Global Food Award for homegrown Low-Carb staple

Banting has never been easier! Banting Blvd’s quick to prepare bread, breakfast and treat premixes are delicious, nutritious and perfect for dieters. Now HEBA, their affordable, low-carb alternative to staples, has received an international award.

In November 2015, Banting Blvd, an affiliate of The Noakes Foundation, launched an alternative to common South African staple foods, such as bread and pap, which often tend to be high in carbohydrates. HEBA, shorted from “healthy Banting”, is a low-carb and incredibly versatile product made from ground seeds and coconut flour.

With a focus on affordability, it can be used to make pap, bread or krummelpap but has captured the imagination of Banters who are using it to create low-carb versions of their favourite traditional meals such as umvubo, suji and vetkoek. “We think this product can make a real difference. It has a touch of genius” tweeted Prof Tim Noakes.

In August this year HEBA received 1^st place for Most Innovative Ingredient at the Global Food Industry Awards. The award was presented by the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) which represents over 300 000 members across 65 countries making it the world voice of the industry. “It’s incredible to think that a low-carb, basic product is receiving international recognition,” says Gail van Niekerk, product developer and owner of Banting Blvd. 

HEBA was developed with personal identity in mind stemming from South Africa’s rich diversity of tradition, ethnicity, culture and religion. “For individuals suffering from conditions such as diabetes or obesity, healthy lifestyles can’t be a luxury,” explained Gail. “Diets most often unravel at social occasions and celebrations where food is central,” says Lizanne van Niekerk, Gail’s daughter and business partner who conceptualised HEBA, “Our dream was that HEBA, and all our Banting Blvd products, would allow people to stay true to their identity and participate in social situations without ever having to compromise their health.”

Issue date: 08 September 2016
Issued by:  Lizanne van Niekerk – Banting Blvd
Contact: hello@bantingblvd.co.za
Tel: 021 555 1603