Product Enhancements

At OPTAVIA, we’re always listening to our Community. Your efforts drive us to constantly improve our options to help Clients stay on plan.

We’ve received feedback that some Clients prefer to avoid certain fiber and sweetener ingredients. We’ve taken that feedback, and combined it with the latest evidence-based ingredient science and our product-design expertise, to optimize an assortment of Fuelings by modifying some of the dietary fibers and sweeteners we use.

Starting with the OPTAVIA Essential Creamy Double Peanut Butter Crisp Bar (#77795) in July/August you will start to see the following changes within a select assortment of Fuelings over the next several months:

Replacement of one of our fiber sources, inulin, with soluble corn fiber, a prebiotic fiber that generally has a good digestive tolerance and helps support gut health. Soluble corn fiber is a slowly fermented fiber, which may help reduce the mild gastrointestinal disturbances that are associated with the consumption of fibers.
Eliminated maltitol and reduced levels of fructose, delivering high-quality sweetness with allulose and sucrose, both well tolerated by the digestive system.

Each Fueling still has the same nutrient-dense, nutritionally balanced, interchangeable profile you have come to love.

You may also notice a few minor changes to our packaging. From time to time packaging regulations and standards are changed by the Food and Drug Administration and other regulators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the ingredient statement change on some of my OPTAVIA Fuelings?

As part of our continuous efforts to make incremental improvements to ensure our portfolio delivers the ultimate Coach and Client experience, we’ve recently reformulated several of our OPTAVIA Fuelings. This means the types and/or amounts of certain ingredients in our OPTAVIA Fuelings may have slightly changed.

We have removed inulin and maltitol, and reduced the amount of fructose in an assortment of Fuelings, and replaced them with generally well-tolerated fiber sources and sweeteners, like soluble corn fiber and allulose. Soluble corn fiber is a prebiotic fiber that generally has good digestive tolerance and helps support gut health. Soluble corn fiber is a slowly fermented fiber that may help reduce the mild gastrointestinal disturbances that are associated with the consumption of fibers. Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that delivers high-quality sweetness and is well tolerated by the digestive system.

Each Fueling still has the same nutrient-dense and nutritionally balanced profile, making them interchangeable with the rest of our Fueling portfolio. Please refer to the ingredient list on the Fueling package or the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for ingredient information.

Why have these Fuelings been reformulated?

We have removed inulin and maltitol and reduced the amount of fructose in an assortment of Fuelings, and replaced them with generally well-tolerated fiber sources and sweeteners, like soluble corn fiber and allulose. Soluble corn fiber is a prebiotic fiber that generally has good digestive tolerance and helps support gut health. Soluble corn fiber is a slowly fermented fiber that may help reduce the mild gastrointestinal disturbances that are associated with the consumption of fibers. Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that delivers high-quality sweetness and is well tolerated by the digestive system.

How many Fuelings were updated with removal of maltitol and/or inulin, and/or reduction of fructose?

34 OPTAVIA Fuelings

Will the ingredient changes impact the taste of my Fuelings? Why does my Fueling taste different? What changed?

As part of our continuous efforts to make incremental improvements to ensure our portfolio delivers the ultimate Coach and Client experience, we’ve reformulated several of our OPTAVIA Fuelings. This means the types and/or amounts of certain ingredients in our OPTAVIA Fuelings may have slightly changed.

A handful of Fuelings have been further optimized to enhance the overall product experience and taste. These include the Red Bean & Vegetable Chili Mix and Rustic Tomato Penne.

While you may notice a slight change in taste to some Fuelings, these are positive improvements our team of food scientists have made.

We’ve conducted extensive sensory evaluations with trained expert panels and found that the majority of products did not have any noticeable taste differences. For the few products where minor changes were detected, panelists noted that the change was for the better (i.e., it was an improvement to the product).

What is soluble corn fiber?

Soluble corn fiber is a prebiotic fiber that generally has good digestive tolerance and helps support gut health. Soluble corn fiber is a slowly fermented fiber that may help reduce the mild gastrointestinal disturbances that are associated with the consumption of fibers.

What is allulose?

Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that delivers high-quality sweetness and is well tolerated by the digestive system. It can be found in certain fruits like jackfruit, figs, and raisins. Just a small amount of allulose can give foods, like OPTAVIA Fuelings, a clean, sweet taste.

