Can you share a bit about how Byron Bay Macadamia Muesli began?
Byron Bay Macadamia Muesli began in 2001 and came from a desire to fill a space in the market for a healthier breakfast alternative.
How would you sum up Byron Bay Macadamia Muesli's food philosophy?
An easy to digest, healthy breakfast alternative with no added refined sugars, no preservatives, no GMO’s and no added nasties. Just REAL FOOD.
What was your inspiration to use macadamia nuts in your mueslis?
We live in the heart of Macadamia growing country, so we thought it prudent to support the local Macadamia Industry, which was suffering at that time, and include the use of Macadamia nuts. They are one of the healthiest nuts, being cholesterol free and high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with no trans-fats.
Byron Bay Macadamia Mueslis are made from only the finest ingredients (and you can definitely taste the difference!). Can you tell us a bit about where you source your ingredients from and why?
Our priority is to use quality Australian Ingredients but not everything is grown and available in Australia, so we source some high-quality imported ingredients as well. We use only Australian organic oats, local Australian Macadamia nuts, spray free Australian almonds and sunflower kernels, organic Australian juicy and delicious raisins and sultanas, sweet and delicious biodynamic Australian dehumidified Apple. We are proud to source and support quality Australian, non-GMO ingredients.
Why is using Australian ingredients important to you?
Not only does Australia grow high-quality food based on exceptional farming practices, it is the basis of feeding our population. By supporting Australian farmers, we are keeping jobs local and we are always aware of where our food comes from and how it has been farmed.
The majority of your mueslis are sweetened with honey. Can you tell us a bit about the honey you use and why you chose this as a sweetener?
Honey is a natural food product and has a glycaemic index lower than that of sugar; we believe it tastes better and is so much healthier. The best part of this story is that we sweeten our toasted mueslis with real Macadamia honey from the blossoms of our Local Macadamia Trees. It is a really high quality and great tasting honey with lower than usual moisture content. Every October when our Macadamia trees are going into blossom, our local apiculturists (bee keepers) move their hives to local non-spraying plantations to collect this delicious and healthy “nectar of the gods”. How lucky we are!
You've recently added the Almond & Organic Hempseed muesli to the range. How do you decide on new flavours?
We work closely with health advocates, trainers, bloggers and people in the health industry who advise us on where the industry is moving. We follow the trends and create new products that are what people want to eat. Right now, it’s all vegan and hempseed is the health rage, being a seed that is very high in protein and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are good for the digestive and immune system.
You're based in beautiful Byron bay. How does the region influence business operations, flavours you develop, and the ingredients you use?
Living and working in Byron Bay offers a superb lifestyle if you are into sunny weather, gorgeous beaches with white sands and clear blue water. We are surrounded by many other likeminded small businesses and have unlimited access to high-quality ingredients, such as local Macadamia nuts, and easy freight options. It’s easier than living and working in the city. We’ve been here for 20 years and love it.
I'm obsessed with your Almond Fig & Pear muesli! Which is your favourite blend and why?
My favourite blend is our gluten-free muesli. It’s so full of flavour and texture and it doesn’t taste like cardboard. It’s full of organic nuts, seeds, fruit and puffs and our kids love it too. It’s just so easy to convert to this one once you try it. We’ve done so many gluten-free expos and the one thing that stands out is that kids love it and that is awesome for parents with gluten intolerant kids when they find something that they love to, and can, eat.
Are there any new flavours in the works? If so, any hints?
Well there’s always something in the Byron Bay Muesli pipeline other than the surf! Not to give everything away, but there is a little date and apple thing happening. You’ll just have to watch this page to learn more. Happy muesli munching!
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