Company Information:

Company Description:

As a PeaceCorp volunteer in Niger, Lisa Curtis often turned to moringa leaves when her diet left her with little energy. Locals wrapped the leaves around a peanut snack and called it kuli kuli. In 2014, energized both by the plant’s nutrients and by the idea of launching the next superfood in the U.S., Curtis created a company that sold moringa bars, sourcing the leaves from the village she had lived in. That proved too expensive, and the company now has moringa farms in 13 different countries and seeks to employ small women farmers. Still, Curtis got her big break when a buyer from Whole Foods saw her stand at a farmer’s market, and paved the way for Kuli Kuli to get into the chain’s Northern California stores. Now the company’s moringa-based bars, energy shots, teas, and powders are available in Albertson’s and Walmart as well. –Gabrielle Bienasz

Source

The post Hot Off the Press: Lisa’s feature in Inc.’s Top Female Founders! appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

It’s hard to deny that daily greens are needed in our everyday diet. But when there’s only 3 meals in your day, it may feel impossible to find time for the full 5-13 recommended servings of vegetables.

Have no fear, sneaky greens are here! Sneaking greens into your favorite daily recipes is one of the easiest ways to start incorporating the vitamins and nutrients you need from a dose of veggies. So, what does it look like to sneak greens into a family favorite recipe? Let’s start with a breakfast classic, a hearty bowl of oatmeal, plus our favorite sneaky green, moringa!

Why You Should Eat Oatmeal Everyday 

The phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” has meaning! A bowl of oatmeal in the morning is not only a delicious way to start your day but is a great low-glycemic meal. Meals that are low-glycemic keep you feeling full and satiated for hours, as well as provide a good source of energy to fuel your morning without a dramatic spike in blood sugar. When a bowl of oats is combined with additional ingredients such as antioxidant rich berries, flax seeds, and nuts, you have a perfectly balanced breakfast. 

Similar to finding time to eat your daily greens, we know that finding time for all 3 meals in general can be difficult in a busy lifestyle. That’s why our friends at Umpqua Oats have found a convenient and delicious way to bring you a balanced bowl of oatmeal with ease. All that’s needed now are those energizing sneaky greens! 

The Easiest Moringa Oatmeal Recipe 

Moringa Oatmeal is the perfect way to start your morning with a fulfilling breakfast, a serving of vegetables, and unmatched uplifting benefits. Organic Moringa Powder has a taste similar to that of matcha and can be paired perfectly with tart flavors, like Umpqua’s Apple Cranberry Custom Milled Oatmeal, or nutty flavors, such as the Maple Pecan Oatmeal Cup. By just adding 1 tsp of Kuli Kuli’s Pure Moringa Powder to any cup of Umpqua’s Custom Milled Oatmeal, you’ll have an easy and nourishing breakfast that the whole family can enjoy. Here are the details! 

Super Green Moringa Oatmeal 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp of Kuli Kuli Organic Pure Moringa Powder
• 1 cup of Umpqua’s Custom Milled Oatmeal (any flavor)

Directions: 

1. Remove lid and seal from Umpqua Oatmeal Cup 
2. Add hot water to cover oats
3. Place lid back on cup and let steep for 3 minutes 
4. Remove lid after 3 minutes and add 1 tsp of Organic Pure Moringa Powder to cup 
5. Stir moringa into oatmeal until well combined 
6. Enjoy! 

A Recipe Made for Women by Women

We know that women are playing a nearly impossible role during quarantine as caretakers, teachers, business women and much more! At the moment, convenience is key for families, and easy, nourishing recipes that the whole family loves can make or break meal time. 

Kuli Kuli and Umpqua Oats are both female-founded businesses seeking to empower women and bring nutrient-rich foods and recipes to the table. With this convenient green oatmeal recipe, we hope that a healthy breakfast is one less thing you’ll have to think about. Show us your Moringa Green Oatmeal recipe by tagging @kulikulifoods and @umpquaoats on social media! 

For this week only, we’re offering a FREE Umpqua Oats Oatmeal cup with every Kuli Kuli purchase. Shop Kuli Kuli products now! 

