Helen Ridge Nudie Coconut Yoghurt Interview

Helen Ridge Nudie Coconut Yoghurt Interview

It's nothing new that people are going coconuts about coconuts and no-one knows that more than nudie, who were the first major brand to launch coconut water into Australia in 2010. Now they've taken coconut goodness one step further by launching a new and deliciously creamy coconut yoghurt, which is dairy-free, gluten-free, low in sugar and contains no additives.

nudie began their journey back in 2003 with a simple purpose: to create good. After recently launching into the kids and soft drink categories, coconut yoghurt is the next step in expanding their product offering.

Made using coconut milk, nudie's coconut yoghurt is a great alternative for people with lactose intolerance, casein allergies or those who are limiting their dairy intake. One of the flavours (natural) is even vegan friendly too.

nudie nutritionist Helen Ridge said, 'nudie coconut yoghurt is a fantastic alternative for the one third of Australians who are limiting their dairy intake."

'Despite being dairy-free, nudie coconut yoghurt contains live cultures (probiotic bacteria, otherwise known as good bacteria). Probiotics can assist in gut health, which in turn means a stronger immune system."

Carlie Platts, nudie's chief brand governess added 'We're always thinking of innovative ways to create good and we're so excited to launch into this new category. Not only does our coconut yoghurt taste delicious, it's also dairy-free and contains no nasties. We're very proud to put our name to it!"

nudie's new coconut yoghurt is available from Woolworths now (in the yoghurt aisle) in three delicious flavours:
natural (500g tub) - $6.99
vanilla (170g tub) – $2.99
blueberry (170g tub) - $2.99
To find out more about nudie, please visit www.nudie.com.au

Reviews: OMG YUM! The Nudie Coconut Yoghurt is delicious; unlike other coconut yoghurts the Nudie range is creamy and light without a heavy coconut flavour. I have a new favourite. - Grace Skarvellis

The Nudie Coconut Yoghurt is a stand out; smooth and solid with a subtle coconut flavour. My favourite? The Blueberry Nudie Coconut Yoghurt which has a natural taste that is not too sweet.

- Brooke Hunter

Berry Smoothie Bowl With Nudie Coconut Yoghurt

(gluten free, dairy free and suitable for vegans)

Pre/Post Workout

Cows need a holiday too! When the nudie cow put in for annual leave, the team had to think on their feet and so nudie coconut yoghurt was born. It's made using coconut milk which means it's dairy free and contains no additives or preservatives. Coconut yoghurt still contains live cultures (otherwise known as beneficial bacteria), so it's great for the digestive system. Coconuts are naturally creamy - perfect for a deliciously creamy smoothie bowl!

Coconut yoghurt doesn't have as much protein or calcium as dairy yoghurt, so by topping with nuts, seeds, chia, buckwheat, amaranth and quinoa you are super-charging this smoothie for a super-charged workout!

Serves 2-3.

Ingredients

1 large banana
1 ½ cups of your favourite berries
1 ½ cups of nudie coconut yoghurt – natural
1 tsp. of acai powder (optional)

Suggested toppings

Gluten free muesli
Chia seeds
Toasted buckwheat
Puffed amaranth or quinoa
Banana
Berries
Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds)

Method
Mix all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Place in a bowl along with your favourite toppings. Now's your time to get creative!

Interview with Helen Ridge

Helen Ridge is a qualified Nutritionist who has a philosophy of balance in everything you do. She has been working as -nudie nutritionist' for the past year sharing ideas to make our lives a little more delicious, nutritious and full of goodness.


Question: What's great about the new dairy and gluten-free Nudie coconut yoghurt?

Helen Ridge: nudie coconut yoghurt is dairy free, gluten free, low in sugar and contains absolutely no additives. It has a creamy texture and tastes delicious!


Question: Can you provide some of the health benefits of coconut yoghurt?

