These little energy bites look delightfully sweet – but would you be surprised to know that they are actually very nutritious as well? Eman Hindi and Jana Zaibak teamed up to create a more health-conscious snack option than the candies, cookies, and other junk foods we generally munch on. These treats are vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly.
They have already successfully sold their energy bites in over a dozen stores in the Toronto area, and with the help of Kickstarter they are looking to expand their market. I got the chance to chat briefly with Jana, and she shared a bit more about how Nomz got started, as well as their aspirations for the future.
What prompted one of your co-founders to eliminate refined sugars and processed food from her diet for a month?
One of our co-founders was addicted to sugar. After reading about the dangers of sugar consumption, she knew she had to eliminate it from her diet. She then met a friend during graduate school who introduced her to a 30-day paleo challenge called Whole30 that doesn’t allow for any refined sugars, grains, or processed foods for 30 consecutive days.
Why did you choose to not only target dietary restrictions, but also common allergies?
We wanted to create a paleo-friendly product. A paleo diet does not consist of peanuts or dairy.
Which flavor of energy bites came first? Or did she make all three around the same time?
Pecan was our original flavor, then coconut, then pistachio!
Which of your flavors would you say has been the most popular so far?
All our flavors are popular and it really varies depending on personal preference.
The highest pledge level allows the backer to work with you to create their own flavor. Would this have a limited run, or would it be a permanent fixture along with your other three?
Our highest pledge level allows the backer to work with us to create a new permanent flavor.
On your Kickstarter, you say that your energy bites are your first product. What other ideas do you have in store if your campaign is successfully funded?
We would definitely like to expand our line to include other healthy snacks and meals. We have a few specific items in mind, but we would like to keep it a surprise! Our backers can be confident that something new and exciting is on the way.
What do you envision for the future?
We are two young women entrepreneurs who have aspirations for Nomz to be available wherever a Kit Kat bar is sold to provide a healthy alternative.
If you feel inspired to support them, head over to their Kickstarter campaign! Even $1 helps, but if you choose to pledge at higher levels, you could receive a handwritten thank-you card, a pack of Nomz Energy Bites, or a plate of mini Energy Bites!
They can be found elsewhere on the web at their website, Facebook page, or on Instagram. Follow them on Twitter @healthynomz.
Kickstarter Project: Nomz Energy Bites by Sarah
