The Cinnamon Kitchen’s Priyasha Saluja on her journey to make healthy, PCOS-snacking accessible to all
By Team Foodstories
7–Minute Read
A PCOS diagnosis at the age of 13 led Priyasha Saluja on a journey of mindful eating. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. “I couldn’t find ready-to-eat snacks in the market that were suited to my dietary requirements, and so I started experimenting with recipes in my home kitchen.”
What started as an Instagram page to showcase Priyansha’s creations quickly turned into an entrepreneurial venture that exploded across the country, to meet the growing demand during the pandemic. Thus was born The Cinnamon Kitchen, dedicated to creating healthy, gluten-free, PCOS-friendly snacks for all. Read on to know how the perfect crunch landed them a Shark Tank deal and many more dedicated customers.
What was your inspiration to start Cinnamon Kitchen? Could you tell us about how it began?
After I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 13, I started experimenting with recipes in my home kitchen. I began incorporating healthier ingredients in my diet including millets, nuts and good fats while eliminating sugar, gluten and dairy at the same time. I prepared my own meals and shared this journey through my Instagram handle. As a result, I realised that many people were struggling with similar issues. As time passed, I got requests and orders from my followers who were looking for something healthy to incorporate in their diet plans. This is how The Cinnamon Kitchen was born.
We love the name of your brand. How did you come up with it?
A sprinkle of cinnamon reduces the glycemic index of anything that you're eating. Cinnamon may help support blood sugar management by increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing blood sugar levels after eating, and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
The key to good health is controlling and monitoring your blood sugar levels. Hence,The Cinnamon Kitchen, where all recipes are curated so as to reduce the insulin spike in your bloodstream and are good for you.
Tell us about your range of products- how did you go about developing the range and how did you perfect the recipes without having a background in food?
I have always been fond of food. The knowledge for the base ideas of our range came from the West. I switched the basic ingredients of these recipes with millets which are naturally gluten-free, and grow in less nutrient-dense soil. With time, we brought in chefs to work on more products while perfecting the older ones based on customer feedback.
Is it difficult to develop recipes that are completely plant-based?
Creating plant-based recipes requires a completely different approach compared to traditional ones. Instead of merely substituting ingredients, it involves adopting an entirely new approach to pastry and cooking. In the absence of traditional elements, plant-based recipes may require innovative techniques and ingredient combinations. This can be initially challenging, but once a chef or home cook becomes familiar with how plant-based ingredients work harmoniously with each other, the process becomes more intuitive.
How did changes in dietary preferences over the pandemic correlate to the growth and popularity of your brand?
The global health crisis raised awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, emphasising the link between diet and immunity. In response, the food industry adapted by offering healthier alternatives, forcing brands to reevaluate and introduce more nutritious options. The pandemic showcased the influential role of customer demand, driving industries to prioritise and innovate in the domain of health-focused products. Our brand's growth and popularity were positively influenced by aligning with these evolving consumer preferences and providing products that catered to mindful and health-conscious eating.
Tell us about your decision to get on Shark Tank and how that impacted your business.
When I decided to go to Shark Tank to raise funds, I wasn’t sure if I would get the money. But I was sure I would get a platform to represent my brand to the entire nation. Luckily , we closed a deal with Aman and the business has been growing. More people recognise the brand now and are becoming a part of this journey. Ever since the episode aired, there have been tremendous conversions. Currently, we are at a 4X pace and it’s still increasing.
Any tips, do’s and don’ts on how one can eat mindfully and incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet?
One needs to recognize that everyone's nutritional needs are unique. Experiment with different plant-based foods to find what works best for your body, considering factors like energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being. Pay attention to how your body responds to different plant-based foods and take note of how you feel after meals. This self-awareness can help you tailor your plant-based diet to suit your individual nutritional needs.
Explore sweet treats and savoury bites from The Cinnamon Kitchen here.
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