When doctors diagnosed aha’s founder, Wayne Garland, with terminal cancer, he journeyed to Asia with hopes of healing himself naturally. In the East, Wayne adopted the ancient philosophy that saved his life: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” -Hippocrates.
After conducting nearly thirty years of naturopathic research, Wayne teamed up with American Chef Alfie Crescentini to integrate the world’s most powerful medicinal herbs, spices and vegetables into the Standard American Diet.
Packed with vital nutrients, antioxidants, probiotics, and fiber, each soup provides a culinary experience designed to supercharge the mind and body. They are the first of their kind. Equipped with a delightful line of soups, the health-conscious, vibrant company was born.
From the Ground Up
Originally known as Paleogenics, the company started serving soups and attracting new customers at Haile farmer’s market in Gainesville. Soon after, Lucky’s Market expressed interest in the products and values. Thus, a retail partnership began.
In 2017, the company rebranded to become aha Pure Foods. That November, aha won the Cox Business Get Started Gainesville Pitch Competition, which solidified their prominence in the Gainesville community.
The competition showcased growing start-ups in the Gainesville area, and Cox Business selected five finalists out of 40 applicants. Each company pitched before a panel of judges and a live audience. aha Pure Foods won the competition and took home $25,000 in prizes.
The company also received the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the audience.aha Pure Foods looks to spread the philosophy “food is medicine” to an even greater market as the business grows and are doing so out of the UF Innovation Hub.
The Blends
aha’s mission is simple: educate and inspire people around the world to know that taking control of your health is as simple as treating your food as your medicine.We carry out this mission in the five soups currently produced and sold in Gainesville, Florida, as well as in the online store.
Share in our dedication to health and nutrition by trying the five blends: LION’S MANE, FIRE-PROOF, SWEET CHI, LUCKY BONES, and our newest edition, TOMA VIDA.
LION’S MANE is a mushroom and vegetable soup named after the “Lion’s Mane” mushroom that grows in Eastern Asia. Staying true to its name, LION’S MANE contains five types of mushrooms that aid in cognitive functions such as comprehension, memory, and focus.
It’s coconut milk base also improves heart health and cholesterol levels.FIRE-PROOF is a turmeric and ginger soup known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of turmeric and fresh black pepper maximizes the anti-inflammatory agents turmeric is widely known for.
Accompanied by root vegetables like carrots, rutabaga, and turnips, FIRE-PROOF packs a nutritious punch.SWEET CHI is a butternut squash bisque made to balance blood sugar and curb sugar cravings thanks to a special ingredient, bitter melon.
The hints of Thai spice, orange, and lime pairs well with its butternut squash base. This blend is great for people with diabetes and those looking to maintain a healthy weight.LUCKY BONES provides the perfect balance of flavor and versatility.
This vegetable broth mimics a traditional bone broth without the use of animal products, creating a savory plant-based blend. With ingredients like mushrooms, bok choy, and rosemary, LUCKY BONES is packed with protein and nutrients designed to soothe the digestive system.
Use LUCKY BONES as a base for grains like quinoa or rice to add extra flavor and boost your gut health. TOMA VIDA is a hearty medley of puréed avocados and chunky tomatoes.
TOMA VIDA is a new addition to aha’s lineup, offering a variety of health benefits from its main ingredient: tomatoes.This blend is great for elevating heart health, building bone strength, and improving metabolic function. Avocado and lime are incorporated to make this soup a worthy addition to aha’s array of soups.
Shop
Shop all five of aha’s blends on our website, www.ahapurefoods.com, or at Ward’s Supermarket on 23rd Avenue in Gainesville.One spoonful at a time,The aha team
