The first thing you need to know is how Chicken Salt got its name. ‘Cause “Vegan” and “Chicken” do not belong on the same label. Chicken salt is a seasoning invented in Adelaide, South Australia, in the 1970s to flavor rotisserie chickens and give them that appetizing golden-brown color when cooked. Gradually, the seasoning was tried on other foods, and soon there was barely a kitchen in Australia without it. It is as Australian as Vegemite. Except it’s easier to love for non-Australians.
Khasha Touloei and Maynard Okereke became friends at the University of Washington. Khasha was pursuing his goal of being a dermatologist, and Maynard was on his way to becoming a multi-hyphenate: engineer-entertainer-Dr. Hip Hop, a fun science guy encouraging kids into the science and tech fields. (He also appeared in a few movies during his “entertainer” phase.)
Khasha and Maynard also shared a love of chicken salt, which they grew up with and which was not sold in the US. Khasha ordered some from Australia and was appalled when he saw the ingredients. Not only were they not healthy in general, but they also were not vegan. Another thing Khasha and Maynard shared was veganism. They were unwilling to accept a life without chicken salt, so they set out to formulate a healthy, vegan chicken salt and founded JADA Spices, LLC.
They got rid of the high sodium levels, MSG, and any other unnatural ingredients found in the traditional chicken salt and created Chicken Salt, a simple, carefully sourced and high-quality blend of unrefined sea salt, turmeric, spices, and garlic and onion powders made in the US. It is not only certified vegan by vegan.org, but it is keto- and paleo-friendly and parve (permissible for use with both dairy and meat under Judaic dietary laws).
Why Use JADA Spices Chicken Salt
- The sea salt is the finest quality, harvested from the Atlantic Ocean.
- It is certified non-GMO and is gluten- and MSG-free.
- It contains no soy, peanuts, eggs, dairy, preservatives or artificial flavors or coloring.
Five Flavors of Chicken Salt
- Original can be used to flavor just about anything: soup, noodles, salads, mashed potatoes, quinoa, black beans, fajitas, and veggie burgers.
- Reduced Sodium contains 50% less sodium than the Original but is used in essentially the same way.
- Barbecue has a smoky, sweet flavor for dishes such as baked beans, ribs, and brisket.
- Lime gives a tangy touch of citrus flavoring to corn on the cob, vegetables, and potato salad.
- Red Pepper is very spicy; save it for curry, chili, and Cajun recipes.
The best test (and best encouragement) came when Khasha and Maynard attended their first Vegan Mania Festival in Chicago. They never imagined the response they received. Chicken Salt was a runaway hit! They had filled a void in the vegan diet. They now attend at least one vegan festival a month, and the response is the same everywhere—people excited to taste their specially prepared seasoning.
New Product: Chick’n Mix
For the vegan who misses chicken nuggets to the health-conscious person or the on-the-go mom, Plant-Based Chick’n Mix is meat-free alternative rich in vitamin B12. When you’re craving a chicken patty, nugget, nachos (the list goes on), just add water, oil, seasoning, and mix! You’re able to mold the mixture into any shape – making it perfect for any meal like pasta, kabobs, or wraps. Chick’n Mix is soy free, packs 21g of protein, and has a shelf life of about 1 year.
Maynard continues to encourage kids to become interested in STEM classes; Khasha introduces the seasoning to his patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, in particular; and they both continue their joint mission of turning people away processed foods and unhealthy ingredients and toward healthier home cooking.
