Founded by Hector Saldivar, Tia Lupita Foods is a brand that embodies the love, tradition, and flavors of Mexico, while also offering innovative and healthy products. Named in honor of Hector’s mother, Tia Lupita, the company’s products are based on cherished family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
The story of Tia Lupita Foods began when Hector Saldivar moved from Mexico to San Francisco, California. To ensure Hector always had a taste of home, his mother would regularly send him bottles of her homemade hot sauce. As Hector shared the delicious sauce with friends, it quickly gained popularity, and soon people were asking for more. Realizing the potential in his mother’s hot sauce, Hector returned to Mexico, seeking Tia Lupita’s blessing to share the family recipe with the world.
Tia Lupita Foods was launched in 2018, with its first product being the signature hot sauce inspired by Tia Lupita’s family recipe. The brand was named Tia Lupita to honor Hector’s mother and the family’s culinary legacy. Hector fondly recalls his mother’s love for cooking and how she would wear a curler on her head to keep her bangs out of her eyes – a detail that is captured in the brand’s logo.
Since the initial launch, Tia Lupita has expanded its product offerings to include healthier and more creative options. Their lineup now includes grain-free cactus tortilla chips, cactus tortillas, and two varieties of Salsa Macha – one with chiles, peanuts, and pepitas, and another with chiles, cranberries, and pepitas. These innovative products are not only delicious but also cater to modern dietary needs by being gluten-free, non-GMO, and high in fiber.
The Power of the Nopales Cactus
One of the key ingredients in Tia Lupita’s products is the Nopales Cactus, also known as the prickly pear. This native Mexican plant is a sustainable superfood that has been used for centuries in various culinary dishes. By incorporating the Nopales Cactus into their products, Tia Lupita Foods showcases the versatility and nutritional benefits of this incredible plant.
The Importance of Upcycled Foods
Tia Lupita Foods is also committed to sustainability by using upcycled ingredients in their products. One such example is their use of okara, a fiber-rich part of soybeans that is upcycled into a grain-free flour for their tortillas. This practice not only helps reduce waste but also provides additional health benefits for consumers while being environmentally friendly.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
The success of Tia Lupita Foods did not come without its challenges. Hector faced various obstacles in his professional journey, including being underpaid and passed over for promotions due to his accent. However, with determination and the support of his wife, Hector took a leap of faith by starting his own business. Today, Tia Lupita Foods is a testament to Hector’s resilience and commitment to sharing his family’s culinary legacy with the world.
Tia Lupita Foods has garnered recognition and accolades for its unique and flavorful products. Among its achievements, the brand has entered the natural foods specialty channel, won the Expo West virtual pitch slam, and collaborated with Fenty Beauty for an upcoming lip product.
By combining traditional Mexican flavors with innovative and sustainable ingredients, Tia Lupita Foods continues to bring joy and a taste of home to people around the world, all while honoring the legacy of Tia Lupita herself.
