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Soup is generally associated with colder weather, whether it’s chicken noodle soup to eliminate your cold or some chowder to warm up and get comfortable. But FAWEN is out to change that with its healthy, drinkable soups. The New York-based brand — which launched in our market on Oct. 14 — currently offers three flavors: Beet & Cabbage, Broccoli & Cauliflower, and Sweet Potato & Red Lentil. All three of FAWEN’s offerings are organic, vegan, and ready-to-drink, beyond coming in colorful, fully-recyclable packaging.
Downtown caught up with Fabio Fossati and Amanda Bowen from FAWEN for some Q&A. Like their company, Fabio and Amanda live healthy and clean while aiming to give back. More on FAWEN can be found at www.fawensoup.com.
Where did the idea for ready-to-drink soups come from?
Fabio Fossati: The FAWEN recipes were created by Amanda in her kitchen. We got the idea to create a ready-to-drink soup collection after Amanda decided to enjoy one of her soup recipes straight from the refrigerator one day. She loved that it tasted so refreshing served cold, and couldn’t drink it fast enough. We realized that bottling her healthy recipes would be a great way to offer people a delicious, and convenient power snack that they could enjoy straight off the shelf.
Amanda Bowen: Packed with pure plant energy and whole-food fiber, FAWEN drinkable soups provide extraordinary nutrition derived from organic and vegan superfoods like beets, purple cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and sweet potato. On average, FAWEN contains 73% less sugar per serving than competing products such as cold-press vegetable juices and fruit and vegetable blended smoothies. It’s the perfect snack to refuel in between meals or after a workout. The product is available nationally online at www.fawensoup.com.
How long do the soups keep for? Do they need to be refrigerated?
FF: FAWEN does not need to be refrigerated if unopened. Our state of the art packaging technology keeps the soup fresh for up to six months. We do not use any preservatives or additives.
The tetrapaks are very colorful. Who produced the artwork for them?
AB: We worked with the amazing creative team at Franklin 11 to develop our branding, including the artwork for the tetrapaks.
What is your favorite kind of soup?
FF: FAWEN, of course!
Which is your favorite of the FAWEN flavors?
FF: If we had to pick a favorite, it would be FAWEN Broccoli and Cauliflower with Turmeric — it was the first recipe Amanda created, so perhaps we have a special attachment to this flavor.
Prior to launching this product line, where was your favorite soup spot?
AB: I’ve always been passionate about cooking and experimenting with healthy foods and creating my own recipes that are not only delicious, but offer maximum nutrition and healing benefits. So my favorite “soup place” was always my own kitchen.
FF: I grew in my family’s food business, and have an appreciation for cooking at home. Amanda’s soup are so delicious and different than anything I can find when I go out, so her creations will always fall at the top of my list of favorites!
Do you have plans for additional soup flavors?
AB: Yes, we do! Right now, we’re just excited about launching the first three FAWEN flavors. We’ll look forward to sharing news with you in the future.
What are you hoping to accomplish with the brand? Are there plans to make anything besides soup in the future?
FF: FAWEN is about enjoying life and being kind to our planet. From choosing whole, organic vegetables, to simple cooking that keeps FAWEN fresh without the need for artificial additives or preservatives, to the eco-friendly recyclable packaging, our goal is to do good for ourselves, each other, and the planet. It’s that simple! As far as our future plans, we are going to be focusing on soup for now, but are definitely planning to expand the collection with new flavors!
You two are New Yorkers. Is the soup also produced in New York?
AB: Our soups are produced in California. Our ingredients are picked from organic farm in California at the peak of seasonal harvest, and bottled within 24 hours to maintain the utmost freshness.
When not busy with FAWEN, how do you like to spend your free time?
AB: We love to enjoy the outdoors, taking walks and hikes and weekend roadtrips, and spending time with our dogs, Oscar and Scout.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
FF: There are so many amazing restaurants in New York. We love trying new restaurants allover the city. Two of our favorites are Diner in Brooklyn and Angelica Kitchen.
Are there any upcoming concerts or events that you’re looking forward to attending this Fall?
AB: I’m attending two upcoming fitness events: Self’s Up and Out Studios and WellandGood’s Annual Fitness Biathalon.
Any last words for the kids?
AB: FAWEN is a perfect, healthy snack for children. Kids love it!