Each week on RTÉ Food, we meet one of the nation's hard-working Irish food producers to see how they do what they do so well. This week we're talking to Joanne Davey from Absolute Nutrition.
What Is Your Food Product & How Is It Made?
I have created a range of Award Winning Paleo, High Protein and Energy treats and snacks including Chocolate Protein Balls (Gold Blas Na hEireann 2016), Chia Energy Bombs, Rawlo's, Coconut Bites, Roast Nut Brownie and Chocolate Protein Power Fudge. We make everything by hand from our Dublin based kitchen which is naturally a Gluten Free zone using the best quality nuts, seeds, organic coconut oils, nut butter and dried fruits. Some of our range is also vegan.
When and how did you first come up with the idea for the products?
Just under two years ago as gym goers and parents to four small children, myself and James saw a gap in the market for healthy 'clean' snacks and treats. Everything on the market at the time seemed to be filled with refined white sugar or tonnes of preservatives. Artificial flavours instead of natural flavours. I started making some of my own paleo bars for the gym we went to and for friends and within four weeks I was making them for four local gyms.
We had been into eating a paleo type diet for about 11 years prior to this when we had our first son. After having Evan we were suddenly much more aware of what we ate and what we were feeding him. For me, Paleo means stripping food back to its natural form. No additives, no processing, just eating real natural fresh food. We are not overly strict on ourselves either, we enjoy a glass of wine or beer, bread, crisps as much as the next person but on a whole, during the week we try to eat well. Like everything else, it's all about striking a good balance. A realistic one!
Who buys your products?
We have a wide market, our food is for everyone, health conscious people, athletes, mums and dads, little ones, people with busy lifestyles, people with gluten intolerances, most of our products are dairy free too. And our food is also perfect for people who just want to satisfy a sweet tooth without any of the guilt.
Where do you source your ingredients?
Unfortunately, we don't grow nuts or seeds here in Ireland, but we buy from Irish companies who sell these foods here. We also buy all of our packaging and labeling here in Dublin as buying local is very important to us.
Does your product carry the guaranteed Irish label?
No, we can't grow the majority of the ingredients here so unfortunately not.
Other than your own, what's your favourite product?
I love food so this could be a very long answer!! We love Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries, and we also love WILD About Nettle Pesto! There are so many quality Irish brands now, it's fantastic.
What is your view on 'organic' produce?
Organic, homegrown, real natural food is very important. Apart from the obvious benefits of not ingesting chemicals and ruining the environment, organic and homegrown food tastes ten times better. We have a large family so it's not always possible to buy organic or source everything organic but we do where possible.
There are more and more organic foods in chain stores now and real natural food markets like H2G (Honest 2 Goodness) in Glasnevin have an amazing variety and range of award winning local Irish Food Producers supplying their own meats, fruit & veg, nuts, olive and pestos, handmade bread, vegan foods and organic wine!
Many food producers are very passionate about their products - have you a message you would like to share?
I'm a trained Nutritionist so I'm always talking to my friends and family about eating 'clean' natural food and avoiding refined processed foods. As parents we are responsible for our children's health too and that's very important to me as well. The snacks and treats we make at Absolute Nutrition are the same recipes and the exact same quality that we make at home for ourselves, that's what I want to pass on to all of our friends and customers. Real food made in the right way tastes delicious and can nourish and fuel your body at the same time.
What would your death row meal be (apart from your own products!)?
Roast Turkey & Ham, Walnut Stuffing, Gravy...The works! Or Thai Curry & Basmati Rice!
Where can people find your food and find you online?
You can find us in most SuperValu stores around Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Laois! We are in all FRESH Stores and you can find us online on Facebook and Twitterand Instagram!
