SUNLIT FOODS - Plant-Based Korean Cuisine!

In a world increasingly hungry for sustainable and ethical food solutions, SUNLIT FOOD has emerged as a beacon of innovation and taste. Founded by a dynamic mother-daughter duo, the company is transforming plant-based eating by blending traditional Korean flavors with modern nutritional science. SUNLIT FOOD's mission is clear: to offer delicious, high-quality alternatives that protect animals, promote a balanced lifestyle, and support a healthier planet. Under the leadership of Jaehong Park, the company is carving out a unique space in the global food industry. With a vision to create plant-based products that are both familiar and flavorful, SUNLIT FOOD has succeeded in crafting culinary experiences that resonate with food lovers everywhere. Their commitment to sustainability and wholesome ingredients reflects a dedication to not just feeding people but nurturing them—and the planet. In this exclusive Delivery Rank’s interview, Jaehong Park shares insights into the brand's journey, the challenges and triumphs of creating plant-based Korean cuisine, and SUNLIT FOOD's aspirations to redefine the future of food.

Can you tell us how the founding story of Sunlit Foods and its mother-daughter duo concept have influenced the company's mission and values?

Sunlit Foods began as an inspiration from a mother and daughter who shared a vision to transform the food industry by creating delicious, nutritious, and accessible plant-based alternatives. The mother contributed her rich culinary expertise and deep understanding of healthy ingredients, while the daughter brought innovative ideas and a passion for sustainability. Together, they established a mission to merge tradition with modernity, providing healthier and more eco-friendly food options. This unique dynamic has shaped Sunlit Foods into a brand dedicated to authenticity, strong family bonds, and a commitment to caring for both people and the planet.

What efforts does Sunlit Foods make to ensure its products are not only delicious but also meet high-quality and nutritional standards?

At Sunlit Foods, all of our products are made entirely without animal-derived ingredients, focusing exclusively on healthy plant-based alternatives. Beyond using plant-based ingredients, we strictly adhere to non-GMO, antibiotic-free, and preservative-free principles throughout the product development process. We also maintain clean-label standards by minimizing unnecessary additives.

To meet nutritional requirements, we use high-quality plant proteins like soy protein to ensure our products provide protein levels comparable to, or even higher than, traditional meat products. This ensures consumers can enjoy balanced nutrition without compromising on taste. Our core philosophy is to enhance quality and nutrition while never sacrificing flavor. While comparisons with animal-based foods are inevitable, we aim to go beyond these benchmarks to create products that are both tastier and more unique.

Our R&D capabilities are crucial to achieving these goals. Sunlit Foods operates a dedicated research center with experts who have over 30 years of experience and researchers with backgrounds in the largest plant-based food companies in the U.S. This enables us to consistently innovate and create products that deliver on taste, quality, and nutrition. Furthermore, we actively use premium ingredients, such as high-quality Korean rice, to provide consumers with products they can trust. Through these efforts, Sunlit Foods sets a new standard for plant-based alternatives, offering products that are delicious, healthy, and nutritionally balanced.

You emphasize avoiding unfamiliar ingredients in your products. What challenges have you faced in balancing simplicity and innovation?

Modern consumers carefully scrutinize food labels and are especially sensitive to additives like preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and other unfamiliar ingredients. Complex ingredient labels can erode consumer trust, which is why we are committed to minimizing the use of additives.

For instance, instead of using artificial flavors to mask the inherent odor of soy protein, we apply natural methods like charcoal grilling. This not only eliminates the need for artificial additives but also achieves a clean, natural taste that adheres to clean-label standards.

Balancing simplicity and high quality while avoiding additives is a challenging task. This is not only a common difficulty in the food industry but also in other fields that strive for "complexity-free innovation." For Sunlit Foods, this means continuously developing products that deliver excellent flavor and quality without unnecessary ingredients.

To achieve this, we rely on proprietary technologies that we’ve developed in-house. These technologies allow us to reduce additives while meeting consumer expectations for flavor and quality. By applying this approach at every stage of product development, we provide healthier and more trustworthy options for our customers.

Through this, Sunlit Foods successfully balances simplicity and innovation, earning consumer trust and setting a new standard in the plant-based food industry.

How does Sunlit Foods reach consumers who might not typically consider plant-based options?

Sunlit Foods doesn’t just cater to vegetarians or vegans; we focus on providing delicious, healthy Korean dishes that anyone can enjoy. To achieve this, we stay true to the flavors and recipes of traditional Korean cuisine, using plant-based meat alternatives to replicate the rich flavors of animal-based ingredients without compromising on taste.

Our primary goal is to introduce authentic Korean food to a global audience. By meeting stringent export requirements while preserving the taste and presentation of traditional Korean dishes, we offer a solution that allows people worldwide to enjoy Korean cuisine without the limitations of animal-based products.

Markets in regions such as the U.S., Europe, and Asia have strict labeling requirements for plant-based products. Sunlit Foods not only complies with these regulations but also actively uses them as an opportunity to highlight our offerings as healthy, plant-based alternatives. We emphasize that our products are not limited to vegans but are designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of consumers. By doing so, we engage both traditional Korean food enthusiasts and new audiences.

Through these efforts, Sunlit Foods continues to establish itself as a leading Korean plant-based brand, bringing innovative and inclusive options to consumers around the world.

How does Sunlit Foods incorporate diverse culinary influences into product development as it grows into a global plant-based food company?

We collaborate with chefs and food experts from different regions to explore various culinary traditions and ingredients, embracing a global mindset. Our R&D team frequently visits international food expos, interacts with local markets, and conducts consumer preference research to identify new trends.

By combining traditional techniques with modern innovation, we develop products that resonate with consumers across different cultures while staying true to our mission of simplicity and quality. This approach helps us connect with a diverse global audience and reflects our commitment to offering products that bridge cultural tastes and preferences.

To read more about SUNLIT FOODS, please visit http://www.sunlit-foods.com/