The post Looking for an energizing breakfast recipe? Try this Super Green Oatmeal! appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Joel Makower of GreenBiz moderated an incredible panel featuring Kuli Kuli founder & CEO Lisa Curtis, Erin Callahan of The Climate Collaborative, and Mike Forbes of Alter Eco.

Carbon Neutrality Amidst COVID-19: Perspectives of Sustainable Food Brands

If you missed the webinar, Carbon Neutrality Amidst COVID-19: Perspectives of Sustainable Food Brands, you can watch it by clicking the link, or watching it below. We’ll provide a quick summary in this article too.

3 Takeaways from our Carbon Neutrality Webinar

This is a tricky time for businesses and individuals around the world navigating the challenges of COVID-19. We hope this webinar offers insight into how sustainability does not need to be compromised during this time.

More and more consumers want to know the specific ways that businesses are prioritizing and acting on sustainable initiatives.

1) Sustainability Matters To Consumers, Even During Covid

Lisa Curtis started the conversation sharing a recent report that around 86% of consumers during COVID have said that they still look for sustainability in their product. This is particularly true, according to the findings, when shopping for food.

This could be good news for the food industry and the environment, as the study alludes that people are rightfully concerned about the impact companies have on people and the planet. Food brands that make sustainability a first priority and central tenet of their mission, rather than an afterthought, are more likely to make greater strides towards carbon neutrality. And there are so many brands doing that good work!

“There’s been this push for net-zero,” Joel Makower adds, towards the beginning of the webinar. Every week it seems, there are businesses sharing resource with each other, and helping transition other companies more quickly towards sustainable actions.

2) Carbon Neutrality is a Mindset to Change Your Number, Not Just Offset It 

Mike Forbes, CEO of Alter Eco, explains how and why Alter Eco weaves sustainability into everything they do—and why that is essential to their mission. “We believe that anything we sell, and that’s largely chocolate, should be better for the farmer that produces it, better for the planet that provides it, and just awesome for people who consume it,” Mike Forbes explains.

Every year, Alter Eco works with an external firm to study the total carbon emitted by their overall business processes, and how they can reduce it.

Airplane transportation for businesses can increase carbon numbers significantly.

These emissions can come from the growing of the product, logistics via transportation emissions, packaging, manufacturing, and more.

“Once we get that carbon number, that helps us really think intelligently about how we can make that number better […] This year, for example, our logistics number was higher than we thought,” Forbes explains. With that third-party insight, the team at Alter Eco worked to reduce that emission.

This level of detail keeps Alter Eco at the forefront of their innovative and sustainable actions. It also keeps them on track with their ongoing push to lower their carbon number, not just offset it.

3) Remember to Stay Curious and Strategic

A little over halfway into the webinar, Erin Callahan of The Climate Collaborative offers the mindset of “staying curious” when it comes to exploring how to reduce carbon emissions. “For any company looking to reduce their supply chain emissions,” Erin explains, “it again can be very intimidating, especially if you’re a small company.”

Carbon Neutrality Requires Curiosity

Erin’s hope with The Climate Collaborative is to share insight among natural food businesses, and shape an industry that addresses climate change with actionable items.

This does not have to mean trying to tackle every aspect at once, especially for individuals and companies who are new to sustainability endeavors. Be strategic, Erin advises.

“Don’t try to have a new packaging strategy, a new transportation system, and a new sourcing or best practices & conduct all at the same time.” Erin explains. “Look at where your hot spots are. Then, try and figure out where you have both the most control and influence, combined with the biggest potential impact.”

What Steps Are Next? 

Whether you are an individual who wants to support businesses that act on carbon neutrality, or you’re a business owner hoping to examine and shift your own carbon emissions, there are lots of ways to become involved. We all have a relationship with the food we eat and put into our bodies, and studies show that even during COVID, consumers care about sustainable practices from the brands they support.

The natural food industry has many companies leading the way with actions around carbon neutrality and ethical supply chains. For example, 661 companies are part of The Climate Collaborative, including Kuli Kuli and Alter Eco. Maybe in the near future, the natural foods industry will become the rising leader in sustainable business practices.