Is the fiber content of the Fuelings changing? Will this change the amount of fiber I am eating per day on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan?

In general, the amount of fiber in each individual Fueling will remain the same. The average intake of dietary fiber on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan continues to be 20-30 grams per day (depending on personal choices).

What impact do these changes have on the nutrition facts label? Is the amount of total carbohydrate and/or added sugar changing?

All of OPTAVIA Fuelings comply with our strict nutritional requirements. Each Fueling still has a nearly identical nutritional profile designed by our team of food scientists and refined by our Registered Dietitians and nutrition team. This includes the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which helps promote a gentle, but efficient fat-burning state on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan, and 24+ vitamins and minerals. Please refer to the Nutrition Facts Label on the Fueling package or the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for nutrition information.

What is sucrose? Why was sucrose added? How does this impact calories and carbs?

Sucrose is sometimes referred to as granulated sugar or just plain “sugar.” It is a naturally occurring sugar found in many plants like fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as well as in sugar cane and sugar beets. In general, it is well tolerated. Small amounts of sucrose may be used to add sweetness and flavor to foods, like the OPTAVIA Fuelings.

All of the OPTAVIA Fuelings that have been reformulated still comply with our strict nutritional requirements. Each Fueling still has a nearly identical nutritional profile designed by our team of food scientists and refined by our Registered Dietitians and nutrition team. This includes the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which helps promote a gentle, but efficient fat-burning state on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan, and 24+ vitamins and minerals. Please refer to the Nutrition Facts Label on the Fueling package or the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for nutrition information.

Will these changes impact the effectiveness of the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan or other Optimal Weight plans? Will this impact my weight loss results?

No, the OPTAVIA Optimal Weight meal plans will continue to provide the same nutritional blueprint, and therefore, should not affect your transformation or weight loss results. Fuelings will and continue to be nutritionally interchangeable.

Will this change impact weight-loss claims?

No, these changes will not impact OPTAVIA’s weight-loss claims.

What does “Naturally Flavored with Other Natural Flavors” mean?

Naturally Flavored with Other Natural Flavors means that the Fueling has both natural flavor (i.e., flavors that you would expect based on the description of the product, such as strawberry flavor in the Wild Strawberry Shake Mix), plus other natural flavors that help enhance the overall flavor of the product and balance the total flavor profile (i.e., flavors that occur naturally and are used as ingredients in the product, such as vanilla).

From a nutrition and health perspective, why are these changes being made?

I’ve noticed the packaging looks different. What has changed? Is the product the same?

You may also notice a few minor changes to our packaging. From time to time packaging regulations and standards are changed by the Food and Drug Administration and other regulators. Packaging changes include:

The term “mix” has been added to describe that our powdered products require preparation. For example, the OPTAVIA Wild Strawberry Shake Mix requires water to be added prior to consumption.
The “Naturally Flavored with Other Natural Flavors” statement has been added and repositioned on the front of the package.
We are in the process of standardizing our bar carton sizes across the entire OPTAVIA portfolio. Having a standardized carton size for all crisp bar products will help minimize packaging damage. The standardized carton size doesn't impact the serving size (i.e., net weight) of the bar. Similarly, while the shape and size of the crisp bars may have changed as part of the optimization process, the net weight (i.e., grams) of the bar has not. Each Fueling still has the same nutrient-dense and nutritionally balanced profile, making them interchangeable with the rest of our Fueling portfolio. Please refer to the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts Label on the Fueling package or the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for ingredient and nutrition information.
A Bioengineered (BE) Statement has been added to the back of the packaging. The new standard requires food manufacturers, importers, and other entities that label foods for retail sale to disclose information about BE food and BE food ingredients. This rule is intended to provide a mandatory uniform national standard for disclosure of information to consumers about the BE status of foods.*

*Department of Agriculture: www.govinfo.gov (Accessed June 15, 2021).

