Biomimicry; Helping Humans Solve Problems by Studying Nature

A new kind of science is emerging as a method by which we can learn from Earth’s natural processes. Sustainability is a focus of Biomimicry as it seeks to understand how nature solves her own problems.

In 1997, author and scientist Janine Benyus defined Biomimicry as a science that “studies nature’s models and then imitates or takes inspirations from these designs and processes to solve human problems”.

The San Diego Zoo has been practicing Biomimicry since 2007, and it commissioned this study in 2010, called “Global Biomimicry Efforts: An Economic Game Changer.”

The study notes that, “Two very different approaches are followed in the use of biomimicry. In some cases, scientists see an interesting concept in nature and then find a commercial application. In other instances, firms are seeking a solution to a specific problem and find an answer in the natural world.”

San Diego seems ideally situated to begin the next wave of scientific brilliance via Biomimicry. They predict that Biomimicry will help reduce the depletion of natural resources, create jobs and industry. In fact, the study declares “Biomimicry could be a major economic game changer.”

As science searches for answers to our most difficult human problems, Biomimicry shows us that we may find the best answers in nature.

The wildlife that dwells in our oceans are benefiting from this new science already.  Beautiful data gathering robotic fish created by University of Essex professor Dr. Huosheng Hu measure levels of pollution. They swim around among real fish, and the data they collect is used by scientists to help protect the natural inhabitants of that body of water.

Humans are benefiting from Biomimicry as well. Florida-based biotech company, Sharklet Technologies, has invented a shark skin inspired adhesive film for use in the medical field for the prevention of infection in humans. Their specialty is "bacterial inhibition for medical devices", and they are successful innovators in the world of human medicine.

To find out more about why Biomimicry matters to Whale Tale Chips, please contact us.

Tummy Growling? Look for Healthy Vending Options

I am sure you have been there. You have spent the day surfing or on the beach with your family. All the snacks were eaten on the beach, or perhaps they were eaten in the car on the way to your next destination. You are trying to eat as healthy as possible, but your schedule sometimes gets tight, which causes you to eat on the run occasionally. Whether you are at work on an empty stomach or at the hospital visiting a loved one, you will find healthy vending options in your nearest snack machines.

One of those healthy vending options is Whale Tail's Blue Corn Tortilla Chips infused with Chia. Chia seed is a super food that contains omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-3's are known to lower cholesterol. 

They are also a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. For hundreds of years, this tiny seed was used by the Aztecs as their main energy source. Plant Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cleveland Clinic

Not only is it healthy to eat our chips, it is incredibly fun too. The tortilla chips are shaped like a whale's tail. 

Having the Chia infused into the Corn Chips is not the only reason that the chips are healthy for you. All varieties of Whales Tail's Chips are made with Organic Corn that is grown in the USA. Our chips are naturally gluten free. They do not contain any genetically modified organisms or Trans Fat, and they are kosher.

Next time your tummy is growling, and you are far from a carrot stick but near a vending machine, look for our organic tortilla chips. We have 3 varieties.

• Original Yellow Corn Chips with “Alaea” Red Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salt
• Hawaiian Barbeque Flavor Chip
• Blue Tor"Chia" Chips

Contact us if you have any questions, or to find a distributor near you.

The Many Benefits of Chia Seeds

You might have seen our Organic Blue Corn chips, which advertise that they are infused with chia seeds and you may have found yourself wondering, "So?"  If that's gone through your head, allow us to take a minute to talk about the benefits of chia seeds.  Yes, we're dedicating a whole blog to chia seeds, because they are just that cool.

Chia seeds are considered a superfood, which is to say it is a food that contains a high amount of nutrition per bite.  Chia seeds are taken from a desert plant, Salvia hispanica, which is a member of the mint family.  Mainly grown in southern Mexico, it is said that Indians used the seed for energy and substance.  They are flavorless on their own and magnify the flavors they are mixed with, which means you get the benefit without any weird tastes.

So what can the seed do for you?  

