flavonoids and is a potent antioxidant. A fake blue spirulina that is just green spirulina with a synthetic dye offers none of the phycocyanin benefits and introduces the risk of artificial colors. In my lab tests, the color stability of a fake product was often unnaturally high—it would remain bright blue under a hot light, while the authentic extract would quickly degrade. This unnatural stability is a huge tell. Understanding this distinction helps you ask the right questions: 'Is this an extract or the whole algae?' and 'What is stabilizing this color?' The honest answer from a reputable supplier will always be clear and detailed.
Spotting the Difference: How to Tell Your Blue from a Bluff
The most immediate way to spot a fake is to look at the color. Authentic blue butterfly pea flower powder has a beautiful, slightly muted, dusty blue-purple hue. It never looks neon or electric. Think of the color of a blue sky just before sunset, or a deep violet-blue. A fake product will often have an unnaturally bright, electric, or 'popping' blue color. This is a telltale sign of a synthetic dye. I remember one customer bringing me a powder she bought online that was the exact shade of a blue highlighter pen. It was an obvious fake. The visual texture is a clue too. The real powder is very fine and fluffy, like a loose eyeshadow. If the powder is clumpy, overly coarse, or has a strange sheen, it may have fillers like maltodextrin or silicon dioxide. Trust your eyes. Nature does not create that kind of harsh, artificial brightness. The subtlety of a natural color is part of its charm and its authenticity.
Scent and taste are powerful indicators. Open the bag and take a deep sniff. Genuine blue butterfly pea flower powder has a very light, pleasant, slightly earthy and hay-like aroma. It is reminiscent of dried herbs or a mild, green tea. The taste is equally subtle—earthy, a little nutty, with a very faint woody bitterness. There is no strong or chemical aftertaste. A fake powder will often have no smell at all (a sign of a dead, processed ingredient) or, more tellingly, a chemical or 'perfumey' smell. This is especially common if synthetic flavors are added to cover the taste of a cheap filler. I have tested powders that smelled like artificial vanilla or berry flavors, which is a massive red flag for a product sold as a single-ingredient flower powder. Your nose and tongue are incredibly sensitive tools. If a product smells or tastes like anything other than dried flowers, you should be highly suspicious. The pure product simply tastes like what it is—a dried flower.
The ingredient list is your legal document of truth. It should contain exactly one item: 'Butterfly Pea Flower Powder' or 'Organic Butterfly Pea Flower Powder'. Some products might label it as 'Clitoria ternatea extract' or 'Clitoria ternatea powder', which are also acceptable. If you see any of the following, the product is not pure: Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Silicon Dioxide, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid (as a preservative, not for pH change), or any FD&C dyes. Some blends are formulated to be 'instant' or 'soluble', and these will always contain fillers. While these blends are not necessarily 'fake', they are not what you are looking for if you want a pure, single-ingredient product. I always advise my readers to ignore the marketing on the front of the package and go straight to the ingredients. This is where the truth lives. A company that is proud of its product will make the ingredient list large and prominent. A company with something to hide will try to bury it in fine print or confusing jargon.
Price is a sensitive but crucial factor. Authentic, high-quality blue butterfly pea flower powder made from a high concentration of petals is not cheap. The labor-intensive process of hand-picking delicate flowers and low-temperature drying means a premium price point. If you see a very low price, it is almost certainly fake or heavily cut with fillers. In my experience, the cost of the raw flowers alone means that a suspiciously cheap product must be making up the volume with something else. Conversely, an exorbitant price does not guarantee quality, but a price that is significantly lower than the market average is a massive warning sign. Source and certifications are your final line of defense. Look for suppliers who are transparent about their sourcing. Do they mention the country of origin (usually Thailand, Vietnam, or other Southeast Asian countries)? Are they USDA Organic or EU Organic certified? An organic certification provides an extra layer of trust, as it requires third-party auditing of the supply chain. A company that provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for their product is demonstrating a high level of professionalism and transparency. I only work with suppliers who can provide this documentation, and I recommend the same to everyone. Trust your source as much as you trust the powder itself.
