Tarwi lupins, a superfood!

Naturally rich in nutrients and free of chemicals.

Why lupins?

Lupins are legumes that have been consumed as a food source for thousands of years, especially in the Mediterranean and Andean regions.

Lupins are known for their high protein (30-40%) and fiber (around 30%) content, while being low in fat (4-7%) and carbohydrates. After being soaked and cooked to remove bitterness, they become a versatile ingredient.

Due to their nutritional profile, lupins offer an excellent alternative to gluten, soy, or animal-based proteins.

A brief history of lupins:

The earliest traces come from the Egyptians, who placed them in the tombs of the pharaohs. For the Greeks, lupins had propitiatory functions, while the Romans cultivated and consumed them in large quantities, replacing meat and taking advantage of their energy and protein value.

Introduced to northern Europe in 1781 to improve poor soils, modern lupin cultivation expanded in the early 20th century with the development of "sweet" varieties by German scientists.

Today, lupins are grown all over the world, with Australia being the largest producer.

Where do your lupins come from?

We source our lupins from Western Australia, supporting regenerative agriculture practices.

European production is limited, so we are building bridges between farmers, academia, and industry to improve that production. Our goal is to achieve 100% local sourcing in the future, a gradual process to which we are committed.

How do you treat your lupin beans?

The production of lupins involves a de-bittering process where the lupins are boiled and subsequently subjected to extensive washing in water to remove their alkaloids*. The process is time-consuming but is done with great care so that the incredible nutritional benefits of this powerful legume can be fully utilized.

The traditional method of processing lupins involves the use of strong chemicals to ensure a long shelf life while keeping the price low. Since the use of chemicals goes against our values, we have developed our own unique process, in which only natural products are used to treat Tarwi lupins.

This means that our lupins are a little more expensive, but of higher quality. Furthermore, they have a thinner husk (the outer layer that surrounds the lupin), which allows them to be eaten with the husk, where all their fiber content is located!

*Alkaloids are antinutritional compounds in the grain, notoriously bitter and toxic to humans and farm animals.

Why are lupins better than other legumes?

One of the challenges of plant-based nutrition is that some plants contain compounds that can affect nutrient absorption and cause digestive discomfort.

Unlike other legumes such as peas, soybeans, and beans, lupins have low levels of these problematic compounds, such as phytic acid, oligosaccharides, trypsin inhibitors, lectins, and saponins.

If you're looking for a complete plant-based protein source, lupins are an excellent choice. They offer up to twice the protein of many legumes (such as lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans) while maintaining a very low carbohydrate content.

Unlike other plant-based proteins, lupins are also complete proteins, containing all 9 essential amino acids that can only be obtained through food.

What are amino acids and why are they important?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for numerous bodily functions, including muscle building, energy production, immune support, and hormone production.

There are 9 essential amino acids that must be obtained through food, 11 non-essential amino acids that the body can produce, and some that become essential in situations of illness or stress.

Complete proteins (from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy) contain all the essential amino acids, while plant-based sources may lack some. A lack of amino acids can lead to health problems, so a balanced diet is important.

Unlike other plant-based proteins, lupins are also complete proteins, containing all 9 essential amino acids.

How are lupins beneficial for the digestive system?

Lupins are considered beneficial for the gut due to their high content of prebiotic fibers, which support beneficial gut bacteria, and their low starch levels, making them easier to digest.

Unlike other legumes, lupins are also naturally low in antinutritional compounds, such as lectins, making them less likely to cause digestive discomfort.

They also have anti-inflammatory properties, derived from beta-glucans, are rich in proteins for tissue repair, contain antioxidants that protect the gut, and promote satiety, helping to avoid overeating.

Are lupins gluten-free?

Lupins are legumes, therefore they are naturally gluten-free.

Fun fact: lupin flour is often used as a substitute for gluten and wheat flour in various products!

Are lupin beans allergen-free?

Like other protein-rich foods (such as peanuts or soy), lupins can trigger an allergic reaction. People allergic to peanuts have been shown to react to lupins as well—be careful if this applies to you!

Are lupins GMO-free?

Yes, our lupins are GMO-free.

Lectins

Proteins that we are unable to digest.

What are lectins?

Lectins are defined as proteins that bind to carbohydrates. They are found in all plants, but raw legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, broad beans, chickpeas, and peanuts) and whole grains, such as wheat, contain the highest amounts of lectins.

The same characteristics that lectins use to defend plants in nature can cause problems during human digestion. They resist degradation in the intestine and are stable in acidic environments, characteristics that protect plants containing lectins in nature.