The certified gluten-free logo has been updated. The Gluten-free Certification Organization (GFCO) is the organization that provides our gluten-free certification. GFCO has updated their branding standards, and companies which use this logo are updating to the new logo by early 2022.
Some of the Fueling names have been simplified. For example, the Silky Peanut Butter Shake is now the Peanut Butter Shake Mix. Eleven OPTAVIA Fuelings will have name revisions.
We’ve received feedback that some Clients prefer to avoid certain fiber and sweetener ingredients. We’ve taken that feedback, and combined it with the latest evidence-based ingredient science and our product-design expertise, to optimize an assortment of Fuelings by modifying some of the dietary fibers and sweeteners we use.
We have removed inulin and maltitol and reduced the amount of fructose in an assortment of Fuelings, and replaced them with generally well-tolerated fiber sources and sweeteners, like soluble corn fiber and allulose. Soluble corn fiber is a prebiotic fiber that generally has good digestive tolerance and helps support gut health. Soluble corn fiber is a slowly fermented fiber that may help reduce the mild gastrointestinal disturbances that are associated with the consumption of fibers. Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that delivers high-quality sweetness and is well tolerated by the digestive system.

How has OPTAVIA packaging changed?

You may notice a few minor changes to our packaging. From time to time packaging regulations and standards are changed by the Food and Drug Administration and other regulators. Packaging changes include:

The term “mix” has been added to describe that our powdered products require preparation.
The “Naturally Flavored with Other Natural Flavors” statement has been added and repositioned on the front of the package.
We are in the process of standardizing our bar carton sizes across the entire OPTAVIA portfolio.
The certified gluten-free logo has been updated.
A Bioengineered (BE) Statement has been added to the back of the packaging.
- *Department of Agriculture: www.govinfo.gov (Accessed June 15, 2021).
Some of the Fueling names have been simplified. For example, the Silky Peanut Butter Shake is now the Peanut Butter Shake Mix.

Have allergens changed in any of the new products?

Major allergen information has not changed, however, some of the bars have updated shared allergen equipment statements. We always recommend you check the ingredient list prior to ordering as ingredients are subject to change. Please refer to our Product Claims, the ingredient list on the Fueling package, and/or the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for ingredient and allergen information.

I noticed my bar carton is smaller/larger. Did the size of my bar change?

We are in the process of standardizing our bar carton sizes across the entire OPTAVIA portfolio. Having a standardized carton size for all crisp bar products will help minimize packaging damage. The standardized carton size doesn't impact the serving size (i.e., net weight) of the bar. Similarly, while the shape and size of the crisp bars may have changed as part of the optimization process, the net weight (i.e., grams) of the bar has not. Each Fueling still has the same nutrient-dense and nutritionally balanced profile, making them interchangeable with the rest of our Fueling portfolio. Please refer to the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts Label on the Fueling package or the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for ingredient and nutrition information.

Name Change – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is “Mix” now part of certain product names?

The term “mix” has been added to describe that our powdered products require preparation. For example, the OPTAVIA Wild Strawberry Shake Mix requires water to be added prior to consumption.

Why did the name change on the package of XYZ Fueling?

Some of the Fueling names have been simplified. For example, the Silky Peanut Butter Shake is now the Peanut Butter Shake Mix. Eleven OPTAVIA Fuelings will have name revisions.

Product Name	Revised Product Name
Silky Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Bar	Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Bar
Sour Cream & Chive Smashed Potatoes	Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Garlic Creamy Smashed Potatoes	Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Old Fashioned Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal	Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Orchard Apple & Cinnamon Spiced Oatmeal	Apple & Cinnamon Spiced Oatmeal
Hearty Red Bean & Vegetable Chili	Red Bean & Vegetable Chili Mix
Frosty Mint Chocolate Soft Serve Treat	Mint Chocolate Soft Serve Mix
Frosty Coffee Soft Serve Treat	Coffee Soft Serve Mix
Frothy Cappuccino Boost	Frothy Cappuccino Drink Mix
Mocha Blast Shake	Mocha Shake Mix
Silky Peanut Butter Shake	Peanut Butter Shake Mix

If the name is revised, is it the same Fueling?

Yes, however, some of the Fueling names have been simplified. For example, the Silky Peanut Butter Shake is now the Peanut Butter Shake Mix. Eleven OPTAVIA Fuelings will have name revisions.

Are there any changes to the preparation instructions? If so, why?

Yes, you may notice preparation instruction changes in some Fuelings to provide you with the best experience. Please refer to the preparation directions on the Fueling package or visit the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for preparation directions.

BE/GF – Frequently Asked Questions

What is bioengineered (BE or bioengineered ingredients)? What do bioengineered ingredients mean?

