diff --git a/software/unitron.py b/software/unitron.py
index c34cb9f..b6d3172 100755
--- a/software/unitron.py
+++ b/software/unitron.py
@@ -106,6 +106,10 @@ def __init__(self, unitron, start_opposite):
         self.btm = "0"
 
         self.ingredient_index = microcontroller.nvm[0]  # recall the last used ingredient from non-volatile memory
+        try:
+            self.ingredient = ingredients[self.ingredient_index]
+        except IndexError:
+            self.ingredient_index = 0
         self.ingredient = ingredients[self.ingredient_index]
 
         self.top_index = 0