Yum Granola

Values

Founding Story

The idea of YUM came about while co-founder Sarah Hedger was working as a sous chef at a lodge in Wanaka, and often needed to outsource a quality breakfast option as we were short on time, focusing on our degustation dinners. Sarah was also inspired by her personal struggles of finding good cereals that could fuel your brain and body, minus the grains.

Together with her partner Mike, they started YUM, to offer incredible breakfast sustenance.

YUM makes an incredible range of craft granolas that are gluten free/paleo, meaning it has no grains and is easier to digest, with lower carbs, higher healthy fats and fibre. The Oatys are known for their clusters which are made using locally grown oats. However,one of their best-loved products is their award-winning Vanilla Bean & Almond Pancake Mix that is gluten free and makes the best, fluffiest pancakes.

Fair Labour Commitments

At YUM, they know where every ingredient comes from, how it is compensated, and who grew it. For their cacao granola, they make their own dark chocolate from certified organic, fair-trade cacao powder.

They are also in the process of launching a limited release dessert granola in collaboration with WEAVE Cacao using their 70% dark chocolate chips which is created with direct partnerships to PNG villages, ensuring the people are paid fairly and treated well so they are able to thrive.

YUM has a direct relationship with every ingredient supplier, vetting them through rigorous interviews. For their coconut oil, YUM partners with Blue Coconut based in Christchurch. YUM goes beyond commodity pricing for many of their ingredients to make sure that farmers are receiving a fair and stable income for their crops.

They don't use sugar in YUM, and instead use New Zealand honey, to minimise transport miles and carbon emissions and support local suppliers. They make frequent trips to their New Zealand suppliers to see their production and growing facilities. Plus, YUM’s granola factory is audited to maintain high standards. They ensure their employees are paid equally with a living wage standard and limit working to 30 hours per week so that they maintain a happy, balanced life, with time and energy to enjoy their own lives. 

Environmental Commitments

About 3 years ago, YUM removed all plastics from their retail channel, eliminating more than 10 tonnes of plastic from going to the landfill or oceans. They have now removed 90% of plastics from their total packaging by using a paper recyclable outer and a (non plastic) compostable, cellulose inner. Their 1kg bulk bags are now paper recyclable and they also reuse their 20L ingredient pails, allowing consumers to use and return pails, so they continue their use forever. 

Since YUM uses organic ingredients, the farmers growing their ingredients are not exposed to any dangerous inputs or chemicals either. 

Giving Back

YUM continuously donate their time and money to support community initiatives that are close to their hearts such as making and distributing granola bowls for a Ride to Work/School initiative in Nelson.

You can find YUM Granola in Farro Fresh stores in Auckland, Moore Wilsons and Commonsense Organics in Wellington, Fresh Choice Stores, select Foodstuffs stores, select Countdown stores, GoodFor stores, and independents across the country.