Plant power pioneer finds nourish-ment for her business

Darlene, a qualified nutritionist is the founder of That Protein, an enterprise which is staking a claim to be among the most innovative and successful in the rapidly developing super food category of products that nourish the body’s immune system. She already has a string of quality food awards to her credit.

That Protein has now been shortlisted for a 2020 Nourish Award for a healthy super food powder supplement and is in the running to lift the prized award as the ‘Best Organic Food in the United Kingdom’. Quite an achievement for a small enterprise from Northern Ireland which is fast becoming a leader in plant-based foods that slot perfectly into vegan, vegetarian and other healthy diets.

“I was delighted to hear of our shortlisting in the Nourish Awards for our Chirpy, Chirpy Choca Mocha Super Protein,” says Darlene. “Using organic ingredients is something we’ve done since day one in our small business. We’ve never used any chemical ingredients in our super proteins and never will do. And so it’s wonderful to get this important industry recognition especially at this very challenging time for everyone.

“Our mocha super protein, which the judges have shortlisted, has a delicious taste of chocolate and is a vegan product free from sugars. It’s high protein, rich in fibres, minerals and a great plant-based source of energy. It’s tremendous to be creating a position for Northern Ireland is this dynamic and fast growing sector. I’ve chosen quirky branding for all my products to set them apart in the marketplace and to add a bit of fun to the category. Plant-based foods don’t have to have boring or serious branding.”

The Belfast company, which she established in 2014 reflects her long-time dedication to vegetarianism and her training as a clinical nutritionist. She has won major awards in previous Nourish competitions. She started the small business when she was unable to find the type of healthy foods she wanted readily available here.

Darlene brought a successful career in management in communications in Belfast, including a stint with UTV, and in Dublin to her innovation-led business. Her impressive management CV also includes running an international PR operation.

That Protein, the brand and original products she has since developed, have been voted ‘Best Protein and Sports Nutrition in the UK’ two years in a row. This recognition has increased market awareness and led to sales in Britain and further afield.

This year’s Nourish shortlist was drawn up by remote judging for the first time, due to Covid-19. Out of 159 entries 101 made the shortlist – which means they received 3.5 points or more from the judges or was voted to receive an award by more than two judges.

Interest in super proteins is strengthening because the coronavirus pandemic has led to many more people seeking healthy ways to enhance their immune system. The powders can be added to meals or used to create healthy and delicious super shakes.

The shortlisted product from That Protein has three basic ingredients organic raw cacao, real organic coffee and organic brown rice protein.

Winners will be announced during an online event on the September 18 by Naomi Devlin, chef tutor at River Cottage, author and nutritionist.

The awards have some unique categories including High Protein and Sports Nutrition (where all products must be dairy free), Fermented and Gut Friendly Foods, Purely Plants (vegan), Paleo & Keto and the new Low and Reduced sugar category. All entrants had to be free from refined sugar with a few exceptions. The organisers sought to create a category dedicated to products that were created with the aim of reducing overall sugar content compared to similar products.

The awards will be judged by a panel of nutritionists, nutritional therapists, health food experts, chefs and other industry professionals.

Dubbed as the “toughest health food awards” in the UK, Nourish Awards were created by founder Diana Murphy to support and recognise business that create healthy, naturally free-from foods without the use of refined sugar and artificial additives.

In 2017, the Nourish Awards were born with the aim to find healthy food options that are created with less processing, a lot less sugar and made without the use of glutinous ingredients and in most cases dairy. The awards support good quality dairy products of course which can enter into the dedicated Dairy with a Difference category or the Wild Card category.

They were designed to recognise and support small producers who were working tirelessly to provide foods and drinks which are naturally free-from gluten and dairy, nutritionally sound without containing refined sugar, artificial additives and, of course, are also delicious.

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