Salt & Straw, a Portland-based ice cream company, is revolutionizing the dessert industry by creating unique flavors using rescued ingredients that would otherwise go to waste. Their upcycled food series not only delights customers but also addresses food insecurity and promotes sustainability.
Salt & Straw, a renowned ice cream company based in Portland, Oregon, is not just about serving delicious scoops; it's about telling stories through ice cream. Co-founder Tyler Malek emphasizes that customers are drawn to the brand for more than just a treat; they seek to learn about the food community and the impact of their choices. This ethos is particularly evident in their annual upcycled food series, where they create unique flavors using rescued ingredients that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Every April, Salt & Straw launches its upcycled food series, showcasing innovative flavors crafted from ingredients sourced through partnerships with local nonprofits. One such organization is Urban Gleaners, which collects over 1.2 million pounds of food each year that would otherwise be discarded. In the past two years alone, Salt & Straw has redirected 48,000 pounds of food into their ice creams, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and community support.
Urban Gleaners plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in Portland, where approximately 12% of residents face food scarcity. The nonprofit collects food from various sources, including grocery stores, farms, and corporate cafeterias, ensuring that quality food reaches those in need. Tyler Malek highlights the importance of this initiative, noting that many items are discarded due to arbitrary date labels rather than actual spoilage.
During a visit to Urban Gleaners, Tyler and host Rachel Belle brainstormed a new ice cream flavor using rescued ingredients. They decided on a banana cream pie flavor, incorporating ripe bananas, brioche, and custard. The process involved:
When Salt & Straw first introduced their upcycled series, they faced criticism, with some media outlets labeling their efforts as turning "garbage into ice cream." Tyler acknowledges the provocative nature of such statements but insists that their mission is about saving high-quality food and using it creatively. The company employs fine dining techniques to elevate these ingredients, transforming them into gourmet ice cream flavors.
The final product, a banana cream pie ice cream, features layers of creamy vanilla, warm spices, and crispy brioche. More than half of the ingredients used in this flavor came from Urban Gleaners, showcasing the successful collaboration between the two organizations. Salt & Straw continues to innovate with new flavors each April, including options like chocolate malted potato chip cupcake and salted grapefruit coconut gelee.
Salt & Straw's approach to ice cream is not just about indulgence; it's about making a positive impact on the community and the environment. By utilizing rescued ingredients, they are not only creating unique flavors but also inspiring others in the food industry to rethink their practices. As Tyler puts it, they are part of a growing movement towards sustainability and food waste reduction, proving that delicious ice cream can also be a force for good.