• Help you lose weight.  If you were to take some chia seeds and put them in a glass of water and return in about an hour, the water would become gelatinous because of all the soluble fiber in the seed.  This gelatin property helps you feel fuller longer.  In addition, it prevents calories from being absorbed since the gel provides a coating and prevents caloric absorption.
• Chia seeds are high in calcium.  In fact, they have more calcium than whole milk.
• Chia seeds have tons of anti-oxidant properties.  The same thing you find in blueberries and exotic fruits.  Anti-oxidants help you stay younger longer.  That's why chia seeds are capable of staying fresh for so long at room temperature without preservatives.  You can leave them on the counter for two years and they'll still remain fresh and ready to eat.
• Chia seeds have omega-3.  They have more omega-3 than salmon!  Omega-3 helps heart disease and other inflammatory causing problems, like arthritis.  In addition, they help to reduce blood pressure.
• Chia seeds give you energy.  Because they contain complete protein, and balance that with other vitamins and minerals, you'll have more energy that is long lasting.

There is an abundance of ways to include chia seeds in your diet; we've found just one tasty way by including it in our Organic Blue Corn Whale Tails!

For more health benefits of our unique tortilla chips, please contact us today!

3 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Gluten Free Kids

Coming up with new ideas for lunch every day while trying to maintain a gluten free diet for your child can be a daunting task; just when you think you’ve cracked the code, they get bored. Their tastes change, or they discover “Lunchables” in the grocery store and refuse to discuss a rice cracker and vegan cheese option.
Here are 3 complete lunch plans that will spark your kid’s appetite for healthy, gluten free food.

1. Oceans of Lunch; Hawaiian BBQ Whale tail chips with a build it yourself wrap. Try putting a favorite lunchmeat, small slices of cheese, a gluten free wrap cut in half, and raw vegetables sliced thin in a container so your child can build their own lunch. Include a small container of slices of starfruit.
2. Dip It; Many kids will try a new vegetable if it’s accompanied by a favorite dip. Try broccoli cut up so it looks like little trees and washed and peeled carrots cut in half lengthwise so they are still very long. Cut an apple off of the core, and then carefully reassemble it. Hold it together with one hand and wrap a rubber band around the thickest part of the apple. It looks whole, now. But the cut sides of the apple won’t turn brown. Include a small container of fruit dip. Don’t forget the Blue Corn Whale tail chips and a small container of salsa!
3. Fiesta on Friday; A soft gluten free taco shell, Mexican rice, your meat of choice (or omit the meat for a vegetarian  option), a small container of shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa are all you need to provide a fun Friday lunch. Add Original Whale Tail chips and expect an empty lunchbox at the end of the day!  

For extra credit, slip a joke in your child’s lunch. Here’s a freebie:
What time is it when a whale runs into your boat?
Time to get a new boat!
If you have questions about our gluten free products, please contact us.

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips Continues it's California Migration

Geyser Beverage in Livermore California will now distribute Whale Tails Tortilla Chips unique line of premuim organic, gluten free, non-gmo, tortlla chips to Northern California retailers looking for a healthy snack alternative.

SAN DIEGO, June 24, 2012 -Whale Tails Tortilla Chips, a socially responsible and artisan tortilla chip company, today announced the company has secured distribution with the Geyser Beverage Co, a leading distributor in Northern California. Distribution through Geyser beverage will place Whale Tails Tortilla Chips on the shelves of grocery and natural foods retailers in the region.

"Northern California is an important market for Whale Tails Tortilla Chips and we're excited to have Geyser Beverage as part our rapidly growing distribution network," said Terry Kraszewski , CEO, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips. "Retailers served by Geyser Beverage are wonderful additions to our migration as we make Whale Tails Tortilla Chips readily available to healthy, organic, gluten free, snack lovers statewide."

Broader distribution in this region will build on the momentum that was established when Whale Tails Tortilla Chips qualified as a premium seller with Buyer's Best Friend of San Francisco. Buyers Best Friend (www.bbfdirect.com) is the world’s largest and fastest growing wholesale catalog of specialty products. Buyer's Best Friend helps manufacturers increase sales, and helping buyers find amazing up-and-coming brands while saving both time and money.

