FreeShakes 2024: Plan-Based Drinks For Your Gut Health!
In a world where dietary concerns often restrict the culinary choices of many, Antonio Fenoll Candela, Chief Executive Officer, and Pablo Penavla Perez, Chief Technology Officer, at FreeShakes, are pioneering a new era of plant-based drinks aimed at enhancing gut health. At the heart of their mission lies a commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals, particularly those grappling with fructose intolerance. FreeShakes proudly introduces an innovative technology meticulously crafted to diminish fructose levels in fruit juices, paving the way for a novel approach to gastronomy. With a vision to provide not only delectable sensory experiences but also nourishing options that contribute to overall well-being, FreeShakes emerges as a transformative force in the realm of health-conscious consumption. Join Delivery Rank as we delve into the groundbreaking journey led by Antonio Fenoll Candela and Pablo Penavla Perez, redefining the boundaries of plant-based nutrition and fostering a healthier tomorrow.
Can you share the inspiration behind FreeShakes and your personal journey that led you to focus on plant-based drinks for gut health, particularly for individuals with fructose intolerance?
When I was studying biotechnology, one of my classmates was diagnosed with Fructose Intolerance (FI, also known as Fructose Malabsorption), a medical condition we were completely unaware of until then. This news piqued my curiosity and led me to research more about this disease. What I discovered was revealing: a high incidence of this intolerance in the population and under-diagnosis. Then I thought that there was a real social problem and decided that it was a challenge that could be matched to the skills and knowledge I had learned.
FreeShakes is dedicated to elevating the quality of life for people with fructose intolerance. How did you identify this specific need in the market, and what drove you to develop a solution through innovative technology?
We discovered the existence of substantial social media groups in Spain dedicated to Fructose Intolerance and various intestinal diseases, boasting tens of thousands of members. Recognizing this large community with specific needs, we delved into examining their nutritional alternatives. We explored the dietary adjustments required to avoid fruits and vegetables, noting that a significant majority resorted to vitamin and mineral supplements. Our investigation into companies catering to this niche revealed a predominant focus on reformulating processed, low-nutrient-value products, by substituting sugar and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with intolerance-friendly sweeteners. Consequently, FI people with few commercially available fruit product options.
Motivated by a commitment to enhancing the lives of these individuals, we decided to apply our expertise in food biotechnology to address their unique challenges. Quickly, an idea crystallized: by removing fructose from fruit-based products, we could not only restore access to these items but also offer a healthier alternative. The result would be a product with elevated nutritional value, free from the drawbacks associated with sugar.
Additionally, we recognized the benefits of fermentation and microorganisms in enhancing the properties of the fermented matrix and promoting intestinal health—a practice recommended for overall well-being. We firmly believe that our products have the potential to not only improve the intestinal health of those with intolerances but also contribute positively to the broader population.
Our product range extends its usefulness to various groups, including individuals with intestinal problems such as SIBO, IIS, and IF, people with other sugar-related pathologies like diabetes, vegetarians and vegans seeking probiotic drinks in the limited array of non-alcoholic fermented beverages, as well as athletes and individuals adhering to a low-sugar keto diet.
As the CEO of FreeShakes, what challenges have you encountered in introducing plant-based drinks for gut health to a wider audience, and how have you navigated these challenges?
The widespread lack of awareness about fructose intolerance among the general population necessitates a significant pedagogical effort on our part. It is crucial to educate people about the fact that fructose, the primary sugar in fruits, poses challenges for individuals with fructose intolerance. Moreover, we emphasize that its prevalence in various foods is often overlooked due to its higher sweetening potency compared to table sugar (sucrose). Many remain unaware that fructose or fructose-rich ingredients, such as High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), are present in vegetable drinks like soy beverages, sauces, soft drinks, and even meats, including sausages.
Subsequently, we delve into explaining the production process and the concept of our plant-based drink designed for gut health. To facilitate comprehension, we draw parallels with familiar processes, likening it to the production of wine and beer where sugar fermentation results in ethanol. It's important to note that our beverage is non-alcoholic. To further elucidate the benefits for intestinal health, we draw analogies with well-known probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha. Through these comparisons, we aim to enhance understanding and promote awareness of the positive impact our drink can have on gut health.
It should be highlighted that our product would be on the market through this year.
The concept of offering food options that contribute to both sensory delight and well-being is intriguing. How do you balance taste and health considerations in the development of your plant-based drinks?
The question at hand is crucial, and from our perspective, taste and price stand out as the pivotal factors in the food industry. They not only influence consumer accessibility but also play a key role in sustaining interest for repurchase. Unfortunately, this emphasis on taste and price has led many companies to overlook crucial aspects like the health and sustainability of their products.
The modern consumer seeks a perfect trifecta: they desire both health and taste, and if it's affordable, even better. Compromising on taste is no longer an option. As a company, it is our responsibility to strike a balance that caters to the consumer's desires. Some major players in the sugar-sweetened beverage industry have replaced added sugar with artificial sweeteners. However, recent studies have unveiled negative long-term health effects associated with artificial sweeteners, particularly impacting microbiota and gut health.
We firmly believe that companies need to re-educate consumers' palates, gradually reducing dependence on intensely sweet or salty flavors. This philosophy is at the core of our design, aiming to create drinks that are less sweet, equally tasty, and healthier.
In alignment with this ethos, our line of drinks is crafted with safety, health, and taste in mind. Our focus is on achieving a balance that maximizes juice content, with all its inherent mineral and vitamin benefits, while minimizing sugars. Special attention is given to ensure the remaining fructose levels are safe for FI people.
FreeShakes aims to offer options that delight the senses. Can you share some success stories or testimonials from individuals who have experienced the positive effects of incorporating your plant-based drinks into their diet, especially those with fructose intolerance?
Of course, I can tell you the case of a man who received a diagnosis of fructose intolerance. Following this diagnosis, he came to the realization that a complete overhaul of his dietary habits was imperative for his well-being. Non-compliance with a fructose-free diet resulted in significant intestinal issues.
In a personal visit, we offered him a sampling of our products. The delight reflected on his face served as the most gratifying reward for all our dedicated efforts. He shared with us that he hadn't enjoyed a juice drink in three years and had missed that sensation. To our joy, he expressed a genuine liking for our products.
If you would like to find out more about FreeShakes, visit https://www.freeshakes.eu/