Ep 93 Fody Foods – The FODMAP Solution?
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
This week was the continuation of a discussion on the FODMAP diet. I speak with Steven J. Singer who started a food company called Fody Foods to provide foods that fit into the FODMAP diet. Ketchup made without garlic, isn’t something that occurs to me, but I can appreciate that if garlic causes you stomach issues, this could be very special.
Steven had been an owner of Glutino Foods, before starting Fody Foods. He is strongly rooted in gluten free and brings that wealth of knowledge to his FODMAP friendly foods. You can find out more about this unique food company at www.fodyfoods.ca.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast
Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
(search Sues Gluten Free Baking)
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
I operated a dedicated gluten free bakery for almost 10 years. I learned a great deal about providing something unique to fill a void for people on a gluten free diet.
It was obvious from the beginning that my customers were a needy bunch, myself included. We were always looking to replace something that was uniquely personal. I was looking for a particular taste in chocolate chip cookies, I was wanting my cupcakes to remind me of my mother’s baking, and pies, best not to get me started.
In that situation it’s easy to dismiss other people’s requests as frivolous or over-the-top. However, I only had to step back to realize that in my bakery, we made my favourite foods. Yes, we made different breads, and I had my favourite one, but for the most part, I made what I liked. I suppose that is the prerogative of the business owner.
Something Steven said when he talked about Fody Foods brought back a flood of memories. He spoke about a customer crying when they tasted his special FODMAP foods. This happened to me many times, and it was always special.
At the bakery, we made pizzas and I often went to the health food stores that carried the pizzas and did food demos. At least once every sampling day, someone would taste and cry. They were embarrassed and I was touched.
The specialty food business is not easy. There are lots of regulations and everyone will tell you the market is too small. The stores you start in with are often small family run operations who must be completely impressed before adding something new. It was heartwarming for me to see that Steven, after having success with Glutino was prepared to jump back in. His new customers are likely more needy than us gluten free folks, but just one tearing up at a tasting is all it takes to keep going.