BE stands for bioengineered. Bioengineered (BE) food is a food that contains genetic material that has been modified in a way that could not otherwise occur through conventional breeding or be found in nature. Bioengineering allows foods with desirable characteristics to be produced, such as potatoes that resist bruising and browning. It also reduces the environmental impacts needed for agricultural production.

Bioengineered foods are already on the market. Varieties of a few fresh fruit and vegetable crops, such apples and papaya, as well as certain grains and seeds, such as canola, are bioengineered.

OPTAVIA Fuelings has not changed with regards to BE ingredients. Packaging has simply been updated to comply with package labeling standards.

A BE food disclosure is a labeling requirement and does not convey any information about the health, safety, or environmental attributes of BE food as compared to non-BE counterparts.

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-new-plant-varieties/understanding-new-plant-varieties (Accessed June 15, 2021)

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/BE_Consumer.pdf (Accessed June 15, 2021) https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/gmo-crops-animal-food-and-beyond (Accessed June 15, 2021)

Why is BE on the packaging?

The new standard requires food manufacturers, importers, and other entities that label foods for retail sale to disclose information about BE food and BE food ingredients. This rule is intended to provide a mandatory uniform national standard for disclosure of information to consumers about the BE status of foods.*

*Department of Agriculture: www.govinfo.gov (Accessed June 15, 2021)

OPTAVIA’s Fuelings and programs are backed by science. Our Scientific Advisory Board is a cross-disciplinary panel of expert physicians and scientists that help advise on evidence-based research and the most up-to-date science to help guide our portfolio of products and programs. To date, we have not seen any unbiased, reliable scientific evidence that eating GMO crops affects human health.

OPTAVIA’s proprietary products and programs are based on over 40 years of experience to help you lose weight. And that’s why you can count on us to continually select quality, tested ingredients to support your health.

When did this standard change for BE?

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law, passed by Congress in July of 2016, directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish this national mandatory standard for disclosing foods that are or may be bioengineered. The Standard defines bioengineered foods as those that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain laboratory techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature.”** This rule became effective February 19, 2019, with a mandatory compliance date of January 1st, 2022.

You may have already started to see this label on foods in grocery stores. Beginning June 2021, OPTAVIA packaging will start to include the BE statement with a full transition at the beginning of 2022.

** https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/be (Accessed June 15, 2021)

BE foods have been available to consumers since the early 1990s. Since then, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and USDA have worked together to ensure that crops produced through genetic engineering are safe for people, animals, and the environment.

What is gluten-free?

GF stands for Gluten Free. Gluten-free means that the food product is free from a protein called gluten. Gluten is a mixture of proteins that occur naturally in wheat, rye, barley, and crossbreeds of these grains.

Why does the gluten-free logo look different? Did you switch certification parties or processes?

The certified gluten-free logo has been updated. The Gluten-free Certification Organization (GFCO) is the organization that provides our gluten-free certification. GFCO has updated their brand standards, and companies which use this logo are updating to the new logo by early 2022. The company did not switch certification parties or processes.

Were the products re-certified gluten-free? Any additional gluten-free Fuelings?

No, the products were not re-certified. OPTAVIA continues to follow the standards set by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) in certifying food products as gluten-free. There are no new gluten-free Fuelings in the portfolio at this time.

Will this affect my program and weight loss?

What is the difference between Select and Essential Fuelings as it pertains to non-genetically modified (i.e., non-GMO) and bioengineered (BE) ingredients?

We provide proven products for a range of preferences. For those seeking non-genetically modified options, our portfolio of OPTAVIA® Select Fuelings is a great option. All of the OPTAVIA Select Fuelings do not contain BE ingredients.

Are there new ingredients (i.e. did the products change) as it pertains to the BE statement and gluten-free logo update?

Bioengineering disclosure is a new federal labeling requirement, and the updated gluten-free logo is required by our certification body Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

You may refer to the ingredient list on the Fueling package or the product detail page on OPTAVIA.com for ingredient information.

Where can I go for more information on bioengineered (BE) foods and ingredients?

Additional information can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website and/or fact sheets.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/be (Accessed June 15, 2021)
https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/BEFactSheet.pdf (Accessed June 15, 2021)
Department of Agriculture: www.govinfo.gov (Accessed June 15, 2021)