Frequently Asked Questions

How should I care for my food replicas?

Store replicas in individual plastic bags. Wash in hot soapy water, rinse well, and air dry. Towels can leave lint. To condition a replica, rub a very small amount of petroleum jelly on the surface.

For more detail, watch this video: Food Replica Care

The glass for my milk is cracked. Do I need to replace the entire replica?

No. The inserts are glued in, but a simple tap with the glass upside down will usually release the insert, which seldom breaks. Replacement glasses are available with the spine the insert sits on.

10 oz. to fit 8 oz. insert: W03850R
8 oz. to fit 6 oz. insert: W03851R
5 oz. to fit 4 oz. insert: WA24937R

What should I do if labels come off my replicas?

Newer replicas usually have the product number, name, and portion size lasered on. Some replicas do not have a flat surface for a sticker or lasering. If you have older replicas and labels have come off, you can make your own.

Purchase the vinyl glue LF00996R and use it to apply a printed sticker or label. Keep labels small, round the corners, and spread a thin layer of glue over the top of the label as well so the printer ink does not rub off or transfer to another replica. Do not use pens or markers, as they can spread and discolor the replica.

How can I fix a tear or cut in a replica?

The vinyl glue we sell works better than anything else we have tried. Order LF00996R.

Can I change the portion size of a replica?

If you have a replica with a flat surface, you can trim some off with scissors to make it smaller. This works better for some replicas than others. For example, the three-ounce serving of beef or pork roast works well if you cut off the bottom one-ounce piece and add it back when needed.

Keep in mind that many replicas are sprayed with one or two top coats, so the inside cut edge may not match the finished outside color.

How do I get ink off my replicas?

Newsprint and ink will not come off replicas. Keep each replica in its own plastic bag so it does not come into contact with other replicas or any printed surface.

How do I disinfect food replicas?

You can use a tablespoon of bleach in a sink full of hot soapy water when washing. Rinse well and air dry.

We also sell CleanSmart™, which claims to kill 99% of germs. We tested several replicas using this and saw no change in them.

What are the replicas made of?

Nasco Life/form™ food replicas are made of flexible, latex-free, non-toxic materials. Actual foods are prepared, measured, and weighed to make the molds, which helps ensure realistic texture and size for each replica.

Is my replica the correct portion?

It might be. We make many different portion sizes so professionals can use them with a variety of clients. Some are appropriate for bariatric patients or children. Others meet the American Diabetes Association guidelines for carb portions, while others show very large portions for intake inventories so patients can identify portions that reflect what they may actually be eating.

The professional will decide and make recommendations for the correct portion size for each client. We do not provide medical information to individuals.

How do I know how many carbs or calories are represented in a replica?

A complete nutritional data spreadsheet was prepared by The Nutrition Company using their FoodWorks® nutrient analysis software. You can access it here: Replica-Guide-Nutrition-Factsheet.xlsx

Are the replicas safe for kids to use?

The replicas are made of non-latex, non-toxic plastic materials. However, food replicas are not marketed for use by unsupervised children. Small replicas could create a choking hazard if a child puts one in their mouth or bites off a piece. They are not toys and should not be used without supervision.

Why don’t you make loose replicas, such as dry cereal or individual peas?

The replicas are designed to represent accurate portion sizes. A loose replica would no longer represent the correct serving once a piece was lost. Small pieces could also be mistaken for real food and put in someone’s mouth.