Meet the innovator behind Kuli Kuli’s new product, Organic Moringa Greens & Protein Superfood Smoothie Mix

Kuli Kuli recently launched a brand new Organic Moringa Greens and Protein powder, adding to their line of moringa products.

The new plant-based protein powders are available in three delicious flavors: Natural Greens, Vanilla, and Dark Chocolate. This versatile superfood smoothie mix offers a convenient way boost your breakfast smoothie or shake.

Meet moringa, the super green more nutritious than kale.

Moringa is a fast-growing leafy tree and one of the most nutritious plants on the planet. Known in ancient cultures as the “tree of life,” moringa has quickly become the next trending plant-based superfood.

Moringa beats out other superfoods like kale and spinach for its iron and protein content. Moringa is naturally rich in calcium, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. It also contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a perfect addition to any healthy lifestyle.

Made with sustainably sourced moringa leaves from their network of farmers around the world, this superfood smoothie mix offers two cups of leafy greens, 15 grams of protein, and a good source of fiber, iron, and calcium in each serving. Each product is certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project verified. The Dark Chocolate flavor is made with Fair Trade Certified Cocoa.

Interview with Valerie Popelka, Founder & Chief Product Officer, Kuli Kuli

Celina Lima, Kuli Kuli blog contributor, had the pleasure of sitting down with the Valerie Popelka, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder, to get the insider scoop to why she created the new line, what ethical sourcing means to Kuli Kuli, and what Valerie’s favorite Organic Moringa Greens & Protein flavor is.

Product Conception

CL: Why did you decide to launch a protein powder when you already have a moringa powder?

VP: Honestly, it evolved naturally out of consumer research. When we initially offered our Pure Moringa powder, we heard that our customers were adding it to their protein smoothies for an extra boost. Because plant protein is an emerging category in protein powder supplements, and we realized there was an opportunity to create a great-tasting protein powder blend. This blend would make it easier for people who want both protein and the nutritional benefits of moringa. It just clicked. Our Moringa Protein powder is composed of 30% complete protein ingredients like pea and brown rice — no derivatives or isolates. We also managed to make it taste great without adding any sugar. To us, it is the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor.

CL: What’s the difference between Organic Moringa Greens & Protein product and Organic Pure Moringa Vegetable powder?

VP: Both products contain pure organic moringa leaves that have been dehydrated and then milled to a fine powder. The protein powder features pea and brown rice protein to create a base of 15 grams of plant-based protein. Both products are a good source of iron, calcium, vitamins, antioxidants, and provides a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.

Fair Trade

CL: You mentioned that the ingredients are Fair Trade Certified™. Why did you decide to include Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients in the powder?

VP: This year, we decided to make a commitment to a Fair Trade Certified™ supply chain, and we wanted our protein powders to reflect that choice. Third party certification ensures quality control for our products. Because we don’t use any artificial flavors in any of our lines, we have high standards to uphold. Our chocolate flavor contains raw cocoa powder that we source directly from Central America. It is the only chocolate protein powder on the market that is Fair Trade certified. To put the Fair Trade Certified logo on our packaging, a minimum of 20% of ingredients must be Fair Trade Certified. Therefore, our Fair Trade Certified Dark Chocolate flavor offers a richer chocolate profile than other chocolate flavored products. It’s my personal favorite due to its ethical impact and delicious taste.

CL: How integrated are your suppliers in your supply chain?

VP: We work very closely with our suppliers to make sure they know the value of their ingredients in our products. We started developing the powders in Fall 2015. Last year, we had the opportunity to invite a producer to the office to try all three flavors. We also make sure to send samples to our producers so they can see how we use their ingredients in our finished products. Normally, there is a huge disconnect between the supplier and end products in commodity supply chains. We really wanted our suppliers to see the value in what they help create. We’ve also had retail buyers who carry our products try our new products as well because we really value consumer input.

Moringa Benefits

CL: How often should I take the protein powder? What are its benefits?

VP: Protein is an important part of a healthy diet and is especially important for breakfast because it can help stabilize your blood sugar throughout the day. We all drink a smoothie daily here in the office and feel the benefits. Experts say there is no maximum “dosage” for people using moringa as a supplement, and dieticians recommend 10 gram doses. However, it is also important to note that, unlike many other superfood powders, moringa is not a supplement; It is a real food product, regulated by the FDA like broccoli or kale. This means moringa can be consumed every day without any health implications.

CL: Will this protein powder benefit people with anemia or low blood sugar?

VP: Our moringa contains high amounts of iron and no added sweeteners, so yes, it would be beneficial for people with low iron in general, but we do recommend that you should consult their doctor about what diet and routine is appropriate.

Nutritional Plant Protein

CL: Do you use just one source of plant protein or are there multiple sources?

VP: We use a blend of pea and brown rice proteins so that there is a complete source of vegetable protein — no isolates. Plant proteins from single sources, such as from pea or rice, are typically incomplete proteins. They are low in some of the 20 essential amino acids which our bodies need to fully utilize the protein. Therefore, it is necessary to combine plant proteins from different sources in order to make full use of the proteins. Combined with the protein found in moringa, our powders supply all of your protein needs.

CL: How do your powders compare nutritionally with others on the market?

VP: Our protein powders are certified USDA Organic, nutrient-dense, ethically sourced, and free of any harmful ingredients, with the benefits of real vegetables from moringa. In addition, each Organic Moringa Greens & Protein provides 15 grams of protein and 4 to 7 grams of fiber while also offering 2 full servings of greens.

CL: Why did you choose to make the powder vegan?

VP: All of our products are vegan because we saw an opportunity to create products that are appealing to all dietary restrictions. We knew we didn’t want to use whey or soy because they are polarizing and can upset stomachs. At Kuli Kuli, we focus on ingredients with positive views and less opposition in the market. In the process, we make vegan products, which is wonderful because we have a large vegan and vegetarian following. All of our products are also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free.

Helping you, Helping the World

CL: How does purchase of the powder benefit women around the world?

VP: Kuli Kuli sustainably sources organic moringa from our network of family farmers and cooperatives from around the world. Every serving of our Organic Moringa Greens & Protein powder contains 10 grams of moringa, which means the more you consume, the more moringa we can purchase to support our farmers around the world. In comparison, our bars contain 2.5 grams of moringa and our energy shots have 3 grams. Customers purchasing our moringa powder lines make it possible for us to purchase larger quantities of moringa. This enables us to invest in planting trees, improving livelihoods, and access to nutrition around the world.

Plant-based protein powders have been proven to stabilize blood sugar and provide long-lasting energy throughout the day.

Kuli Kuli’s Organic Moringa Greens & Protein powder can be added to water or non-dairy milks, and make a great meal replacement or addition to baked goods.Try one of Kuli Kuli’s smoothie recipes for a great start to your day! Drink to your health while knowing you are supporting women’s cooperatives around the world.