Zoey & Ladd Wahlen | Episode 026
The Truth About Healthy Snacks: Regenerative Farming & Clean Potato Chips | Roots Chips
In today's food-conscious world, it can be challenging to find snacks that tick all the boxes—health, taste, and sustainability. Enter Roots Chips, a brand taking the chip industry by storm with its commitment to clean ingredients and regenerative farming. On the recent episode of The Dean's List, I sat down with Zoey and Ladd, the founders of Roots Chips, to explore their journey of creating a potato chip that is good for both the body and the planet.
The Roots of Roots Chips
Innovative Farming Meets Snacking
Both hailing from small-town Idaho, Zoey and Ladd combined their backgrounds and passion for innovation to establish Roots Chips. Ladd, a fourth-generation farmer, and Zoey, initially unfamiliar with farming, found a natural synergy in their journey. Together, they decided to create a product that reflects their values of health and sustainability. They focus on using potatoes from their regenerative farm, which has proved key to maintaining the integrity of their chips.
What is Regenerative Farming?
A Step Beyond Sustainability
Regenerative farming is an approach aimed not only at producing crops but also at improving soil health and ecological biodiversities. Ladd emphasized how this form of agriculture, considered more systemic and holistic than traditional farming, is slowly becoming more recognized. While traditionally, farming might prioritize yield and crop, regenerative methods focus on the health of the soil and ecosystem, offering benefits like improved soil fertility and carbon capture, which align perfectly with Roots Chips' ethos.
The War on Seed Oils
Choosing Healthier Alternatives
One of the standout aspects of Roots Chips is the decision to avoid seed oils, opting for avocado oil instead. Zoey, driven by her interest in health and wellness, explained how avocado oil offers a higher smoke point and retains antioxidants better. This choice not only sets their product apart but also aligns with their mission to offer a cleaner, healthier snack alternative—allowing consumers to indulge without guilt.
Overcoming Hurdles
From Local Kitchens to a Nationwide Brand
Starting a food business comes with its fair share of challenges. For Zoey and Ladd, the initial phases involved small-scale production, personal distribution, and navigating a shutdown during the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, they chose to expand, constructing a production facility on their farm and pushing forward with their vision. Their persistence, coupled with a commitment to quality, has gradually increased their reach and loyal customer base.
Sustainability at Every Level
Taking Responsibility for the Environment
Sustainability is central to the Roots Chips mission, beyond just farming practices. The company prides itself on its plastic neutral certification, ensuring that any plastic they produce is counteracted by equivalent removal from the environment. As Zoey and Ladd continue to expand, their dedication to leaving a positive environmental impact remains steadfast, setting them apart in the competitive snack industry.
The Road Ahead
Vision for the Future
Looking to the future, Roots Chips envisions scaling up, dreaming big while maintaining the authenticity of their brand. Zoey and Ladd express their intent to keep the company family-owned, focusing on nurturing their business and community. With plans to explore new flavors and products, the future looks crunchy and promising for Roots Chips.
Roots Chips exemplifies a commitment to quality, health, and sustainability. By integrating regenerative agriculture, clean ingredients, and a thoughtful approach to packaging, they are not just creating a tasty snack but pioneering a movement toward more responsible consumption. As consumers become more conscious of their choices, companies like Roots Chips set the standard for what it means to snack responsibly.
🔗 Follow & Order some Roots Chips!:
Instagram: @rootschips
Website: https://rootschips.com/
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