Axia Foods: Jasmin K Shaikh on the Future of Plant-Based Nutrition in India
In a country where dairy is deeply woven into the cultural and dietary fabric, shifting towards plant-based alternatives is no small feat. Jasmin K Shaikh, Founder and CEO of Axia Foods, is taking on this challenge with a focus on science, sustainability, and affordability. By creating innovative plant-based products like almond yogurts and milks, Jasmin is on a mission to combat lifestyle diseases while offering high-quality nutrition to the Indian mass market.
Jasmin’s journey is one of interdisciplinary evolution. An engineer by training from Gurukul MIT, she moved into social development before finding her true calling in food innovation. "I didn't want to just build a company; I wanted to build something that solves a fundamental human problem," Jasmin reflects. "In India, we are seeing a massive rise in diabetes and obesity. The culprit is often our hidden food habits. Axia Foods is my way of providing an alternative that is both healthy and accessible."
The 'Dairy' Dilemma
India is the world's largest producer of milk, but Jasmin points out that dairy isn't always the best option for everyone, especially with rising concerns about lactose intolerance and lifestyle diseases. "People compare plant-based products to dairy on taste and price, but they miss the nutritional density," she explains. "We are educating consumers that you can get all your essential nutrients—protein, healthy fats, minerals—from plants, without the baggage of traditional dairy."
Innovating for the 'Real' India
While global giants like Danone or Unilever dominate the urban shelves, Jasmin believes there is a massive gap in the Indian middle-market. Axia Foods focuses on creating high-nutrition forms at a minimum cost. "Innovation shouldn't be a luxury," she asserts. This philosophy led her to use glass packaging—a sustainable choice that also maintains the integrity of the product without the chemical leaching associated with plastic.
One of the biggest hurdles she faces is cultural. In India, yogurt (dahi) is a staple. Introducing an almond-based yogurt requires not just a product launch, but a mindset shift. "We have to explain that it's not just 'fake' curd; it's a superior nutritional profile designed for the modern body," Jasmin notes. By focusing on taste and texture that resonates with Indian palates, Axia is slowly carving out a loyal following.
The Battle Against Lifestyle Diseases
Jasmin is particularly passionate about the impact of food on public health. She observes that while our grandparents lived active lives, our modern sedentary lifestyles combined with high-carb, high-sugar diets are a recipe for disaster. "We migration to cities and adopt Western fast-food habits—donuts, Dominos—but we don't have the same physical output," she warns. Axia Foods aims to be the "daily dose of health" that fits into a busy professional's schedule.
Jasmin's Advice for Food Innovators
- Start Right Away: Don't wait for the 'perfect' moment. Entrepreneurship is about starting and then refining through faith and grit.
- Focus on Nutritional Density: Don't just make it taste good; make it count for the body. The future of food is health-first.
- Be Sustainable from Day One: Small choices, like glass over plastic, build long-term brand trust and environmental responsibility.
- Educate your Market: If you are building something new, you are a teacher as much as a founder. Patience is key.
Building a Team of Believers
Finding the right people to build a food-tech company in India is a unique challenge. Jasmin looks for individuals who share her long-term vision rather than those just looking for a job. "Food is emotional," she says. "If the team doesn't believe in the health impact of what we are making, they won't put in the heart required to get the taste and quality right." This belief-driven culture has allowed Axia Foods to innovate rapidly despite being a young player in a market of giants.
Axia Foods at a Glance
- Core Focus: Plant-based, high-nutrition food and beverages.
- Innovation: Proprietary almond-based fermentation processes for yogurts.
- Sustainability: Committed to 100% glass packaging to reduce plastic footprint.
About the Guest
Jasmin K Shaikh is the Founder and CEO of Axia Foods Private Limited. With a background in engineering and social development, she is a visionary leader in the Indian food-tech space. Jasmin is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional food habits and modern nutritional requirements. She is a strong advocate for plant-based diets and is frequently featured in discussions regarding the future of sustainable food systems in India.
Axia Foods is a food innovation company specializing in plant-based, nutritionally dense products. By leveraging advanced food science and sustainable practices, the company offers a range of dairy-free alternatives that help consumers lead healthier lives without compromising on taste or accessibility.