Co-Founders: Chad Oliphant & Sarah Yancey
Site: Smiling Hara
The Lowdown: Produces organic, low- and unpasteurized, locally-sourced tempeh
Awesomeness: Hempeh, the first ever hemp fortified, soy-free tempeh, was funded via a successful kickstarter campaign in 2014 with 278 backers
Meeting the growing U.S. demand for tempeh, Smiling Hara Tempeh produces high-quality traditional and soy-free tempeh and hempeh products made from locally-sourced and organic, plant-based ingredients. With a name that translates to “happy belly,” Smiling Hara’s probiotic-rich, super protein foods have found favor in home and restaurant kitchens around the Southeast, from Kickstarter fans to Earthfare and Whole Foods. A two-time recipient of the Whole Foods Local Producer Loan, Smiling Hara is expanding its nutrient-rich protein offerings for vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Press:
Citizen Times: Betrayed by bacon? Asheville on recent WHO warnings
Yahoo: ‘Growing Warriors’ Turns Veterans Into Farmers
Prevention: Meet The New Not-Meat That’s Giving Tofu A Run For Its Money
Whole Foods: Smiling Hara Tempeh
WNC Woman: Smiling Sarah Yancey of Smiling Hara Tempeh
