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Seeds aren’t something we often think about feeding babies, toddlers, or big kids, yet in recent years, there’s been a growing interest in them. In fact, U.S. Google searches for chia seeds, in particular, have grown a whopping 800% since 2009. If you’re a mom starting your baby on solids, or trying to get more plant-based, healthy options in your kid’s diet, you might have wondered about chia seeds’ benefits and if other seeds are something you should be serving up too. 

In this episode, I sat down with Kim Pabla and Tina Rajani, best friends and co-founders of Tiny Sprouts Foods, the first seed blend—and the only one in the world—designed for babies, toddlers, and children. 

Kim and Tina share the story behind Tiny Sprouts Foods and the ah-ha moment that led them to launch the company on Mother’s Day in the midst of the pandemic. We explore chia seeds’ benefits, the nutritional value of other super seeds, the importance of probiotics in your kid’s diet— and the best type—and why seeds are better than fermented foods. They also share how they got the business off the ground, the significant challenges they have faced along the way, the high standards they refuse to compromise on, and what the future holds for Tiny Sprouts Foods. 

Welcome 

3:10 Let’s talk about your story!

5:27 Have you always been passionate about healthy eating and food? 

6:19 What are the most common challenges parents have today when it comes to feeding their kids?

7:31 Gut health and probiotics for kids are topics we’re hearing more about it. What should parents know?

12:36 What are the benefits of seeds vs fermented foods? 

13:31 Plant-based foods like seeds are not foods most parents are feeding their kids. What are the benefits?

18:03 What is the product and what can people expect?

18:31 What was your ah-ha moment—when did you know you needed to bring this product to market?

25:31 Let’s talk about your journey to launch the company: what were the steps you took to get it off the ground?

28:00 What were the challenges you encountered that you were grateful for?

29:46 What advice do you have for other parents who may want to start this type of business? 

32:03 What is the future for the company?

32:37 What are your favorite Tiny Sprouts Foods products?

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Julie mentions her interview with Dr. Michael Goran and Dr. Emily Ventura, co-authors of “Sugarproof.”

Julie mentions Dr. Mark Hyman and functional medicine. 

Julie talks about her interview with Meenal Lele, founder, Lil Mixins.

Kim mentions Proposition 65.

Learn more about Tiny Sprouts Foods on their website. 

Follow Tiny Sprouts Foods on Instagram and Facebook.

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Author Details
Julie Revelant teaches parents how to raise children who are healthy, adventurous eaters. Through blog posts and videos, her goal is to shift the conversation from short-term, problem picky eating to lifelong, healthy eating and healthy futures. Julie has written for FoxNews.com, FIRST for Women magazine, WhatToExpect.com, EverydayHealth.com, RD.com, TheBump.com, Care.com, and Babble.com.