For more webinar recaps, be sure to checkout Quarantine Cooking, 3 Takeaways from Our Women’s Health Webinar, and How to Build a Climate-Smart and Ethical Business.

Please watch our webinar below about carbon neutrality and sustainability admist uncertain times. Feel free to share with anyone who also inspires you, and leave a comment below!

Do you think the natural foods industry can become the rising leader in sustainable business? Let us know your thoughts or questions below!

Follow us @kulikulifoods to learn more about our sustainability initiatives.

The post Carbon Neutrality Amidst Covid-19 appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Kuli Kuli founder & CEO Lisa Curtis hosted an incredible panel that included research scientist Dr. Carrie Waterman, clinical herbalist Rachelle Robinett, and social entrepreneur Pamela Anyoti Peronaci.

How to Eat for Energy and Immunity: How Women Can Stay Healthy During COVID-19

If you missed the webinar, Eating for Energy and Immunity: How Women Can Stay Healthy During COVID-19, you can watch it by clicking the link, or watching it below. We’ll provide a quick summary in this article too.

3 Takeaways from Our Women’s Health Webinar

This is a tricky time for women, families, and farmers around the world. We hope this webinar offers a bit of insight into how to balance health during challenging times, as well as insight into a more equitable future for both genders.

1. “Food as medicine” looks different around the world

With the pandemic, there is a lot of ongoing duties that women are bearing. Access to medicinal foods does not look the same in any two cities, let alone on different continents. Pamela Anyoti Peronaci, a social entrepreneur and Kuli Kuli moringa supplier, says that she’s working closely with farmers in Uganda right now, to make sure that they have the information they need to feel supported.

Pamela Soroti (right) in 2018.

About 10 minutes into the webinar, Pamela explains how “in Uganda, women in rural areas do not have the same access to information. Eventually, they hear everything is locked down […] and it is an additional burden to the mothers, whose children are usually in boarding schools.”

These times rock families, and in particular, impact women’s roles as caretakers. Acknowledging this is a key part of moving towards greater women’s health efforts, especially for women who are navigating Covid times and caring for their children who are no longer in school.

Additionally, in rural Uganda, this concept of “food as medicine” looks different than it might in America. “Going back to indigenous knowledge” is a key part of how Pamela views holistic health during these times.

Thirty minutes into the webinar, Pamela also shares her favorite ways to cook with moringa—moringa “pesto” lasagna with pine nuts and cheese! Stay tuned for a recipe. Pamela is always developing new moringa recipes.

2. Phytochemicals matter—especially for greater immune system health

Dr. Carrie Waterman offers a clear summary of the role of phytochemicals, about 20 minutes into the webinar. Lots of people want to support their immune system, but don’t know how. Luckily, foods rich in phytochemicals can offer lots of nutrients.

“Phyto” means “plant,” so we can think of phytochemicals as the primary compounds that plants offer. A lot of those chemicals, ie., phytochemicals, evolved as a way to protect the plant from competition, UV rays, insect attacks, virus attacks, etc.

“Plants evolved these compounds, because as plants, you can’t run away,” Dr. Waterman jokes, “so plants make these compounds as a secondary defense, hence why they are sometimes called ‘secondary defense’ compounds.” When plants are rich in antioxidants, for example, it’s because they needed antioxidants as a species for their own UV protection. As Waterman explains, when we eat plants, “we take advantage of those plants and all those chemical defenses.”

The nutritional and phytochemical properties of moringa are one part of a much larger health puzzle. Moringa is unique in that it is very dense in the phytochemical composition they offer. If you’re curious about The Science Behind Nourishing Immunity, we offer a great article that explains phytochemicals more.

3. Post-pandemic times might force us into new essentials and priorities. 

Around 50 minutes into the webinar, Rachelle Robinett offers inspiration as we start thinking about “better ways” to address health, especially women’s health, moving forward.

We are being “forced into new essentials, new basics, new priorities,” Rachelle articulates. “I hope that we are able to learn some of the essentials of self-care, health, and preventative medicine.” For people wanting to supplement their kid’s diets with herbs, and are struggling with that process, Rachelle also suggests trying different quantities of herbs or different plants.

