Confetti Snacks: The Good, The Ugly and The Delicious

Fact: we all love snacks. They are the one thing that gets us through Netflix marathons, post-workout hunger pangs, and mid-afternoon slumps. And while it is inevitable that we feel guilty after bingeing on one-too-many bags of potato chips, the good news is that snacking doesn't always have to be unhealthy.

Case in point: delicious plant-based snacks by Confetti. Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Betty Lu, the local snack company is proof that healthy snacks don't have to be boring.

Hailing from a marketing and branding background, Lu has always considered herself a creative individual. "I find experimenting fun and have always wanted to create something of my own in order to channel creative energy." In 2015, she embarked on a trip of a lifetime: a global expedition that spanned over 40 countries in three and a half years.

It was then when inspiration struck. While hiking up the mountains in Garibaldi Provincial Park in Canada, the nature lover pondered about the perfect snack for long hikes - one that was tasty, nutritious, and true to her Singapore roots.

Lu then started whipping up her own gourmet snacks at home - made of vegetables bought from farmers markets and spiced with homemade recipes inspired by home. "The delight and joy as my friends and neighbours tasted my snacks was priceless," she recalls. "The fact that food has a way of bonding people and bringing collective happiness is something that stayed with me."

And thus, Confetti was born.

Did you notice how fruits and vegetables tend to be the same colour, shape and size in grocery stores? Due to cosmetic reasons, produce that are deemed ‘ugly’ or ‘imperfect’ are being rejected and dumped, even though they are still edible and nutritious.

Determined to use its business as a force for good, Confetti’s mission is clear: to strive for a zero-waste world. Their belief is that ugly produce can be turned into delicious and nutrient-dense snacks. “Why throw out (ugly produce) when we can slice them and craft them into tasty snacks?” Lu asks.

Since 2018, Confetti has partnered with notable non-profit organisations such as Upcycled Food Association, 1 for a Better Planet, and the Center for a Responsible Future, to repurpose imperfect produce or crop surpluses to ultimately reduce food waste. With its line of award-winning products, Confetti has proven that ugly produce can be crafted into scrumptious and healthy snacks.

Ever wondered how Confetti got its name? The company aims to remind snack lovers that there is an array of nutrient-dense vegetables and plants in vibrant hues as a guilt-free alternative to potato chips. Lu shares that, “We’d love for people to indulge in the colours of the rainbow.”

Confetti features five hero vegetables in its line of tasty snacks: red and green radishes, carrots, okras, purple beets, and Shiitake mushrooms. Low in starch, these vibrant vegetables are packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. That’s not all: Confetti snacks are also 100 percent vegan, gluten free, and contains no MSG (monosodium-glutamate) or trans-fat.

With Singapore as her inspiration, Lu wanted to pay homage to diverse cultures and authentic recipes in creating Confetti’s range of gourmet plant-based snacks. She notes that, “Food is a social glue and it's important that we celebrate diversity in the same way that Singapore embraces all cultures and racial harmony.”

Here are some of Confetti’s tantalising flavours:

• Tandoori Curry Veggie Chips: Inspired by the exotic flavours of India, this plant-packed snack’s piquant mix of curry, onion, garlic, chilli, and other spices will certainly delight your tastebuds.
• Green Curry Mushroom Chips: With fragrant notes of basil, kaffir, crushed kaffir lime leaves and green curry spices, these crunchy mushrooms bring you on a culinary adventure into the heart of Southeast Asia. 
• Teriyaki BBQ Veggie Chips: This crowd-pleaser celebrates the quintessential Japanese umami notes of grilled spices infused into the vibrant vegetable chips.
• Summer Truffle Veggie Chips: This snack features a rich and savoury truffle and earthy elements that will make every day feel like summer.

Although Confetti is best be enjoyed on its own, you can also try these innovative ways to indulge in the snacks. For added flavour and crunch during mealtimes, pair the Summer Truffle Veggie Chips or Tandoori Curry Veggie Chips with plant-based dips such as avocado guacamole, tomato salsa, and basil hummus, or even a creamy pumpkin and wild mushroom soup.

Lu also recommends pairing them with healthier beverage options. So instead of your favourite sugar-laden sodas or bubble teas, swap them for a rich acai berry smoothie or a refreshing glass of yuzu kombucha. “With so many vegan recipes for dips, soups and juices available, families can have fun experimenting,” she says. “The pairings are not only colourful and delicious, they are also a great way to increase our daily intake of plant goodness.”