For most people, the idea of balancing an international airline pilot career with launching a food brand would be unimaginable. But for Maggie, the founder of Avi Foods, this journey was a natural evolution of her passion for health, wellness, and better-for-you foods.
When the pandemic grounded flights overnight, Maggie found herself at a crossroads. Already on a personal health journey and certified as a wellness coach, she had seen firsthand how poor nutrition impacted her colleagues in the airline industry. The turning point came when both of her parents were diagnosed with diabetes, motivating her to create a solution that could help them manage their health through food. Enter Avi Foods, a brand centered around the power of lupini beans.
The Power of Lupini: Reinventing Granola
On her travels across Europe, particularly in Italy and the Middle East, Maggie noticed lupini beans as a staple on many dining tables. Packed with protein, fiber, and virtually no net carbs, this underappreciated superfood caught her attention. When she began experimenting in her kitchen, she discovered that shaved lupini beans resembled coconut flakes—an ideal base for granola.
Granola is often loaded with oats, which can spike blood sugar levels, making it unsuitable for those managing diabetes or seeking a truly low-carb lifestyle. By swapping oats for lupini bean flakes, Maggie created Avinola—a grain-free, gluten-free, zero-added-sugar granola with an impressively high protein content. What started as a personal project soon became a brand with a mission: to offer convenient, nutrient-dense snacks without sacrificing taste or quality.
From Small Batches to a Growing Brand
Maggie’s journey from home kitchen experiments to retail shelves wasn't without its fair share of twists and turns. As demand grew among her friends and family, she realized the cost of high-quality ingredients—importing lupini flakes from overseas—made scaling difficult. She jokingly told friends they would need to start paying for her granola, and to her surprise, they were more than happy to do so.
Taking her product to farmers' markets, she received validation from customers beyond her immediate circle. People who needed grain-free, low-carb snacks were thrilled to have a delicious alternative that fit their dietary needs. Today, Avi Foods is a rapidly growing brand, committed to making better-for-you snacks accessible to all.
The First Time We Tried Avinola… And Why We’re On Our 8th Bag (and counting)
We still remember our first bite of Avinola… crunchy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness. Unlike the oat-based granolas we’d had before, this one felt different… lighter, crispier, and packed with real, wholesome flavor.
But it wasn’t just about taste; it was how effortlessly it fit into our routines. We sprinkled it over yogurt, grabbed a handful on busy mornings, and tossed it onto smoothie bowls for an extra crunch. Before we knew it, the bag was empty, and we were already reaching for another.
That’s when it clicked for us: Avinola wasn’t just another granola… it was a game-changer. A snack that truly delivered on its promise: high-protein, low-carb, and incredibly delicious. And from that first taste, we knew it was something worth sharing!
Building a Loyal Community
For Maggie, Avi Foods is more than just a business—it’s about fostering a community that values transparency, quality, and wellness. She remains deeply involved in customer interactions, personally responding to inquiries and ensuring that every purchase is met with exceptional service.
Beyond customer service, Avi Foods drives loyalty through incentives like swag giveaways, exclusive discounts, and a strong social media presence where Maggie actively engages with her audience. She knows that being a small brand means she can truly connect with her customers—listening, engaging, and making them feel like part of the Avinola family. Every interaction matters, and Maggie takes pride in creating a community where people feel heard, valued, and excited about the food they’re bringing into their lives.
The Future of Avi Foods
Maggie envisions a future where Avi Foods expands beyond granola, offering a full line of lupini-based snacks that provide convenient, nutritious options for busy consumers. And psst... word on the street is that a granola bar is coming soon! The same high-protein, grain-free crunch you love—just made for life on the move.
Curious about Avinola? Now, you can try all four flavors with their four-pack sampler—the perfect way to find your favorite before going all in. One crunchy bite, and you’ll see why everyone’s raving about it!
Oh, and did we mention that CM users get a special treat? Use the code CARBMANAGER20 for an exclusive 20% OFF your order.
Hundreds Are Loving Avinola on Taste Network
AVI Foods is part of Taste Network, a platform that connects better-for-you brands with health-conscious consumers eager to discover new products. Maggie joined Taste Network to get Avinola into the hands of engaged snackers, allowing them to try it firsthand and share their feedback.
Since joining Taste Network, hundreds of savvy snackers have discovered Avinola, raving about its grain-free, high-protein crunch and unbeatable taste. Whether looking for a low-carb granola option or simply wanting a better-for-you snack, Avinola has impressed taste testers who are eager for more!
Try Avinola Today
AVI Foods is proof that necessity can drive innovation… and that food can be both delicious and functional. If you’re looking for a grain-free, high-protein, zero-added-sugar granola that fits your lifestyle, check out Avi Foods today.
Try the Avinola Four-Pack Sampler and experience the future of granola!
Follow Avi Foods on Instagram: @avi_foods
Are you a better-for-you brand looking to connect with engaged, health-conscious consumers? Learn more about Taste Network here.
Disclaimer: Brand Partnerships
Some of the content on this page is created in collaboration with brands, meaning we may receive compensation or other forms of partnership benefits for featuring them in articles and promotions. However, all opinions expressed remain our own, and we only feature brands and products that align with our mission of supporting healthy living.