“If it’s not raw garlic of spicy food, maybe it’s some parsley or some mint tea, or chamomile—chamomile is a really good one for kids,” Rachelle offers.

For more highlights, please watch our webinar below about women’s health, and eating for immunity during uncertain times.

Thank you to our greater Kuli Kuli community as we unite in our global health efforts across the world. Feel free to leave any questions or comments below!

Follow us @kulikulifoods to learn more about women’s health, immunity, and overall wellness.

The post How to Eat for Energy and Immunity: Women’s Health Amid Covid appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

The water shortage has had huge impacts on livelihoods and the economy, and especially on the California agriculture system. In 2009, California’s crop yield made up 16.5% of the U.S.’s total crop revenue, and 6.5% of the U.S. livestock revenue. California also produces almost half of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts produced in the U.S. Decreasing water supplies affect growing capacity, the economy, and livelihoods. Water rights are very fragmented in California, and different municipalities own different parts of water infrastructure, so it is a very hard system to manage.

Given this state of emergency, what can CA residents (and non-CA residents) do to reduce their own impact on the drought at home? Given the wildfires throughout the state, how can one individual help climate change?

1. Get involved.

   Climate change needs to stay on top of our politicians plan, with tangible tasks they are going to do to address the large and most polluting industries in our state. Do your research and see if there is a local or regional group you can get involved with, that puts pressure on politicians to act on behalf of their citizen’s concerns for a sustainable future. This is one of the biggest ways any individual can help.

2. Don’t let the tap run.

   Letting the water run, or even drip slowly, while you’re not actively using it is a big water-waster. While you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes, turn off the tap in the interim time when you’re not actively using it.

3. Run full loads.

   For laundry and washing dishes, running loads that are full makes sure that you are only using the water you really need. Plus, it makes for fewer loads and less work!

4. Run your sprinkler system manually.

   Many timed sprinkler systems don’t account for recent rainfall and don’t water just the plants that need it the most. Try only running your sprinklers when you really need to. When you do turn them on, focus on the plants that need the extra water the most. For example, most lawns only need about 1 inch of water per week.

5. Go native.

   Native plants are more suited to the local climate than the typical lawn. In California, for example, native plants are built to withstand a dry climate and don’t need to be watered as much. Filling your garden with mostly native plants will save you water and work to keep them alive in an unfamiliar climate. Putting a layer of mulch around plants and trees in your garden will also help them retain moisture.

6. Reduce your carbon footprint.

   It may seem like an unrelated issue, but power plants use tons of water to produce energy for the grid. By biking more, turning off the lights, and unplugging your devices, you can also save water! To reduce your carbon footprint, you have to know your carbon footprint first. Calculate your footprint so you know where to focus your efforts!

   

   Native Plant Gardens Can be Beautiful.

7. Eat fewer water-intensive foods.

   Eating local foods reduces the amount of water used in transporting and preserving them in travel, and many specific foods require a large amount of water to produce. Meat, especially beef, pork, and lamb, as well as almonds, walnuts, eggs, rice, soybeans, avocados, and wheat, are some of the most water-intensive foods. Almonds use 2,126 gallons of water per pound produced, and beef uses 1,875 gallons per pound. As a consumer, you are powerful in your decision on where to spend your “dollar vote” at the grocery store.

   By buying less water-intensive foods, you are demonstrating your commitment to more efficient food products that are more compatible with the current drought conditions. Easy ways to do this include eating less meat, and eating vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and broccoli instead of avocados, green beans, and corn. Moringa is also a great example of a food that requires very little water to produce. Moringa trees are great at growing in dry conditions!

8. Replace shower heads and install dual-flush systems.

   Changing to a low-flow or water-saving shower head reduces water waste by over 50%. These are super easy to buy at the hardware store and install on your own. The same goes for dual-flush toilets – you can change the system on your existing toilet to one that can do both a half-flush and a full-flush, which saves up to 70% of water flushed and can decrease your indoor water consumption by 30%.