The highly recognizable Whale Tail chip bags are a collaboration with the world-renowned marine artist and environmentalist, Wyland. Wyland has done more than any other artist to raise awareness of the beauty of life on our blue planet. The non profit Wyland Foundation is actively engaged in teaching millions of students around the country about the importance of conserving our oceans, river, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Both Whale Tails and Wyland hold fast to a simple goal of promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. This commitment to ocean life has been integral to both the product and the mission of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips since our inception. In order to pursue this shared aim, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips donate 10 percent from the new bags of chips to the Wyland foundation. That’s the key to making a difference. Steve Creech, the vice president of Wyland Worldwide says that the revenue raised from the chips sales will go towards their “clean water mobile learning center.” This program travels to schools across the nation to educate children about “urban runoff, habitat destruction and the importance of collaboratively managing water as a shared resource.”

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips currently offers three dangerously flavors of QAI certified organic, kosher, non gmo, gluten free tortilla chips.

Original Flavor Yellow Organic Corn with “Alaea” Red Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salt. Alaea is unique to the Hawaiian Islands and legendary for being low in sodium content , 3% to be exact , and high in essential trace minerals that our bodies require.Alaea is sun dried, never processed, and imparts the rich earthy taste of corn that has been roasted“Island Style” over an open flame. This original flavor with guacamole is absolutely amazing!!

Blue Corn w/ Chia Seeds Organic Blue Corn infused with Chia. By adding a Blue“Torchia” chip to the flavor lineup, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips takes healthy snacking to a whole new level.Infusing organic blue corn with the rediscovered ancient Mayan super seed Chia, adds a healthy punch and a wonderful nut like flavor to a delicious deep-blue organic corn chip. Blue Corn Chia is the best healthy snack for a gluten-free casein-free diet. The beauty of blue corn is the amount of antioxidants it contains. The Anthocyanin in the chips help with anti inflammatory and connective tissue regeneration. Chia seeds are high in fiber, have twice the protein of any other seed or grain, five times the calcium of milk, and contain boron which is trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones, as well as omega 3 and omega 6 essential oils.

Hawaiian Barbeque. Savory and sweetened with Sun ripened mango. This organic chip will have your taste buds standing up and doing a “hula ‘ The savory island barbeque flavor with a trace of tropical sun-ripened mango and a splash of lime, creates just the right amount of zest to satisfy the palette." Our customers have told us our Hawaiian BBQ chip is ...down right addicting. The best BBQ Chip ever” said Ric Kraszewski VP of Sales

All three flavors of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips are now available through Geyser Beverage in both 9oz and 1.5 oz bags.

About Whale Tails Tortilla Chips : Started in 2007 Whale Tails Tortilla Chips is becoming America's fastest growing eco-friendly snack product Whale Tails Tortilla Chips was recognized by the California State Legislators as a 2012 Outstanding Business for contributions to the community and for bringing a human element to the state's economic growth. Whale Tails Tortilla Chips is also a Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan recipient for meeting the required high standards of business practices while creating and distributing the most innovative new brand of organic tortilla chips on the market today. Whale Tails Tortilla Chips are found in Whole Foods Markets in the Southern California region. More information at : www.whaletailschips.com

About Geyser Beverage Company: Geyser Beverage is located in Livermore California is the East Bay Red Bull Distributor and is is known for distributing only the finest products. Geyser has brought many hot new and up and coming brands to market.

For sales inquiries, please contact (925) 960-0125

The MOF (Mauli Ola Foundation) COOL DUDE Tour 2012 rolls into La Jolla Shores

The MOF (Mauli Ola Foundation) COOL DUDE Tour2012 rolls into La Jolla Shores.

On Sunday June 17 the Mauli Ola Foundation 2012 COOL DUDE Tour made it's fifth stop in it's nationwide tour at La Jolla Shores California. The Mauli Ola Foundation exists to introduce surfing as a natural treatment to people with genetic disorders. Since 2007 MOF has concentrated on the amazing connection between Surfing and Cystic Fibrosis.

With a backdrop of ideal sunny weather and good sized surf, young Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families enjoyed top notch surfing instruction from local and international surf stars. Among those helping out with the lessons were Shawn "Barney" Barron of Mavericks fame, big wave rider David Langer and  Kalani Robb  from Hawaii's North Shore. Representing the local instructors was Kara Kraszewski of Menehune Surf School in La Jolla

"A big mahalo to the community of La Jolla Shores for granting  permission to hold an event on their beach. There’s a lot of private homes, but the HOA and the community were very supportive of our cause, and they granted us the use of their beach."said MOF Surf Experience Director, Bobby Serna.