Do I need to avoid lectins?

They are everywhere, so it's really not possible to avoid them completely. Furthermore, it's not necessary, as not all lectins are harmful. They are present in almost all organisms, including animals, microorganisms, and plants, where they are concentrated in seeds.

Lectins affect everyone, but some people react to them more intensely. If you have an underlying digestive sensitivity, such as irritable bowel syndrome, you may be more likely to experience negative symptoms when consuming lectins.

What is the impact of lectins on digestibility?

Below are some of the known impacts of lectins on digestibility:

  • Interference with nutrient absorption: Lectins can bind to cells lining the digestive tract, potentially interfering with the absorption of nutrients, especially minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.
  • Resistance to digestion: Lectins are highly resistant to digestive processes and may not be completely broken down in the gastrointestinal tract, passing through the digestive system virtually intact.
  • Damage to the intestinal lining: Active lectins can cause damage to the brush border of the small intestine, leading to increased intestinal permeability (often referred to as "leaky gut").
  • Disruption of gut flora: lectins can affect the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Digestive discomfort: Consuming foods rich in active lectins, especially undercooked legumes, can cause digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea.
  • Reduced enzyme activity: Lectins can bind to digestive enzymes, potentially reducing their activity and further affecting digestion.
  • Inflammation: Lectins can activate white blood cells in the intestine, promoting inflammation.

What are the symptoms of lectin sensitivity?

It is important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may be more sensitive to lectins than others. Furthermore, the severity of symptoms can depend on the amount and types of lectin-containing foods consumed. If you suspect you have a lectin sensitivity, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

Common symptoms include:

  • Digestive problems such as gas, bloating and flatulence, diarrhea or constipation (often alternating), indigestion and reflux, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.
  • Fatigue and energy-related symptoms, such as brain fog and general tiredness.
  • Mood and neurological problems, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
  • Skin problems, such as rashes.
  • Joint pain.
  • Inflammation.

Does cooking affect the lectin content of food?

The impact of lectins on digestibility can be significantly reduced through proper food preparation, as lectins are inactivated by boiling or pressure cooking. They are not destroyed by microwaving, boiling, or roasting.

Although cooking significantly reduces the lectin content, it may not completely eliminate all lectins in all cases. This is why some people still experience digestive problems, such as gas and bloating, when consuming legumes.

It is important to note that, for most people, foods containing lectins, when cooked properly, are safe to eat and can be part of a healthy diet. The health benefits of many foods containing lectins, such as beans, whole grains, and vegetables, generally outweigh the potential risks associated with their lectin content when prepared properly.

Are lupins free of lectins?

Lupin seeds contain small amounts of lectins (3 × 10–5 HU, i.e., units of hemagglutinating activity) compared to, for example, common beans (840 × 10–5 HU) (Nachbar & Oppenheim 1980), or they may not be detectable (Petterson & Fairbrother 1996).

O u r   r a n g e

Lummus

The low-carb dip you've been missing!

What is Lummus?

Lummus is our version of traditional hummus, where we replace the chickpeas with lupin beans. The result? A dip rich in protein and fiber, with half the calories and fat of traditional hummus and low in carbohydrates (and equally delicious!).

Why did you decide to create this product?

We love hummus, but we wanted something more versatile and light: a versatile topping for any dish that naturally adds flavor and protein to meals.

Hummus is great (and we love it), but it's high in carbohydrates and fat, which makes it harder to digest. We wanted to offer an equally delicious and protein-rich alternative.

How should I consume it?

The use of lupin beans gives Lummus a velvety texture, making it a very versatile product. It can be used as a sauce, spread, or as a base to create protein-rich sauces and seasonings, or simply added as a spoonful to your dishes or vegetables.

Check out our recipe page for inspiration!

What is HPP?

Our Lummus is preserved using High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) technology.

HPP is a cold processing technique based on the application of high pressure levels transmitted through water.

This increases the shelf life of our products to 65 days (vs. the category average of 30 days) without preservatives.

Is it safe to give Lummus to children?

Because we use only high-quality, all-natural ingredients, Lummus is safe to give to children, provided the child is not allergic or intolerant to any of the ingredients listed in the ingredient list.

Please note that our Lummus is produced in a factory that handles gluten, eggs, soy, milk, tree nuts, mustard, and celery. Although our Lummus is naturally plant-based, gluten-free, and soy-free, cross-contamination may occur.

Is it safe to consume Lummus during pregnancy?