9. Check your pipes for leaks and insulate them.

   Leaks are very common in household pipes, and repairing these leaks with cheap toolkits that you can find in a hardware store is super easy and makes a big difference. It is easy to check for a leak using your household water meter – look at the meter, wait for 2 hours while no one in the house is using water, and look at the meter again. If it is different after these 2 hours, then there is a leak. Insulating your pipes, which is especially important during the very hot and very cold months of the year, also helps your pipes remain efficient and lose less heat.

10. Use a reusable water bottle.

    Plastic single-use water bottles that you can buy in stores do a lot of harm to the environment. This is true both in terms of resources to manufacture them and waste they create in natural ecosystems, which harms wildlife. It takes three times as much water to make a plastic bottle as it does to fill it, and reusable water bottles last a lifetime and don’t produce harmful waste upon disposal. There are also much more stringent regulations on the quality and safety of tap water than bottled water. Therefore it is also healthier for you to refill from the tap!

It does make a difference when we treat every day like Earth Day. The cumulative impact from your efforts could double if you make a pact with a friend. Please share this article with a friend to spread the word about everyday actions that can help!

Can you think of other ways to reduce your carbon footprint? How can you encourage your workplace or household to do the same? Let us know in the comments!

Tag us @kulikulifoods to learn more about our sustainability initiatives. 

Resources:

• http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/California-drought-Sierra-snowpack-is-barely-5446649.php
• http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-g-california-drought-map-htmlstory.html
• http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/California-drought-Sierra-snowpack-is-barely-5446649.php
• http://www.motherjones.com/files/2agovstat10_web-1.pdf
• http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm
• http://www.ecology.com/2014/08/29/water-intensive-food-impact-california-drought/
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/norm-schriever/post_5218_b_3613577.html
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/17/california-drought_n_4617755.html

The post 10 Ways to Reduce Your Impact on the California Drought appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

In many ways, this pandemic feels like a never ending hurricane. And I live in Miami, so I would know.

Hurricane Logic

The difference between this current global stress and a hurricane is this: we can’t track it on radar, we won’t hear the wind howling, and we can’t go back outside after a few weeks. In this way, our much-needed and current shelter-in-place is like… seven or eight back-to-back-to-back hurricanes. 

So where is the good news? Well, many of us will have consistent electricity. We’ll be able to stay in touch, binge Netflix and keep the freezer cold. What else can we do? Follow the shelter guidelines. Control what we can. And try to manage our stress.

I was born in earthquake country (Mexico City), raised in earthquake country (Los Angeles) and have spent the last 15 years in hurricane country (Miami). Collectively, I’ve endured 4 major earthquakes and 7+ major hurricanes. We too, will get through this… together. And yes, it is overwhelming. 

3 Tips For Food Planning and “Storms”

Take it from me: there is no need for hoarding, but there is a need for mindful food planning. In my home, we keep it simple. We make a food plan for the week, and use the following system:

1. First, finish what’s in the fridge. 
2. Next, move to the freezer food and eat accordingly.
3. Lastly, it’s time for the canned goods—your “shelf-stable” supply.   
   

   Moringa smoothie routine

We are not anticipating any shortages of food in grocery stores, but we may need more patience as the supply chain works extra hard to replace the items. It can be hard not to binge eat and stress eat too. My kryptonite is tortilla chips…. 

In these last couple weeks, I’m glad that I continue my routine—one that includes exercise three times a week, followed by a power smoothie afterwards. My dream smoothie is always full of fruit (fresh or frozen), water, and almond milk. For my boost, I add flax seed, moringa powder and chocolate protein powder.

For me, as a long-term fan and consumer of moringa, I noticed moringa has helped to decrease the inflammation in my knees, lower my cholesterol, and provide me with long-lasting energy. Also, it’s shelf-stable, so I know I can have access to greens that won’t go bad. To me, this is a comfort during uncertain times. 

Last Tip: Keep Those Connections  

Now that things have slowed down somewhat, I have some other ways I stay calm in this storm. I’m reaching out to friends more, across time zones, and calling them. Just  hearing their voices, catching up, remembering about the old days, and being silly helps me find some sense of normalcy—even if it’s just for a few moments in time.