Simple Tests You Can Do at Home to Verify Authenticity
The most famous and reliable test for authentic blue butterfly pea flower powder is the pH test. Simply mix a teaspoon of your powder in a glass of warm, neutral water (distilled or filtered water works best). You will get a beautiful deep blue liquid. Now, squeeze a generous amount of fresh lemon juice or lime juice into the glass. If your powder is real, you will see an almost instantaneous transformation. The blue liquid will turn a vibrant magenta, pink, or deep purple, depending on the quantity of acid. This is the anthocyanins reacting to the change in pH. A fake powder will show either no change at all, or a very weak, muddy change. This test is foolproof and requires no special equipment. I demonstrate it in almost all my workshops and it never ceases to amaze people how clear the difference is. If your blue liquid does not become a beautiful pink, you are holding a fake. It is that simple.
The water test is another quick and revealing check. Take two clear glasses and fill them with room temperature water. In one glass, place a teaspoon of your supposedly pure powder. In the other, place a teaspoon of a known high-quality powder or a control sample. Watch how the powders behave. Authentic blue butterfly pea flower powder will have a moderate dissolution rate. It will slowly disperse and the water will become a deep, even blue. You will often see a tiny amount of fine sediment at the bottom, which is just the insoluble fiber from the plant material. A fake powder, especially one with fillers like maltodextrin, will dissolve almost instantly, creating a perfectly clear solution with no sediment at all. This is unnatural. If the powder clumps immediately into a gummy mass, it may contain gums or binding agents. The sedimentation is a good sign; it proves you are dealing with a whole plant product.
A simple visual inspection of the dry powder can also be very revealing. Pour a small amount of your powder onto a white plate or piece of paper. Use a magnifying glass or your phone camera's zoom to look at the texture. Authentic powder will look like a very fine, consistent, and slightly irregular dust. You should only see one color: a range of dusty blues and purples. A fake powder might reveal telltale signs like small, bright blue or green specks (synthetic dye beads), or a two-toned appearance where some parts are a different color. If you see any shimmer or glitter-like particles, that is a huge red flag for the presence of synthetic mica or other non-botanical additives. I once found a product that had visible blue dusting on the side of the bag that was a completely different hue than the rest of the powder. This was a classic sign of a coating process for a synthetic dye. Your eyes are powerful analytical tools. If anything looks 'off', it probably is.
For complete peace of mind, especially if you are a business owner or a serious home cook, independent lab testing is an option. This is particularly important for wholesale buyers who need to validate their supply chain. A laboratory can perform a test called 'High-Performance Liquid Chromatography' (HPLC) to identify the specific chemical fingerprint of the pigments. This can differentiate between natural anthocyanins from butterfly pea and synthetic dyes. They can also use 'Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy' (FTIR) to identify the presence of fillers and adulterants. While this service comes at a cost (usually between $100 and $500 per sample), it provides an irrefutable record of authenticity. I have used these services to verify my own suppliers and it has saved me from making a costly mistake. Most reputable labs are happy to walk you through the process. You can search for 'food authenticity testing lab' or 'functional ingredient testing'. It is a powerful step for anyone who needs absolute certainty about the origin and purity of their natural coloring powder.
Your Action Plan for Buying the Real Blue
Start your search with a solid research phase. Before clicking 'buy', spend 15 minutes investigating the brand and supplier. Look for a company that specializes in natural ingredients or adaptogens. Check their website for detailed 'About Us' information. Do they tell the story of the farm where the flowers are grown? Do they have photographs of the processing facility? A lack of information is a red flag. I always look for companies that publish third-party lab results or Certificates of Analysis on their product pages. This is the highest form of transparency. Also, look for clear contact information. A reputable supplier wants to talk to you. If the only way to contact them is a generic contact form, be cautious. Their social media presence should also reflect a genuine passion for the product, not just a sales pitch. A few years of history in the market is also a good sign of stability and reliability.
