AAPI Products from Your Co-op Shelves

Komoni was founded in 2015 by Evangeline Stacy who creates therapeutic bath and body care products in small batches. All Komoni products use plant-based ingredients and recyclable, locally sourced packaging. No synthetic chemicals or fragrances, fillers, artificial colors, petroleum, formaldehyde or parabens are ever used. A percentage of net sales is donated to the Clean the World Foundation, supporting efforts to reduce body care waste from the hospitality industry and improve access to personal hygiene products for vulnerable communities. 

Bachans was founded by Justin Gill, who’s family recipe for the sauce has been passed down for generations. “Bachan” means “grandma” in Japanese, and the home cooking from Gill’s grandma became a hit with neighbors and friends. To stay true to the original family recipe, the sauces are made in small batches with high quality, non-GMO ingredients. They also cold-fill their sauces, eliminating any need for additives, preservatives, and flavorings.

Owner Than Zaw has been supplying sushi to Minnesotans for over a decade. Intown Sushi’s chefs are traditionally trained and make fresh, authentic sushi and poke bowls every morning. They handle their ingredients with great care and source from local suppliers. 

Jing Gao founded Fly By Jing to share the bold, soulful flavors of her native Chengdu, starting with a roving supper club that captured the vibrant spirit of Sichuan street food. Named after the city’s legendary “fly restaurants” – humble yet irresistible eateries that draw crowds like flies – Fly By Jing evolved into a line of sauces and spices designed to bring these unforgettable tastes into home kitchens. Rooted in authenticity, the brand champions real ingredients, unapologetic flavors, and creating space at the table for everyone. 

Backed by two husband-and-wife teams, Chiya Chai originated from the owners’ deep family history of tea merchants, who were one of the first to export Nepalese tea to the outside world. Freshly brewed in Minneapolis, Chiya Chai offers a vast selection of chai ranging from classic to exotic, with tea and spices sourced directly from Nepal, India and nearby regions. 

Gimme was co-founded by native Korean Anni Chun and her partner Steve to bring the nostalgic seaweed snack of her upbringing to as many people as possible. “Gim” means seaweed in Korean. They pioneered the world’s first USDA Certified and Non-GMO Project Verified seaweed snacks.  

MinnTofu is a local Minnesota startup with a singular focus on producing wholesome and environmentally sustainable plant-based foods, with locally farmed soybeans. MinnTofu was started by Yan Small, a licensed food safety instructor from St. Paul who teaches classes to food handlers and managers. The lack of freshly made tofu in Minnesota inspired Yan to fill the void for local consumers who want fresh tofu in their diet. Yan, as an Asian American woman, is passionate about the health benefits of plant-based foods. In 2018 Yan teamed up with Rafik Moore to make her dream of providing plant-based foods a reality to share with others who are passionate about a healthy diet and lifestyle. 

Founded by its namesake, chef Maya Kaimal crafted her delicious sauces with inspiration from visiting her family in South India. In 2003, she launched her refrigerated sauces and condiments to bring quality Indian products to grocery stores. 

Lauryn Chun founded Mother in Law’s in 2009, before kimchi and fermented foods gained in popularity. But as a Korean American, Chun has always counted kimchi, and its health-giving and flavor-boosting powers. as a central part of her diet and heritage. Mother in Law’s mission is to share delicious, authentic, handcrafted kimchi and gochujang using the finest natural ingredients. 

Omsom was founded by Kim and Vanessa Pham, sisters and daughters of Vietnamese refugees. The Vietnamese phrase “Om Sòm” means noisy, rambunctious, riotous. Omsom promises to bring loud, unapologetic flavors to your palette with their noodles and sauces. 

Founded by Filipino-American Sandro Roco and his mission to highlight unique Asian flavors through clean, natural beverages that everyone can enjoy, Sanzo is the perfect refreshing beverage to end your day. The drink is low in sugar and made with real fruit juice. 

Vanessa Dew, co-founder and CSO of Health-Ade, ditched her 9-to-5 to start brewing kombucha with a few college friends and selling it at Los Angeles farmers’ markets. As the brand grew, Dew discovered Asian culture’s affinity and traditions for fermented beverages, which resonated with her personally. Health-Ade is organic, non-GMO, gluten free, vegan and loaded with probiotics and detoxifying acids to help your gut thrive.