Because we use only high-quality, all-natural ingredients, Lummus is safe to consume during pregnancy, assuming you are not allergic or intolerant to any of the listed ingredients.

Does Lummus contain any allergens?

Our Lummus contains the following allergens:

Lupins : Like other protein-rich foods (such as peanuts or soy), lupins can trigger an allergic reaction. People allergic to peanuts have been shown to react to lupins as well—be careful if this is the case for you!

Sesame (Tahini): The Lummus Original and Lummus & Basil varieties contain tahini, which is ground sesame seeds. If you are allergic to sesame, please be aware. The Lummus & Sun-Dried Tomato variety does not contain tahini.

Please note that our Lummus is produced in a factory that handles gluten, eggs, soy, milk, tree nuts, mustard, and celery. Although our Lummus is naturally plant-based, gluten-free, and soy-free, cross-contamination may occur.

Lupin Bean Sandwich

The snack that will revolutionize your days!

What's the idea behind lupin bean sandwiches?

Inspired by our roots, we launched our lupin bean snacks: a modern twist on our lupin bean!

Each package has the same nutritional profile as a boiled egg, but with 9 times more fiber. The best part? They're just lupin beans with natural flavors and sea salt, no added water, and perfect for eating on the go!

Why did you decide to create this product?

Lupins are traditionally consumed pickled in southern Europe, South America, and the Middle East. They are cooked and preserved in brine (salt water with added chemicals) in large jars. They are then served as a snack, mainly with beer.

Lupins are a delicious and nutritious snack, but the way they are processed and preserved has not been adapted for the modern consumer.

We wanted a versatile snack that could be eaten anytime, anywhere. So we found a way to remove the brine and package it in easy-to-carry sachets!

What should I expect?

Unlike other packaged snacks, our lupin bean snacks are neither dry nor crunchy. They are exactly as you know them, just without the water and with a thinner shell, making them even more convenient to eat!

Is it safe to eat the peel?

Due to our processing method, our lupins have a thinner skin compared to traditional options. This means that eating the skin is not only safe, but also enjoyable.

As a bonus, all the fiber content is found in the peel, so you'll miss out on the gut health benefits of lupins if you decide to remove it!

How should I consume them?

You can eat them straight from the package as a snack or add them as a protein supplement to your meals.

If you want to get creative, check out our recipe page for inspiration!

Is it safe to give lupin bean snacks to children?

Because we use only high-quality, all-natural ingredients, our Lupin Snacks are safe to give to children, assuming the child is not allergic or intolerant to any of the listed ingredients.

Please note that our snacks are produced in a factory that handles gluten and tree nuts. Although they are naturally plant-based, gluten-free, and tree nut-free, cross-contamination may occur.

Is it safe to eat lupin bean snacks during pregnancy?

Because we use only high-quality, all-natural ingredients, our Lupin Snacks are safe to consume during pregnancy, assuming you are not allergic or intolerant to any of the listed ingredients.

Do lupin bean snacks contain any allergens?

Like other protein-rich foods (such as peanuts or soy), lupins can trigger an allergic reaction. People allergic to peanuts have been shown to react to lupins as well—be careful if this applies to you!

Please note that our snacks are produced in a factory that handles gluten and tree nuts. Although they are naturally plant-based, gluten-free, and tree nut-free, cross-contamination may occur.

Essential+ Vegan Protein

What makes our protein so special?

Why did they decide to create this product?

Honestly? Because we couldn't find a plant-based protein that met our needs.

Plant-based proteins are known for their strong aftertaste, are often highly processed, and have an artificial flavor. They are also extremely difficult to digest.

We wanted to create a minimally processed, all-natural alternative that wouldn't leave a bloated feeling and would actually taste good!

How is your protein different from what is currently available?

Our protein is minimally processed, easy to digest, with only 2, 4, or 5 ingredients (depending on the flavor) and rich in prebiotic fibers and minerals, to give you everything you need, and nothing you don't.

Hand-picked ingredients: We use only high-quality ingredients, taking advantage of all the micronutrients and minerals they offer, to provide not only the amount of protein you need, but also the fiber and minerals that are essential for your daily life.

No aftertaste: we use a high-tech lupin protein isolation method that eliminates the plant's aftertaste.

Easy to digest: lupins are naturally free of lectins and low in antinutritional compounds, which makes our protein easier to digest.

It mixes as well as whey: lupins have naturally emulsifying and slightly gelling properties (which is why they are often used as a gluten alternative), causing our protein to mix very well with just water, creating a creamy texture and a light, 100% natural foaming effect, without the need to add lecithins or gums.