Customer reviews and testimonials are gold dust, but you have to know how to read them. Look for reviews that mention specific experiences. Comments like 'The color changed beautifully when I added lemon' or 'The taste is very mild and earthy' are strong indicators of a real product. Be wary of reviews that sound overly generic or use a lot of neutral language like 'good product' or 'fast shipping' but lack detail. Also, check the negative reviews. Are they about delivery issues (which can happen to anyone) or are they about the product itself, like 'no color change with acid' or 'tastes like chemicals'? Those are the reviews that tell the real story. I also suggest looking for independent reviews on blog sites or YouTube channels that specialize in natural health and cooking. These reviewers have no incentive to lie and often provide a very honest analysis. The collective voice of the community is a powerful tool for verifying a product's claims.
The packaging and labeling itself is a major communication tool. A professional, high-quality product will come in a well-sealed, opaque, and air-tight bag, as the pigment is sensitive to light and air. The label should be clean and uncluttered, with the ingredients prominently displayed. As I have stressed, the ingredient list must say 'Butterfly Pea Flower Powder' or 'Clitoria ternatea extract' and nothing else. Look for a 'Best By' or 'Packed On' date. This is a sign of good quality control. Also, check for a lot number or batch number. This is a key indicator that the product is traceable back to its source. If a problem arises, a traceable product can be investigated. A bag that lacks this information is much less likely to be from a serious manufacturer. The packaging should inspire confidence, not suspicion. It is the final promise from the producer to the consumer.
Finally, prioritize organic and sustainably sourced options. An organic certification means the flowers were grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This is not just better for your health; it is better for the environment and the farmers. The process of organic certification also involves rigorous record-keeping and supply chain audits, which adds another layer of verification. Look for labels like USDA Organic, EU Organic, or equivalent. Sustainable sourcing ensures that the wild harvesting or farming practices do not deplete natural resources. Some suppliers also support reforestation or community development programs. By choosing these products, you are voting with your wallet for a better, more ethical food system. In my journey, working with organic farmers in Northern Thailand, I have seen how this commitment to quality and sustainability creates a superior product. It’s a purchase that feels good in every way.
Bringing Your Blue to Life: How to Use the Real Thing
Now for the fun part: using your authentic blue butterfly pea flower powder! The applications are incredibly diverse. For the simplest use, make a stunning 'blue tea'. Add half a teaspoon of the powder to a cup of hot water, let it steep for 3-5 minutes, strain, and enjoy a beautiful, caffeine-free herbal tea. For a 'mood ring' latte, steam your milk of choice, add a little vanilla, and mix in your blue tea. The color will be a calming lavender-blue. For cocktails or mocktails, make a concentrated blue syrup. Mix one cup of hot water with one cup of sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of the powder. Stir until dissolved. This syrup is a showstopper in a gin and tonic (where the quinine in the tonic water will turn the blue to a pale pink) or in a simple lemonade. In cooking, use the powder to color rice, noodles, or pasta. The color is stable to boiling (though it may turn a bit more greenish in an alkaline environment, and more purple in an acidic one). Baked goods are a little trickier, as heat can degrade the color, but you can get lovely lavender or purple hues in cakes, breads, and cookies. I have used it successfully in macarons, frosting, and even savory dishes like blue mashed potatoes!
Getting the most vibrant color requires a few simple techniques. First, use the highest quality powder you can find. A very fine, potent powder will yield a much richer color. Second, for the brightest blue, use warm, neutral pH water. Avoid alkaline water, which can make the blue appear a bit greenish, and acidic water, which will turn it purple immediately if that is not the goal. Third, the color is sensitive to direct sunlight. Store your powder and your colored creations in a cool, dark place. If you are making a drink, serve it as soon as possible. For longer-term storage of colored foods, an airtight container in the refrigerator is best. I have found that using a bit of the powder in a small amount of hot water to create a 'paste' first before adding it to a larger liquid helps to disperse the color more evenly and prevents clumps. Patience is key. Natural colors can sometimes take a little longer to develop their full intensity. Let your dish sit for a few minutes after mixing and the color will deepen. This is a gentle process, unlike the instant, harsh effect of artificial dyes.
