They say travel broadens the mind. But Jemma Turner and Max Delore went one better following their 11-month stint living in Lombok, Indonesia. On their return to North Canterbury, the couple launched a new business that stemmed directly from their experiences living and tasting the Indonesian way of life.
“During our time in Indonesia we both truly embraced the culture, committing to a slower pace of life and eating a more wholefood, organic diet,” explains Jemma. “Each week we’d purchase freshly made coconut and cashew mylk. It was quite an eye-opener to learn what they used to make these mylks: nuts, a squeeze of lemon juice and water. That’s it!”
The simplicity, taste and environmental sustainability of the nut mylks spoke to Jemma and Max and they saw a market for the products on their return to New Zealand in 2019. With Max’s skills as a qualified builder the couple converted Jemma’s parents’ backyard shed into a certified commercial kitchen. Following extensive product testing, Mylk Made was born!
The business produces a range of nut and seek mylk bases that can be quickly and easily turned into mylk by adding water and blending. The product line has taken off quickly, and Jemma says they couldn’t keep up without the help of her Mum, Corinne. “Mum helps with the day-to-day tasks, works in the kitchen and lends a hand with the business side of things. We couldn’t do this without her support,” says Jemma.
With a significant increase in demand for plant-based milks (or mylks, as they’re known) in recent times, Mylk Made’s bases give environmental and health conscious consumers the ability to make their own fresh mylk at home in small-batch amounts without the fuss, time and mess involved in soaking, grinding or straining their own nuts and seeds.
The 100% natural and raw bases currently come in four varieties: hazelnut, ‘coco-nut’, hemp and lavender, with additional flavours on the cards. The range can be purchased online and at selected food retailers up and down the country.
Sustainability is a huge focus of Jemma and Max’s business. Their packaging comprises reusable glass jars, reducing the packaging waste associated with ready-made mylk products. The business also uses certified organic ingredients wherever possible and New Zealand grown nuts and seeds where available. And their online shop offers customers the option to purchase carbon credits through CarbonClick, to offset any carbon emissions produced in the production or shipping of their purchase.
With a delicious, high-demand product line and a passion for the future of the planet, we’re predicting great things ahead for Mylk Made.
Featured Products
Mylk Made – Sweetened Almond Barista Base
