As a parent, I’ve always been a little sneaky when it comes to nutrition. Years ago, my older daughter, around nine at the time, proudly announced to someone that she’d never had an avocado in her entire life. I couldn’t help but smile and say, “Actually, you have one every day.”
Her jaw dropped to the floor.
Every morning, I made her a strawberry-raspberry-banana smoothie, which we cheekily called a "milkshake" to make it sound less 'healthy'. Little did she know, I always snuck in a generous serving of avocado. That creamy avocado blended perfectly into the mix, unnoticed but packed with nutrients.
This little moment sparked something in me. If I could get creative with her smoothies, what else could I reimagine?
Then, I thought about the hot chocolate my kids loved so much. It was a staple in our home—warm, comforting, and, let’s be honest it didn't come with any nutritional value . But what if I could transform it into something equally delicious but better for them?
One of the things I love most about my work is browsing through the endless lists of amazing superfoods my suppliers offer and diving into the research on their health benefits. Our planet has provided us with everything we need to nourish ourselves, and some foods truly have “superpowers”—hence why they’re called superfoods.
Take maca, for example. This root has been used for centuries and is prized for its ability to support energy, stamina, and mood. It’s an adaptogen, which means it helps your body adapt to stress. It also has a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Inspired by all these natural wonders, I started experimenting in the kitchen, combining ingredients that had both flavor and function. I swapped out the standard cocoa for raw cacao, which is richer in antioxidants. Instead of regular sugar, I used organic cane sugar, and I added carob for its natural sweetness, maca for its health-boosting benefits, and coconut powder for creaminess.
The result? A Superfood Hot Chocolate that became an instant hit in our house—and eventually part of Domo Tea’s product lineup.
It’s amazing how the little things—like sneaking avocado into a smoothie—can lead to big ideas. And as a parent, there’s no greater satisfaction than knowing I’m giving my kids a treat they love while also nourishing them.