CHKP Foods creates plant-based dairy products made from chickpeas. Team members representing the innovative company recently chatted with the Florida Jewish Journal.
NOAM SHARON (CO-FOUNDER AND CEO)
Linda: When was the company created?
Noam: I started the company with my two co-founders in mid 2019.
Linda: What inspired you to create this product?
Noam: Chickpea protein was at that time a totally innovative ingredient, and all three of us were impressed with its versatility, sensory profile and storytelling potential, so intrigued to see if we could be the ones who transform it into new and surprising kinds of food.
Linda: How did you come up with the idea of using chickpeas?
Noam: We more or less stumbled across the ingredient while searching for a meaningful venture to launch in the food and foodtech space, and rather quickly realized that that’s what we have been looking for.
Linda: What nutritional value/s do chickpeas provide?
Noam: Chickpeas are a masterpiece of nature. They comprise a balanced composite of high-quality nutrients. Starting from a good dose of excellent protein which is highly digestible and available to the human body, going through fat, carbohydrates, nutritional fibers, vitamins and minerals.
Linda: Aside from chickpeas, what are some other nutritious ingredients you use in your yogurt?
Noam: We use healthy and sustainable coconut fat, organic cane sugar, and live active culture to create the special yogurt look-feel-taste.
Linda: What are the flavors?
Noam: We launched plain, strawberry, blueberry and vanilla. This fall we plan to have more flavors.
Linda: Are there any other products CHKP plans to introduce?
Noam: We don’t perceive ourselves as a yogurt company, but as chickpea experts and accordingly, we developed a portfolio of products comprising milk, cream cheese and puddings.
ISAAC WEISS (MANAGING DIRECTOR|NORTH AMERICA)
Linda: Where is CHKP based?
Isaac: We are a Brooklyn based company with our RD team operating out of Caesarea, Israel.
Linda: What kosher certification do you have?
Isaac: OU Parve.
Linda: Where is your product available?
Isaac: At this time we can be found in over 150 stores in the NYC metro area including many Kosher Supermarkets with our footprint expanding daily. A store locator can be found on our website at chkpfoods.com
We are in the process of expanding our distribution throughout the Northeast region and beyond in the coming months.
SHARON NEVINS (CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER)
Linda: What sets you apart from your competitors’ products?
Sharon: Our creamy thick texture and protein with 5-6 G protein in every cup. And of course we are the first and only yogurt made from the nutritious superfood, the chickpea!
Linda: How has your product been received with consumers since its introduction?
Sharon: People love the texture and think it is so similar to a dairy yogurt in both texture and taste. They really can’t believe it’s made from chickpeas, traditionally known for more savory dishes.
Linda: I’m pleased to hear there is an alternative version of the traditional yogurt available.
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