Helen Ridge: It's a great alternative for the one third of Australians limiting their dairy intake due to health concerns - such as allergies to the protein in dairy (casein), or who are lactose intolerant. Dairy allergy can result in immune mediated responses like eczema or dermatitis, so these people will benefit from a coconut yoghurt alternative. It also means no more pain, bloating or diarrhoea for those who suffer from lactose intolerance. A large proportion of the saturated fats in coconuts are Lauric acid. Lauric acid has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. This means it helps the body to fight foreign bodies (such as bacteria and virus's) that make us sick. Lauric acid is what is found in a mother's breast milk. A smaller portion of the fats in coconut yoghurt is medium chain triglycerides (MCT). MCT are a readily available energy source, which means they are less likely to be stored as fat (however they still need to be burned). nudie coconut yoghurt is low in sugar, so you will be reducing your daily sugar consumption.


Question: Why do you believe 1/3 of Aussies avoid dairy?

Helen Ridge: There are a myriad of reasons Australians avoid dairy. Unfortunately some have an allergy to dairy (usually to the protein casein) or suffer from lactose intolerance. Some may be vegan.There are also certain diets which restrict dairy, such as the paleo diet.


Question: Why is Nudie coconut yoghurt a good pre/post workout snack?

Helen Ridge: A portion of the fats in coconut yoghurt is medium chain triglycerides (MCT). MCT are a readily available energy source, which means they are less likely to be stored as fat – however, they still need to be burned!


Question: Can you talk about the protein content in the coconut yoghurt?

Helen Ridge: Coconuts are naturally low in protein, so for people looking to boost their protein, I would suggest adding nuts and seeds (i.e almonds, sunflower seeds), puffed quinoa or amaranth, and buckwheat as they compliment products like nudie coconut yoghurt.


Question: How can we incorporating Nudie coconut yoghurt into our diets?

Helen Ridge: nudie coconut yoghurt and is perfect to incorporate into your breakfast recipes – i.e in a smoothie bowl, added to muesli or spooned onto pancakes. It can also be added to salad dressings or curries. Another great way to consume nudie coconut yoghurt is as a dessert - chia seeds and coconut yoghurt make a great chia pudding!


Question: What other ways can we incorporate calcium into our diets?

Helen Ridge: Calcium can be sourced from green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, bok choy, mustard greens), fish with edible bones (i.e. tinned salmon, sardines), unhulled tahini, and also nuts and seeds (i.e almonds) soy beans, and fortified dairy free milks (such as rice milk)

Blueberry Muesli Stack With Nudie Coconut Yoghurt

(dairy free)
Pre/Post Workout

Looking for a delicious dairy free yoghurt? nudie coconut yoghurt is here! It's additive free, low in sugar and contains live cultures (otherwise known as beneficial bacteria). The coconut yoghurt I have used in this recipe contains blueberries, bursting full of antioxidants. This recipe is very easy to prepare and will be sure to hit the spot – pre or post workout!

Serves 1-2

Ingredients

½ cup of muesli (*recipe below) or whole rolled oats
¼ cup of almond milk
1 tub of nudie coconut yoghurt – blueberry 170g
A handful of fresh blueberries
½ a banana
A handful of almonds
1 tbsp. of chia seeds

Suggested toppings

Coconut flakes
Toasted buckwheat
Puffed amaranth or quinoa
Sunflower & pumpkin seeds

Method

Place muesli in a glass and pour over the almond milk. Layer with nudie blueberry coconut yoghurt, fresh blueberries, banana, almonds, and chia seeds. Top with coconut flakes or any other of your favourite toppings... enjoy!

Maple Coconut Toasted Muesli

Serves 1-2. Multiply if you want to make enough to share!

Ingredients

½ cup of rolled oats
1 tbsp. of coconut flakes
1 tbsp. of almonds
1 tbsp. of walnuts
A sprinkle of ground cloves
½ tsp. of ground cinnamon
1 tbsp. of maple syrup
1 tbsp. of coconut oil

Method

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, pour the wet mixture over it and stir to coat. Bake for 45 minutes (120°C), until golden. Wait until the muesli has cooled and store in an airtight container.

Interview by Brooke Hunter