Replicating the Chew of Beef, Goat, and Chicken Across Meals and Spices
Kula Foods partnered with Maia Farms to deliver the chew and structure of beef, goat, and chicken in traditional Afro-Caribbean dishes while improving protein and fibre.
Many plant-based ingredients failed to hold up in slow-cooked, sauce-heavy systems, breaking down or losing texture.
Maia’s ingredients were integrated across both protein formats and spice blends. FORM STRIPS delivered fibrous, meat-like chew, while FLOUR supported binding and mouthfeel. Oyster mushroom powder enhanced flavour while contributing fibre in a clean-label format.
The result was improved nutrition, consistent texture, and reliable performance across multiple SKUs.
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Before Maia: The Challenge
Kula Foods needed to deliver plant-forward dishes that matched the chew, structure, and eating experience of beef, goat, and chicken in traditional Afro-Caribbean cuisine.
Texture was critical.
At the same time, they needed to maintain flavour intensity and consistency across complex spice systems, sauces, and slow-cooked dishes.
Typical plant-based ingredients failed to:
> replicate meat-like chew
> integrate cleanly into seasoning systems
> maintain performance across cooking and holding
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Enter Maia Farms: The Solution
Kula integrated Maia ingredients across both protein formats and flavour systems.
FORM STRIPS delivered fibrous, meat-like chew in centre-of-plate applications, holding structure through slow cooking and saucing.
FLOUR supported binding, mouthfeel, and nutritional density across stews, batters, and bases.
Maia ingredients were also incorporated into Kula’s spice blends, where oyster mushroom powder enhanced flavour delivery while contributing fibre and micronutrients in a clean-label format.
This positioned Maia not just as a protein input, but as part of the overall formulation system.
Key Results
Meat-Like Chew and Structure
Replicated the bite and fibrous texture of beef, goat, and chicken across multiple dishes.
Improved Nutrition Across Formats
Increased protein and fibre in both finished meals and spice blends.
Flavour System Integration
Integrated into seasoning blends, supporting flavour delivery without added sodium or complexity.
Performance in Real Systems
Maintained structure, consistency, and mouthfeel through cooking, saucing, and reheating.
Clean-Label Formulation
No additional binders or fillers required.
Scalable Across Product Lines
Applied consistently across proteins, prepared meals, and dry seasoning systems.
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Why it matters
Kula Foods demonstrates that protein and fibre can be improved without compromising texture, flavour, or cultural integrity.
It also shows that Maia ingredients can operate across the full formulation system, from structure to seasoning, within real production environments.
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