Revolutionizing Vegan Food: The Journey of Prophecy Foods
In a recent episode of The Wild Party Podcast, we were delighted to sit down with Delaney Berman and Jake Berman, the dynamic sibling duo behind Prophecy Foods. Known for their artisanal vegan cheeses and handcrafted hot sauces, the Bermans are on a mission to create delicious plant-based foods that bring people together. Their journey is inspiring, and their commitment to clean, natural ingredients is what sets their brand apart in the rapidly growing vegan food sector.
From Vegetarian Upbringing to Vegan Entrepreneurs
Delaney and Jake grew up in a vegetarian household, learning to cook from a young age and developing a deep love for food. Their mother went vegetarian in the 1980s for ethical and health reasons, and their father followed suit shortly after meeting her. This vegetarian upbringing, combined with their personal journeys toward veganism in 2011 after watching the documentary Forks Over Knives, set the foundation for their passion for plant-based living.
After exploring different career paths, Delaney, with a background in food tech and a desire to start her own venture, began experimenting with vegan cheeses while attending Rice University’s business school. Jake, on the other hand, had been creating hot sauces for friends and family, honing his skills in fermentation. When they decided to merge their businesses, Prophecy Foods was born.
The Importance of Clean, Natural Ingredients
One of the biggest challenges the Bermans faced was the perception of vegan food, particularly vegan cheese. Delaney shared that many people, including herself, had a negative experience with early vegan cheeses that tasted like plastic. This frustration fueled her desire to create a product that not only tasted great but was made with clean, wholesome ingredients.
In fact, Delaney and Jake conducted customer interviews and discovered that many consumers were more concerned with the ingredient list than the taste. They wanted plant-based products that were genuinely healthier alternatives, free from oils, food starches, and gums. Prophecy Foods’ cheeses and hot sauces are crafted using ingredients that you’d find in your pantry—no artificial preservatives, thickeners, or refined sugars.
Jake’s expertise in fermentation plays a significant role in the flavor profile of their products. By using natural fermentation processes, they can achieve the authentic cheesy flavor in their vegan cheeses and a unique depth in their hot sauces, all while maintaining their commitment to natural ingredients.
Navigating Supply Chain Challenges
As with many food businesses, supply chain issues have been a constant challenge for Prophecy Foods. Jake shared how they struggled to find the right packaging for their hot sauces and had to adapt their production schedule due to delays. Additionally, the Italian black truffle they use in one of their flagship cheeses became unavailable, forcing them to experiment with new suppliers. Despite these hurdles, the Burmans remained committed to maintaining the quality and flavor of their products.
Farmers Markets: A Grassroots Approach to Marketing
For Prophecy Foods, farmers markets have been an invaluable platform for growth. Delaney and Jake have used these local markets to engage directly with their customers, receive real-time feedback, and refine their products based on consumer reactions. Farmers markets allow them to tell their story, showcase their products, and build a loyal customer base—proving that grassroots marketing is still incredibly effective.
Staying True to Their Vision
Throughout their entrepreneurial journey, Delaney and Jake have stayed true to their vision of creating delicious, clean, and ethical plant-based foods. Whether it’s through their unwavering commitment to using high-quality ingredients or their dedication to supporting sustainable business practices, Prophecy Foods embodies what it means to be a mission-driven brand.
As they continue to grow, the Bermans are expanding into new markets and working toward getting their products into retailers across the country. For those who can’t make it to a farmers market, their cheeses and hot sauces are available for nationwide shipping (in the lower 48 states) via their website.
Final Thoughts: Advice for Entrepreneurs
Delaney and Jake’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and staying true to your values. For entrepreneurs just starting out, Delaney advises: “Start before you’re ready.” The Bermans’ success didn’t come overnight, but their dedication to creating high-quality products and their willingness to adapt have allowed them to build a thriving business.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, or a conscious consumer seeking delicious, ethical food options, Prophecy Foods is a brand to watch. Their products are not only good for you but good for the planet, and their journey is a testament to the power of staying true to your vision.
Get Involved
You can find Prophecy Foods’ vegan cheeses and hot sauces at local farmers markets in the Houston area or order online at prophecyfoods.com. Be sure to check out their social media for updates on new products and markets, and if you want to support their mission, ask your local retailers to stock their products.
For more inspiring stories of vegan, ethical, and sustainable entrepreneurs, check out the Wild Party Podcast for passionate discussions on business as a force for good.
