Bold flavors, bold mission. Amazi Foods is a mindful food company here to help you Snack on Purpose with their 100% made-in-Uganda tropical fruit snacks. Started by female-founder, Renee Dunn, in 2016, Amazi partners directly with farmers and small businesses in Uganda to make their unique, vegan, nutrient-dense Jackfruit Chews - sticky, chewy, sweet bites packed with fiber - and Plantain Chips - dried never fried, hearty, grease-free crunch. Each comes in 3 delectable flavors that highlight these carefully sourced fruits, and are simply made with fruit and spices. No additives or preservatives, added sugars, or hydrogenated oils.
But beyond this, these plant based powerhouses serve as a means to create a more sustainable and equitable supply chain. By partnering with communities in Uganda to make their products from start to finish, they encourage local food manufacturing, job creation, and access to a global market that has previously made it difficult for producers in developing countries to enter.
Amazi is distributed nationally in close to 1000 stores - like Sprouts Market, The Fresh Market, Wegmans, Foxtrot Market, Erewhon Market - as well as online at Amazon, SnackMagic, Misfits Market, Imperfect Foods, and amazifoods.com. Featured previously in Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Healthyish, Simply Gluten Free, Martha Stewart Magazine, Forbes, Food Navigator, and more.
Founding Story
Amazi was founded in April 2016. My lease was up, so Renee left her job managing a yoga studio, and boarded a plane back to Uganda.
Why Uganda?
She studied abroad and did her thesis research in Uganda. While living there, she was blown away by their organic tropical fruits, bursting with flavors unlike back at home. But stand after stand, people traded fruits raw or looked for cheap ways of processing or exporting. She had heard stories about cocoa farmers never seeing a chocolate bar. This anecdote sums up a lot about our supply chains as a whole.
The heart of the problem
Those at the resource were completely separate from the opportunity and innovation that existed in the global market—resulting in high unemployment and food waste. Meanwhile, back at home, consumers looking for products that serve a higher purpose, there was a huge opportunity missed not only for local industry and job creation, but also to satisfy a growing need for US consumers.
Connecting the dots
As someone who is deeply embedded in the world of wellness and natural products—having taught yoga for several years, started a fitness coaching company in college, and had been through my own trials and tribulations with gut issues and disordered eating—Renee connected the dots. Her solution was to connect this ingenuity, drive, and bounty with folks who crave both good food AND story—presumably, YOU!
They now source directly from farmers, keep production in the country by partnering with Ugandan businesses. Together, their 100% made-in-Uganda products build skills, market access, and create connections in their supply chains.
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Team Bios
Renee Dunn
About the Founder
see bio
While attending Wesleyan University, Renee Dunn, now 29, studied abroad and continued to conduct her thesis research on the state of entrepreneurship in Uganda. After graduating, Renee interned at the Aspen Institute where she focused on entrepreneurial ecosystem analysis. Combining her passion for healthy food, her development experience, and her entrepreneurial spirit, Renee founded Amazi in 2016. She is passionate about promoting connected, community-rooted supply chains and thereby encourages localized job creation, business growth, and local value chains. Beyond Amazi, Renee has worked in fitness and wellness for over 11 years - currently a coach at MADabolic in the DC area, a yoga teacher, and avid lifter, hiker, and of course, eater.
Addicting and sustainably satisfying without the sugar rush and crash; somehow 0 grams added sugars and almost 40% daily fiber in one bag.
Don't crave other sweets as much when I eat these and even have an emergency bag in my car in case I get hangry in traffic....
D Tommarello
THEY ARE SO DELICIOUS I HAVE THEM EVERY DAY FOR LUNCH
vicki carlson
After reading about how jackfruit is one of the superfoods I got these to see what it was about. We've been getting these now for a while and they tend to disappear pretty fast. They make for a solid between-meals chewy snack and the variety pack seems to fit the bill to have options. I think the chili lime our favorite though!
Andrew
You guys, I have been hoarding these plantain chips from Amazi. They are so stinkin’ good. They are my favorite plantain chips. They get them so thin. They’re so crunchy. They are so dang good.
Erin
I love a good crunchy, salty snack, and so if I can get one without feeling completely guilty after having eaten the whole bag, then I know I have a winner. These are that snack, and YOU will be a winner if you get them - SO delicious!!
Hannah
These plantain chips are the best I have ever had. The flavors are so good. They have become my go-to healthy snack. 13/10 would recommend.
Caroline
Loved the plantains and jackfruit chews equally. The snacks are so healthy and delicious! I feel good about eating them and feel good about supporting a company like yours. Keep up the good work!
Pennie S
I love all of these different flavors! So delicious and satisfying Such good nutrients and such a great natural snack you can feel good about snacking on! And I love that Amazi is a woman owned and operated company in Uganda! These are my all time favorite snacks! I also recommend these for any occassion or gathering and they are also so great on charcuterie platters! They are always a big hit!