The MOF Surf Experience Days impart the message of natural saline therapy.  Serna is passionate about Mauli Ola Foundation’s partnering with hospitals, explaining that these ongoing hospital partnerships are crucial in “leading families to understand that it is a medical treatment we are providing.”

The CF patients down at La Jolla Shores ranged in age from 5 years old to young adults. For MOF Surf Experience Director, Bobby Serna, watching these kids build self-esteem through surfing is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job. “Most of these kids, no matter how athletic they are, they’ll eventually have a CF episode where they lack stamina and become out of breath.”  Though feeling different while participating in athletic activities can take a toll on their self-esteem, Mauli Ola, which  means "Breath of Life" in Hawaiian, provides a safe and encouraging environment where these kids can just be kids and feel like they are succeeding out there on the waves.

“Anything to put a smile on their faces and to help these kids live a longer and happier life” said Bobby Serna

The events and the Cool Dude tour is made possible by numerous sponsors including etnies, Skull Candy, Ambry Genetics, Hybrid, Flexfit, Screen Candy, and Vitamin Water. Organic Snack provider at the La Jolla Shores event was Whale Tails Tortilla Chips.

The Mauli Ola La Jolla CF Surf day continues the "Cool Dude" tour that kicked off May 5 at Churches State Beach in San Clemente, California. with professional surfers embarking on a National Tour introducing surfing as a natural treatment for Cystic Fibrosis in HI, CA, TX, FL, SC, NC, VA, MD, NJ, NY, MA and RI. 

To Learn More about MOF visit : www.mauliola.org

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips qualifies for Chase and LivingSocial "Mission: Small Business" Grant Program

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips qualifies for Chase and LivingSocial "Mission: Small Business" Grant Program

La Jolla CA Saturday, June 9 2012

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips 10% back program benefits the community with business activities that perfectly fit Chase and LivingSocial's specific mission.

In support of business growth and local community development, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips has become part of group of small business nationwide applying for the Chase and LivingSocial "Mission: Small Business," grant program. With the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the program aims to help up to 12 individual small businesses in granting $250,000, to make a positive impact on their business.

Located in La Jolla, Ca Whale Tails Tortilla Chips LLC is recognized as the fastest growing eco entrepreneurship in the healthy snack food industry. Sales have doubled in the last year since forming a partnership the non profit Wyland Foundation.The new bags released June of 2011 are a collaboration with the world-renowned marine artist and environmentalist, Wyland of Laguna Beach. Wyland has done more than any other artist to raise awareness of the beauty of life on our blue planet. The non profit Wyland Foundation is actively engaged in teaching millions of students around the country about the importance of conserving our oceans, river, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Both Whale Tails and Wyland hold fast to a simple goal of promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. “This commitment to ocean life has been integral to both the product and the mission of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips since our inception” said Terry Kraszewski Co Founder and CEO. In order to pursue this shared aim, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips donates 10 percent from the new bags to the Wyland foundation. That’s the key to making a difference. Steve Creech, the vice president of Wyland Worldwide says that the revenue raised from the chips sales will go towards their “clean water mobile learning center.” This program travels to schools across the nation to educate children about “urban runoff, habitat destruction and the importance of collaboratively managing water as a shared resource.”.

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips embraces and promotes the concept of local business and uses only USA grown certified organic, non-GMO ingredients in producing their three dangerously delicious flavors

“Whale Tails Tortilla Chips believes that a small businesses needs to promote social responsibility in their local community while also creating an economy that is built to last” said Ric Kraszewski VP Sales.

From now through June 30, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips will be rallying the support of clients, colleagues, family, friends, and local community to help them gather more than the 250 votes required to be considered. For each pledge of support, Chase added five dollars to the grant pool, and reached their stated $3 million goal on World Oceans Day Friday June 8. So it seems everyone this summer is “chipping” in for ocean conservation and small business.