Arpita Doshi’s Mission to Bridge the Gap Between Taste and Functionality with Nutrition Dynamic Foods
In 2009, Arpita Doshi faced a health crisis that would have broken most people. She spent 26 grueling days on a ventilator, a journey that eventually led her back to her roots in microbiology and biotechnology. During her recovery, she was prescribed fresh vegetable juices—highly functional, but notoriously inconvenient. This friction point, combined with her lifelong passion for treating the kitchen as a "chemistry lab," sparked the creation of Nutrition Dynamic Foods (NDF). Today, Arpita is on a mission to disrupt the D2C wellness space by creating patented, freeze-dried nutrition that doesn't force consumers to choose between taste and health.
Based in Ahmedabad, NDF is India's pioneer in the "Functional Food" category. By merging the culinary delight of the food industry with the scientific precision of nutraceuticals, Arpita has built a brand that caters to immunity, chronic disease management, and senior care—all while preserving the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda.
NDF Flagship Products
- Dudhi/Lauki Jaljeera: A functional blend of freeze-dried bottle gourd, mint, pepper, and cumin for digestion and hydration.
- Amrit Jara: A potent immunity booster featuring turmeric (haldi), amla, lemon, ginger, and kokum.
- Veggie Oat Soup: Designed specifically for senior citizens, combining spinach, moringa, and rosemary with oats for an energy-rich meal.
The "Chemistry Lab" Kitchen and the UK Return
Arpita's journey is rooted in science. After studying biotechnology in the UK and working there for five years, she returned to India, marrying into a traditional business family in Gujarat. But she wasn't content with just watching the ups and downs of trade. Her curiosity drove her to research. "Since the age of eight, the kitchen was my chemistry lab. I loved experimenting with textures, colors, and smells—and even the occasional disasters," she recalls.
When she identified that the food industry focused only on taste and the pharma industry focused only on function (often through unappealing pills), she saw a "niche gap." She spent three years (2015-2018) in pure research, refusing to sell a single product until her formulations were patented.
The Chinese Bamboo Growth: Patience Over Profit
Arpita likens her startup journey to the Chinese Bamboo tree, which takes five years of watering before it even breaks the ground. For NDF, those early years were about quality assurance and intellectual property. "I didn't sell a single product for three years. I waited for the patents to be published to ensure our methods couldn't be easily copied," she explains.
This dedication to quality saved the brand during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many health brands flooded the market with poor-quality supplements, NDF saw high re-order rates on e-commerce platforms. "Quality is a core value. I'll buy once if you're loud, but I'll only buy again if the quality inspires me," she notes.
Iterative Strategy: The Pivot to Convenience
- Prototype Phase (2019): Launched monthly packs in Ahmedabad retail stores to test market acceptance.
- Customer Survey: Discovered that while people loved the health benefits, the monthly tubs were inconvenient for travel.
- The Sachet Pivot (2022): Redesigned packaging into single-serve sachets that can be carried on flights and mixed with water anywhere.
- Full Market Launch: Expanded to Mumbai, Pune, and national e-commerce with a focus on "ready-to-drink" premixes.
Leadership Lessons: From Firing to Empathy
One of Arpita's most honest admissions is her early struggle with team management. "Initially, I used to fire people a lot. I thought that was the way to drive performance," she says. But she soon realized that entrepreneurship is about building a family. She shifted her approach to empathy, especially during the difficult lockdown months.
By showing empathy to her production team, she built a loyal workforce that pushed through financial crunches and manufacturing challenges. "The moment you make your team happy, your challenges are automatically reduced. They give you the push when you don't have the strength to pull," she advises.
— Arpita Doshi, Founder, Nutrition Dynamic Foods
Future Vision: Exporting Wellness
Having conquered local retail and e-commerce, Arpita is now focusing on the UK and UAE markets. She believes that the need for natural, plant-based nutrition is a global one. Her vision is to take the "Dynamic" in her company name seriously—constantly evolving her recipes and products based on sensory research and consumer feedback.
For Arpita Doshi, challenges aren't obstacles; they are the "spices" of life. "Bland food is boring. In entrepreneurship, challenges make the journey flavorful. Relish them," she concludes.
Founder Tip: Hobby as Stress-Relief
When the business gets frustrating, Arpita recommends leaning into a hobby. For her, it was cooking innovative recipes in the kitchen. "When you use your imagination and sensory organs, your stress calms down. Don't lose that passion while chasing revenue."
About the Guest
Arpita Doshi is the Founder and CEO of Nutrition Dynamic Foods (NDF). A microbiologist and biotechnologist with international experience in the UK, she is a trailblazer in the functional food industry in India. Arpita is a recognized Womennovator and has been awarded multiple honors for her innovation in plant-based nutrition. She is a strong advocate for quality-first manufacturing and inclusive leadership, aiming to make health accessible and tasty for all age groups.