I hope these ideas help clear the clutter or stress of “food shopping” and preparation. Remember, we will get through this. It’s like a… long-lasting hurricane. We must stay strong, stay safe, and add normalcy to our lives—wherever it fits. 

Staying Calm in the Storm

How do you stay calm in the storm, be it a hurricane or longer-term global stress? Feel free to leave your comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

Follow us @kulikulifoods to learn more about bringing balance and energy into your life. 

The post Staying Calm in the Storm: Perspectives from Florida appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Moringa Company Kuli Kuli provided the secret basket item for the Food Network’s Chopped

OAKLAND, CA., March 4, 2020 — Kuli Kuli, a mission-driven company pioneering the superfood moringa, was featured on the March 3rd episode of the Food Network’s Chopped. Though one contestant proclaimed moringa to be the “ingredient from hell,” the winning chef Michele Hunter found moringa’s matcha-like flavor to be a key ingredient to her winning the episode of Chopped. Watch the full episode here. 

Moringa is a tropical super green more nutritious than kale. Market data shows moringa is actually growing faster than matcha and it is starting to pop up in restaurants across America. Lalito in NYC features a moringa chickpea guac, Pondicheri in Houston has a “moringa miracle lemonade” and Raleigh Raw has a “Coladacado” with moringa and coconut milk.

Based in Oakland, CA, Kuli Kuli sustainably sources moringa leaves from 2,438 small farmers across the world. This feature is driving moringa towards becoming a mainstream ingredient and staple in the US Market. 

Similar to turmeric, moringa leaves have been eaten for centuries and are well-known in ayurvedic medicine for their holistic wellness properties. Consumer awareness of moringa’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and energizing properties has grown exponentially since Kuli Kuli launched onto the market five years ago. According to NEXT Trend data, moringa demonstrates an emerging growth of 18%, with Kuli Kuli dominating more than half of the retail sales market. 

Kuli Kuli is the first brand to pioneer moringa in the US, selling it as green powder, smoothie mixes, bars and green tea wellness shots in 11,000 stores nationwide. Since their launch in 2014, Kuli Kuli has grown from an idea dreamed up in the Peace Corps by CEO Lisa Curtis, into a thriving social enterprise that supports thousands of moringa farmers around the world.

Moringa is now the fastest-growing green supplement in the category, outselling matcha and catching up to spirulina and wheatgrass. According to Datassential, moringa has grown 300% in the past four years. Chopped is one of the many platforms to recognize moringa as an up and coming ingredient, not solely in the natural products industry, but all sectors including household and gourmet. 

Kuli Kuli was recently listed on Inc’s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies as the #15 of Top Food & Beverage Companies and in the top 10% of overall companies ranked. The company closed a $6.34M Series B in 2019, led by Griffith Foods and Kellogg’s eighteen94 capital to further their growth into retail and to begin expansion into the ingredient channel. Similar to the rise of matcha and turmeric, Kuli Kuli believes that moringa will soon be found in many products from beverages to sauces. Chopped is just the beginning. 

About Kuli Kuli

Kuli Kuli is the leading moringa superfood brand in America. We provide high quality and nutritious moringa, which is packed with plant protein, iron, vitamins, and antioxidants. Kuli Kuli’s delicious Moringa Energy Bars, Pure Organic Moringa Powder, Organic Moringa Green Smoothie Mixes, and Moringa Green Tea Energy shots make it easy for Americans to get their energizing greens on the go while helping to plant moringa trees and support women and family farmers around the world. To learn more, visit www.kulikulifoods.com or follow us on social media @KuliKuliFoods.

The post Ingredient from Hell or Secret to Success? Moringa Featured on Chopped appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Are you ready for some football!? The big game is right around the corner and if you are hosting a football viewing party with family, friends, and neighbors, here are seven tips to help make your game day party a total touchdown.

1. Create a Checklist

This first tip may sound obvious, but making a list beforehand of everything you need to do and shop for in order to prepare for your game day hosting party is critical. Don’t forget healthy snacks for the foodies in your family! 

