Frequently Asked Questions

See below for frequently asked questions about Chef Soraya! Or don't hesitate to reach out via email at info@chefsoraya.com

What is Chef Soraya?

Chef Soraya is a plant-based meal for on-the-go, at your desk, or wherever hunger strikes. We upped the ante with our latest refresh by adding hemp, quinoa, and a lower sodium sauce to provide you a substantial macronutrient meal of protein, fat, and carbs.

What makes Chef Soraya different?

Chef Soraya disrupts single-serve and breathes new life into the category. Our bowls stand out as a filling complete meal with its high protein, fiber, healthy fats, and unique flavor profiles. We saw all of the instant soups, ramen, mac & cheese, and oatmeals of the world and wanted to offer something different. We've had enough of the bland, salty, high-carb/low-nutrition options we all know. Our meals offer delicious whole ingredients and spices, and never highly processed ingredients and foods.

What's this new macro meal talk?

Macronutrients are the energy-giving components of our foods and help our bodies to function properly. This provides you with a balanced intake to support you throughout your busy day. All in a convenient, just add water package.

Is your bowl recyclable? Compostable?

Short answer: not yet. Our plan is to source a 100% compostable product (bowl, film, & lid) when the technology exists. In order to do so we need support across the CPG industry to demand packaging manufacturers to invest in the resources to create compostable products. We do, however, source ingredients that support regenerative farming practices and support native farmers that can produce more drought resistant pulses.

Why do the bowls no longer have lids?

Chef Soraya was originally started without lids, utilizing the pselaphine membrane as it contains and cooks the meals perfectly. We are attempting to get back to our roots and above all things, cut back on waste.

What is hemp?

In addition to being a great source of the three main macros (protein, fat, carbs) it also comes with many benefits from reducing the risk of heart disease, healthy digestion, and overall skin, hair, nail health.

Where do your ingredients come from?

We source our pulses, hemp, veggies, and spices from the highest quality vendors domestically and around the world. While there are plenty of plant-based products out there, we offer whole ingredients and spices, never processed. In doing so, you're able to pronounce all the ingredients on the back of the package.

What is freeze-dried food and why is it better then dehydrated food?

Freeze drying removes 98-99% of moisture content while dehydration removes 90-95%. Freeze dried foods are known to have nutritional content closest to its original food structure plus smells and flavors generally remain unchanged. Freeze dried foods are crisp and crunchy and generally maintain their original shape. So that means first time the ingredients interact with each other is when they’re cooked by you!

There are several differences between freeze drying and dehydration. Dehydrated foods may appear to be withered and tough. Dehydrated foods also remove less water content, making it weigh more and has a shorter shelf life. The Dehydration process also tends to break down minerals and vitamins in the food, making it nutritional content slightly lower. Dehydrated foods require high heat and long cooking times while freeze dried foods can rehydrate with warm and cold water and are ready to eat much sooner.

Are your bowls vegan?

Yes, our bowls are 100% plant-based!

What are in your bowls, and what are their nutrition facts?

  • Cuban Bowl - coconut rice, banana, cilantro, black beans, hemp, & quinoa in this savory Caribbean island meal (Nutrition Facts)
  • Kathmandu Curry Bowl - lentils, brown rice, hemp, quinoa, & veggies in a savory belly-warming curry, namaste (Nutrition Facts)
  • Chana Masala Bowl - chickpea curry, rice, hemp, & quinoa in a boldly spiced Indian street food classic (Nutrition Facts)
  • Creole Bowl - a fiery New Orleans style comfort food. Creole is sure to provide that NoLa punch of spice delivered from the pulses and hemp inside (Nutrition Facts)
  • Chipotle Bowl - black beans, rice, hemp, quinoa, and a mucho delicioso roasted pepper sauce (Nutrition Facts)
  • Chili Lime Bowl - picante pinto beans, rice, hemp, & quinoa in a zesty bright sauce that is sure to take you on a New Mex flavor ride (Nutrition Facts)