Sauces that taste like home
Expo West 2023 is not only a highly anticipated event for food lovers, health enthusiasts, and industry professionals, but also a celebration of diversity. One of the most exciting aspects of the event is the showcase of new and semi-new innovative sauces from different cultural backgrounds. From spicy and tangy to sweet and savory, there is a diverse range of sauces to satisfy every palate and honor the richness of different cultures. With an emphasis on using natural ingredients, clean labels, and sustainable practices, the products at Expo West 2023 promise to be a delicious blend of flavor and diversity. Let us take a look at sauces that “taste like home”.
Bowlcut
Bowlcut is founded by Crystal Ung, the child of immigrant Chinese restaurant owners. From watching her family's restaurant growing up, Crystal was inspired by how food crosses barriers and can bring a sense of community. This was also an essential experience that helped Crystal navigate the complexities of being Asian-American. She honors her parents' recipes in Bowlcuts delicious asian sauces. From their Chili Crisp product, which is a popular Chinese condiment made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, oil, and other seasonings, to their Char Siu BBQ sauce for marinating, Bowlcut has everything you need for a healthy and delicious way to spice up your meals. The sauces are vegan, free of additives, all natural, and are said to be healthier while still maintaining the same “personal care” as any homemade Asian recipe.
Visit thebowlcut.com
Maazah
Featured in the (Included) ACCESS Brand Spotlight Panel BIPOC panel this year, Maazah is a family owned and operated startup that sells their go-with-anything “Magic green sauce.” The Sajady sisters Yasameen and Sheilla never had a meal growing up that did not include Chutney, which is usually a mix of cilantro, jalapeño, vinegar, walnuts, cumin, and ginger.
Chutney is a condiment originating from the Indian subcontinent, made from a mixture of fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. It comes in many varieties, from sweet to savory, and can be used as a dip, spread, or flavor enhancer for a variety of dishes.
The sisters chose the name “Maazah” to honor their Afghan roots. Maazah literally means “flavor” in Farsi but this word is often used to describe a feeling of joy or satisfaction that comes from spending time with friends and family, eating delicious food, or engaging in other enjoyable activities.
The sisters worked with their mother to perfect the sauce to be healthier and share with the world. Maazah is committed to giving back, and promises to donate 1% of totals sales to support the Malala Fund’s work for girl’s education around the world.
Visit maazah.com
Tia Lupita Foods
Hector Saldivar immigrated to San Francisco in the early 2000s, leaving his mother's home in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. His mother known to many as “Tia Lupita” (Aunt Lupita) wanted to make sure Hector felt at home even though he was far away.
She would send Hector bottles of her homemade salsa, which became a hit with his friends and community. Upon receiving her blessing, he launched Tia Lupita Foods in 2015 and shared her delicious salsa recipes with the world. Tia Lupita’s sauces are free of preservatives, gluten, and sugar, making them a perfect addition to any diet.
Tia Lupita's hot sauces are available in four varieties: traditional, salsa verde, chipotle, and jalapeño. Each sauce has a unique flavor profile and heat level that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes.
Visit tialupitafoods.com
Summary
Natural Products Expo West 2023 showcased new and innovative sauces from different cultural backgrounds. The event emphasizes using natural ingredients, clean labels, and sustainable practices. Bowlcut, Maazah, and Tia Lupita Foods were some of the featured brands. Bowlcut offered vegan and all-natural Asian Sauces, while Maazah sold a healthier version of Chutney. Tia Lupita offers their preservative-free and gluten-free hot sauces in four varieties. These brands honored their cultural roots and offered a diverse range of flavors to satisfy every palate.
Esther Velasco is a brand designer and hot chip lover at Modern Species.