Tip: If you plan on hosting multiple game day viewing parties later this year, print out a paper copy of your official game day checklist then laminate it and use a dry erase marker to check off every item on your to do list once it’s complete, that way you can reuse your list multiple times for each and every game.

2. Plan Event Set-Up in Advance 

When it comes to hosting a game day viewing party, make sure you have enough chairs and tables available so everyone has a seat to watch the big game. Although some guests may prefer to stand, it’s always nice to have a seat when it comes time to eat all of the delicious football-inspired food!

3. Throw Together your Best Game Day Gear

Are you a Chiefs or 49ers fan? No matter the team, be sure to rep their colors on game day. Order some temporary team tattoos prior to game day to share with your crew. You can even purchase some non toxic face paint to take your team spirit to the next level!

4. Get the Kids Involved

If your football party guest list includes younger children, make them an integral part of the game-day experience. Have them create a family-friendly music playlist, let them decorate your living room or wherever the game will be watched and ask them to help create some of the menu items like freshly baked homemade cookies. This will make your life on game day a whole lot easier .

5. Make a Winning Menu

Super Bowl viewing party menus can range from simple snacks to more elaborate dishes. Some side dishes can include baked beans, chips and dips, fruit and vegetable platters, grilled corn on the cob and pasta salads. Don’t forget dessert! Some football fan favorites include homemade brownies, cookies and cupcakes. Tailor your game day menu to you and your guests’ taste buds, but anything goes when it comes to tailgating. 

Tip: When it comes to planning your football menu, consider your guests and their taste preferences. Will there be children present or just adults? Are there any dietary restrictions? These are all questions to keep in mind when planning your winning menu!

6. Don’t Forget to Have Fun

When planning your football viewing party, strive for an event that appeals to the entire group and all ages! Enlist the help of your guests if needed and get everyone involved. At the end of the day, no matter whether your team wins or loses, it’s all about making memories with family, friends and your community so have fun and make it a good time for all.

7. BUT Also Clean Up!

When it comes to cleaning up, keep things simple. Clearly label recycling bins so guests know where to place water bottles, cans and glass bottles. Place multiple trash cans around your home or event space so guests are never unsure of where to place used napkins and plates. After guests leave, be sure to do a quick lap around your home to search for any stains that may have joined the party. The sooner you tackle those the better.

Show us how you host a football viewing party @kulikulifoods

The post 7 Tips to Host a Winning Super Bowl Party appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

With the 2020 Winter Fancy Food Show already a week behind us, we’re beginning to finally unwind and reflect on some of the amazing food trends showcased this year. With 1,400 exhibitors and over 80,000 products on display, this show is the best place to discover what’s up and coming in the specialty food industry. After three full days of food, it’s no surprise that wellness trends are still in full force! With everything from plant-based to nutritionally-dense, here are a few of the best trends that Fancy Food had to show:

1. Functional Plant-Based Alternatives

The Eclipse Team at their Fancy Food Booth

Down to Cook’s Adda Veggie Mix in four varieties

As more and more individuals are turning to plants as their source of nourishment and endurance, brands are beginning to offer our favorite foods – with a plant-based focus! Some of the highlights from the show include Down to Cook Foods and their delicious Adda Veggie Mix, making plant-based protein easy and accessible, and Eclipse Foods whose plant-powered soft serve ice cream is the definition of “Cowlessly Creamy”.

2. Traditional Food, with a sustainable twist

Positively Groundfish and their delicious seafood samples

The Joolies California Superfruit Team

Along with emerging trends were also familiar foods with the added component of environmental sustainability. Posi+ively Groundfish , a non-profit trade association, was showcasing sustainable groundfish from the West Coast that support the successof local finishing industries. Efforts such as this are reinventing the meaning of eco-friendly eating and best choices when it does come to the meat.

Joolies, a Organic Medjool Date company, took the re-branded superfood and highlighted their sustainable local impact with everything from packaging to their supply chain.

