When women suffer from pre-menstrual symptoms, they often turn to chocolate, and now, thanks to a Guelph woman, chocolate just got an upgrade to do more than satiate a craving; it can reduce the symptoms.
A Canadian first, Code Red is a chocolate product infused with bioactive ingredients that can support proper muscle function and reduce the symptoms associated with menstruation. The formula utilizes 150 mg of magnesium, 300 mg of calcium, and 38 µg of Vitamin D3 per serving.
Founder Jessica Ulbikas came up with the idea during a group project on functional food during her studies at the University of Guelph, and during her graduate studies in human health and nutritional science, she launched BioSnactive Foods Inc., with Code Red as its flagship product.
The magnesium supports normal muscle function by helping relax the smooth muscles of the uterus which contract during menstruation, while the vitamin D and calcium work to improve deficiencies which can worsen menstrual pain for some.
“Chocolate is great on its own because it already has antioxidants, polyphenols, and heart healthy things,” Ulbikas said. “It’s a lot of playing with the formula and making sure it still tastes really good,” she explains. “Chocolate itself is such a finicky product to make. You have to temper it perfectly.”
Prior to securing a manufacturer, Ulbikas was making the product by hand in 10C’s commercial kitchen. Now, the product is being scaled for sale and new product lines are in development. Currently, it can be found online or in select stores in Ontario.
“Long-term, I’d love to establish different product lines and have it become a women’s health functional food company, and just grow across Canada,” Ulbikas said.
The product is sold in pouches of ten squares or five servings, and customers should ingest no more than two squares a day.
