Sowleil is a Vancouver-based allergen-free food company that specializes in creamy, craveable, nutrient-rich spreads. Using seeds and tiger nuts, Sowleil founders Grace and Nick developed their own recipes for spreads to help Grace, who has a severe nut allergy. We spoke with Grace and Nick to learn more about Sowleil.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our business is called Sowleil (pronounced “So-Lay”). The name is a blend of the phrase “to sow the seeds” and the French word for sun, “soleil.” It reflects our mission to plant the seeds of intentional, allergen-friendly nourishment while embracing the warmth and joy that food and community bring!
We create delicious, allergen-friendly spreads made from seeds and tiger nuts. No peanuts, no tree nuts, and no junk. Our products are crafted to be safe, nourishing, and enjoyable for everyone, especially families and individuals with dietary restrictions.
What made you want to do this work?
It all started during the pandemic. We had a trip to Nepal cancelled and found ourselves back home, spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Grace has lived with a severe nut allergy her whole life, so creating our own allergen-free spread was second nature. We began sharing our creations on Instagram, and when a grocery store manager reached out to stock our product, then everything really snowballed from there. Since it was an unexpected (but exciting) start to the business, it was very scrappy and lots of learning on the go!
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We noticed that many health food products rely on nuts, which immediately excludes people with allergies, especially kids and families. On the flip side, many nut-free options feel like an afterthought – either filled with processed sugars, lacking nutritional density, or processed in a nut/peanut facility. We wanted to create something that was safe and exciting—full of flavour, functional ingredients, and zero compromises.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our products are designed for everyone! But we especially resonate with:
-Parents looking for safe, nutritious options for their kids’ lunches and snacks.
-Health-conscious individuals seeking clean, plant-based spreads.
-People with nut allergies or those in nut-free households.
-Foodies who love discovering new, delicious products.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Starting May 13th, we will sell our spreads directly through our website, independent grocers/cafes and at local markets. We aim to sell in retail stores across Vancouver and beyond. Our model is straightforward: create high-quality, allergen-friendly products and make them accessible to as many people as possible.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
You can find us online, at Athiana Acres Farmers Market beginning June 22nd, and at pop-up events around Vancouver. We’re also working on getting our products into more local health food stores. Keep an eye on our Instagram for updates on where we’ll be next!
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
“What makes your spreads different from other nut-free options?”
Our spreads are made from whole, nutrient-dense seeds and tiger nuts, naturally sweetened with dates, and contain no fillers or artificial ingredients. They’re crafted in a dedicated nut-free facility, ensuring safety for those with allergies. Plus, they’re delicious enough for everyone to enjoy, whether you have dietary restrictions or not.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Best part: Hearing from customers who finally feel seen and included, especially parents who can now provide their kids with safe, tasty options. Secondly, getting to build something meaningful together has been a humbling and exciting experience for us as a couple.
Difficult part: Navigating the complexities of food production and safety regulations. Building our own nut-free kitchen was a huge learning curve, but it’s been a necessary step for us in this journey, in order to maintain the integrity of our products.
Where can we follow you?
You can find us on Instagram, where we share updates, recipes, and behind-the-scenes of our journey building this brand.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
So many! But we’d have to say our top local food products we love to eat are Yoggu, Bukobaba and One Degree Foods.