3. Superfood as an ingredient

Griffith Food’s Chef Ryan at the Kuli Kuli Booth

Fonio Pilaf with Spinach and Moringa

Along with the rise of matcha and turmeric, Moringa was making its debut this year as an ingredient in some of the tastiest show recipes. The Kuli Kuli booth featured moringa as a functional ingredient in recipes such as moringa lattes for breakfast and moringa falafel for lunch. Yolélé, a company bringing awareness to the beautiful African supergrain, Fonio, announced their new Fonio Pilaf blends. Our personal favorite – Greens! with Spinach and Moringa.

4. Nutrient-Dense Flour Substitutes

The Caulipower Fancy Food Booth

Otto’s Showcasing their Cassava Flo

Whether you’re keto or gluten-free, the Fancy Food had plenty of flour substitutes on display. Caulipower made “pizza our favorite vegetable” with their cauliflower pizza crusts, while Otto’s highlighted the versatility of Cassava Flour as an amazing gluten-free substitute.

With the Fancy Food Show bringing attention to the healthy and sustainable trends of 2020, we’re excited to see these foods and ingredients coming on shelf at retailers and into kitchens at restaurants, across the nation.

Want to hop on-trend and test out moringa as an ingredient? Check out Kuli Kuli’s Organic Pure Moringa Powder!

The post Best Trends of the 2020 Winter Fancy Food Show appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

This past Wednesday was #NationalGlutenFreeDay. Gluten-free seems to be everywhere these days. There isn’t a restaurant out there that doesn’t have a gluten-free option now, and even most bakeries are offering gluten-free options. However, the question seems to remain if going gluten-free is a fad that will fade or if it is here to stay?

So, What is Gluten?

The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no, it’s a bit more complex than that. Let’s start off with what gluten is. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and bulgur. In order for our bodies to utilize a protein, it must be broken down into individual amino acids. However, humans do not have the enzyme that can completely breakdown a gluten peptide chain into these individual amino acids. Therefore, every time a gluten-containing food is ingested, there are tiny tears to the gut lining. Most people do not even notice the discomfort from these tears, and some people have healthy enough gut linings that these little tears are easily repaired. 

And What is Gluten Intolerance?

However, if you are someone that experiences bloating, gas, discomfort, and even fatigue after eating gluten containing foods, then you might not be healing from these micro-tears well. These little tears are creating pain, discomfort, and inflammation in the body. Inflammation is one of the ways that our body tries to heal. This is why gluten is taken out of so many diets, to reduce the burden and inflammation that is created by eating gluten!

Gluten Free Moringa Spaghetti Squash courtesy of @superhealthyish

This is why going gluten-free can benefit people even if they do not have Celiac Disease (an autoimmune condition that is triggered by gluten). 

If you experience any of these symptoms it might be worth trying to go gluten-free for a bit to see if that offers some relief:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal Pain
• Headaches
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Skin Problems (Psoriasis,  Alopecia, Urticaria)
• Depression
• Weight Gain

No Need to Fear, Gluten-Free Baking is still here!

Now if you are feeling sad and frustrated that you won’t be able to enjoy pasta, bread, and pastries anymore, have no fear!! There are SO many great gluten-free options out there now! There are pastas made from chickpeas and lentils, bread made from rice and quinoa, the recipes are endless!

Below is a recipe for gluten-free brownies that utilize some superfood powerhouses – Organic Pure Moringa, coconut oil, almond flour, and avocado! If you are thinking this might just be the hippiest recipe you’ve ever seen, then you might just be right! However, it is packed with tons of nutrients from the moringa powder, energy from the avocado and coconut oil, all while packing tons of great flavor!

Gluten-Free Moringa Avocado Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe Banana
• 1 Avocado
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ cup moringa powder
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
2. In a stand mixer or with hand mixer, mix avocado, banana, coconut sugar, and coconut oil together.
3. Add in 1 egg at a time until creamed together.
4. Add almond flour, moringa, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined. (Be careful when starting the mixeras you don’t want cocoa powder to go everwhere!)
5. Line a square pan with parchment paper. 9×9 or 8×8 will work (8×8 will need to be cooked a little longer).
6. Pour batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, 5 minutes longer if using an 8×8 pan.
8. Let cool for 20 minutes before slicing!

Enjoy with a moringa latte for an added health boost!

The post Gluten Free: Is it a fad or is it more? appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.