It is always wise to be aware of potential side effects and precautions. Butterfly pea flower is generally considered safe for consumption. It has a long history of traditional use and is included on the FDA's list of herbs that are 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS). However, it is always a good idea to start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. Some people may report mild digestive upset, but this is rare. One specific precautionary note is for pregnant or breastfeeding women. There is a traditional belief that butterfly pea flower can stimulate uterine contractions, and some recommend avoiding it during pregnancy. While scientific evidence for this is lacking, it is wise to err on the side of caution and consult with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. For most people, it is a wonderful, safe, and beautiful addition to a healthy diet. As with any functional food, a little awareness and respect for the plant goes a long way. The benefits of its antioxidants and the pure joy of its color far outweigh the very minimal risks for the general population.
Your Role in a Transparent Food System
The journey to finding a pure blue butterfly pea flower powder is a microcosm of the larger fight for food integrity. Every purchase you make is a vote. When you choose a transparent, single-ingredient product over a cleverly disguised artificial blend, you are sending a powerful message to the industry. You are telling them that you value honesty, health, and craftsmanship over cheap imitations and clever marketing. I have seen small, ethical brands thrive because they found an audience of educated consumers who refused to compromise. The food coloring industry, like many others, has been built on a foundation of opacity. But the tide is turning. The demand for authentic natural coloring powder is growing exponentially, and consumers are the most powerful agents of change. You are no longer just a shopper; you are a detective, a protector of your own health, and a force for market change.
The benefits of sticking with the genuine article go far beyond a beautiful cocktail photo. You are ingesting the beneficial antioxidants and flavonoids of the whole plant. You are supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale farmers. You are creating food that is safe for your family, free from synthetic dyes and questionable fillers. You are also engaging in a more creative and joyful cooking process. The unpredictable, pH-responsive nature of real butterfly pea flower is an invitation to play and experiment in the kitchen. It is a living ingredient, not a dead chemical. I find that cooking with real ingredients fosters a deeper connection to the food and the natural world. It turns a simple latte into a little magic show. It turns a plate of rice into an art project. That connection is something no synthetic dye can ever provide. The final, most important takeaway is this: trust your instincts, trust the science, and most of all, trust the ingredient list. Your wisdom, combined with the simple tests I have outlined, will protect you from 'fake blue' and allow you to enjoy the authentic, vibrant, and wonderful world of butterfly pea flower.
Resources for Your Journey to Authentic Blue
To help you on your path, I have compiled a list of resources that I have personally vetted and found to be excellent starting points for sourcing genuine butterfly pea flower powder and learning more about natural colors. This list is not exhaustive, but it represents brands and organizations that prioritize transparency and quality. For suppliers, look for names like 'Mountain Rose Herbs', 'Starwest Botanicals', and 'The Spice Way', which are known for their rigorous quality standards and detailed ingredient lists. Many of them provide a Certificate of Analysis upon request. For bulk purchasing, suppliers in Thailand such as 'Racha's Garden' or 'Kasma's Herbs' have excellent reputations among professional chefs. Always check for recent reviews and batch-specific information.
For further reading, I highly recommend delving into the world of food chemistry with books like 'On Food and Cooking' by Harold McGee, which provides an excellent scientific background on pigments like anthocyanins. For a more health-focused perspective, 'The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook' by James Green is a fantastic resource for understanding plant processing. Online, websites like 'The Spruce Eats' and 'Serious Eats' have excellent articles on natural food coloring, as do many food science blogs. You can also find a wealth of information on university extension websites that discuss the chemistry of plant pigments. The more you learn, the more empowered you become.
If you determine that you need independent lab testing for your product, several reputable services are available. Companies like 'Eurofins' and 'SGS' offer comprehensive food authenticity testing, including identifying synthetic dyes. 'ConsumerLab.com' also occasionally tests popular supplements and natural products. For a smaller, more specialized lab, 'Authentic Labs' focuses on herbal and spice testing. When you contact them, be prepared to discuss your specific needs, such as testing for adulteration with synthetic dyes or fillers like maltodextrin. They will guide you on the correct sample size and testing method. While this service is an investment, for a business owner or a large-batch home cook, it is a small price to pay for absolute peace of mind and quality assurance. Your health and the confidence in your product are worth it.