If you opened your first Tolerance delivery and thought that the jar of Aperitif you pulled out looked a little empty with 30 capsules inside, I'm here today to reassure you. It's not a mistake or a packaging error, it's meant to look that way.
I'm Sean, one of the co-founders of Tolerance, and I'm going to use this post to talk about why we opted for a larger jar and a refill system that is designed with both you and the planet in mind.
Why We Chose a Refill System
When we created Aperitif, we thought about the entire experience, from how it supports you on your histamine intolerance journey to its impact on the environment. A traditional supplement jar, used once and then discarded or recycled, did not feel like the right approach. We wanted to create something better: a system that was more sustainable, more convenient, and ultimately, offered better value for you.
The jar and refill pouch model was the answer. Here is why it matters:
- Better Value for You: By reducing our own costs on packaging and shipping for repeat orders, we can pass those savings directly on to you. Our refill pouches are priced to reflect this
- Less Packaging Waste: The jar is designed to be a permanent, beautiful object on your shelf or in your bag. You keep it and reuse it. The only thing you replace is the lightweight, letterbox-friendly refill pouch. This significantly cuts down on plastic and glass waste over time
- A Lower Carbon Footprint: Shipping slim, light pouches every two months instead of bulky jars on a monthly basis makes a real difference. It means less weight and volume in transit, which translates to a lower carbon footprint per dose
How the Aperitif Refill System Works
Getting started with Aperitif, and continuing your journey, is designed to be as simple as possible. It’s a two-step process.
Step 1: Your First Order
When you begin, you’ll purchase the Aperitif jar. The 30 capsules inside are enough to last most customers 3-4 weeks, by which time the diamine oxidase (DAO) should be getting to work in your gut, helping to break down histamine-rich food or drink.
30 capsules for the initial order was the perfect amount in our eyes. There is some evidence to suggest that DAO build up occurs over time, so it gives new customers enough time to work out how to best use their supplement based on their own unique needs (see our article on how different types of customers use their DAO). At the same time, we understand that DAO doesn't work for everyone, so a larger dosage in the initial jar could be cost-prohibitive for people looking to try it out for the first time.
Step 2: Your Future Refills
Once you’re ready for more, you simply order the Aperitif refill pouch. It will arrive in minimal packaging, ready for you to open your jar, remove the old pouch, and slide the new one in. That’s it. You continue to use your original jar, order after order, saving money each time you order a refill pouch.
Both the jar and the pouch are available on subscription (for 10% discount), and you can also tailor your delivery frequency based on your own DAO needs. All this is handled by you, at checkout, and then automatically appears in your letterbox at the frequency you decide on.
A Thoughtful Approach to Your Journey
Managing histamine intolerance requires a thoughtful approach. It’s about understanding your body, identifying your personal triggers, and finding the tools that work for you. We believe the products that support you should be just as thoughtful.
Our refill system is a small part of that philosophy. It’s a practical detail, but one that reflects our commitment to creating solutions that are effective, sustainable, and designed around your needs. It’s one of the ways we aim to support you, alongside educational resources and tools like our free Tolerance Questionnaire, which can be a helpful first step in making sense of your reactions.
So, if you're new to Tolerance, hopefully you won't see an empty looking jar. We hope you see a system designed to make your life a little easier and our collective impact a little lighter. It’s a small change that adds up to a big difference, and we’re so glad to have you on this journey with us.