Complete protein: unlike other legumes, lupins contain all 9 essential amino acids.

Why do I need to add protein to my diet?

Protein is essential for numerous physiological functions. Enzymes, which are protein-based, facilitate chemical reactions such as food digestion, DNA replication, and liver detoxification. Proteins are also essential for the health of muscles, hair, nails, bones, and skin.

In theory, you should be able to get all the protein you need from whole food sources like meat, fish, dairy, and legumes, but this isn't always easy.

For example:

  • If you have a busy schedule, protein supplements can be a super convenient way to meet your nutritional goals.
  • If you are a very active person, they can help meet your increased protein needs.
  • If you love the taste, they can help you enjoy your meals even more, such as in smoothies, porridge, or cakes.
  • If you are an older adult, you may be consuming too little protein, which can contribute to muscle loss as you age.
  • In addition, a significant proportion of people in long-term care and some people with cancer have protein deficiencies.

Therefore, while not everyone needs a protein supplement or any supplement at all, they can be useful additions to a healthy diet.

When should I take protein powder?

Whenever you want! You can take it:

  • as a substitute for food in main meals, if you are in a hurry or don't have time to cook,
  • or as a substitute in meals that tend to be high in carbohydrates (such as breakfast and snacks), to have a more balanced meal.

How should I use protein powder?

You can simply mix it with water, milk or juice of your choice, add it to smoothies, porridge or yogurt, or get creative in the kitchen.

Check out our recipe hub for inspiration!

What is the recommended dose?

It depends on the use.

  • If you are mixing it with water, milk, or juice, we recommend 2 tablespoons for every 250ml of liquid.
  • If you are adding it to yogurt or porridge, we recommend 1 tablespoon per serving.
  • If you are using this as a substitute in baking products, we recommend following the recipe guidelines. We test all our recipes before sharing them with you, so please follow our serving size recommendations!

That being said, you should adjust the amount based on your preferences (flavor and texture).

For reference, a 30g serving of tarwi protein (equivalent to 2 tablespoons) = 21g of protein in the Neutral flavor, 20g of protein in the Vanilla flavor, and 16g of protein in the Cocoa flavor. The variation in protein content is directly related to the amount of lupin protein isolate used in each flavor.

Is it safe to give protein to children?

Because we use only high-quality, all-natural ingredients, our protein is safe to give to children, assuming the child is not allergic or intolerant to any of the ingredients listed in the ingredient list.

We like to think of it as a substitute for ultra-processed foods that are usually offered to children, such as:

Flavored yogurts , which are usually full of sugars and preservatives, can be replaced with a delicious yogurt drink. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of Vanilla or Cocoa Rich protein powder into 1 serving of plain yogurt.

Juices , even 100% fruit juices, are very high in sugar. To balance the drink with fiber and protein, mix 1 teaspoon of pure lupin protein into 1 glass of juice. This will help prevent a spike in glucose.

Flavored milks and other drinks that kids love are full of sugars and preservatives. Mix 1 tablespoon of vanilla or cocoa protein powder into 250ml of milk for a delicious and healthy alternative.

Is it safe to consume your protein during pregnancy?

Because we use only high-quality, all-natural ingredients, our protein is safe for consumption during pregnancy, assuming you are not allergic or intolerant to any of the ingredients listed in the ingredient list.

Does your protein contain any allergens?

Like other protein-rich foods (such as peanuts or soy), lupins can trigger an allergic reaction. People allergic to peanuts have been shown to react to lupins as well—be careful if this applies to you!

Please note that our protein is produced in a gluten-free factory environment. Our protein is also soy-free and GMO-free.

Our story

From high finance to selling lupin beans!

How did it all begin?

👋Check this out — it's easier to explain if you share my story!

In 2016, I decided to become vegan. I loved it, but I had a lot of difficulty finding a perfect source of plant-based protein for my meals. Chickpeas, lentils, and black beans left me bloated and without energy. I was then forced to turn to soy, but its impact on sustainability didn't appeal to me.

On that journey, I found an incredible ingredient: something that fulfilled all my protein needs. Curiously, I grew up consuming it without knowing how amazing it was.

As you may have guessed, that secret ingredient was the amazing lupin bean — one of the best and most sustainable sources of plant-based protein on the planet.

Why lupins?

Being Portuguese, you know that eating lupin beans as a snack is part of our culture, especially with a cold beer 😊

But more than just a beer accompaniment, lupin beans have:

  • twice the protein and fiber of most legumes,
  • a complete amino acid profile,
  • virtually without fat or carbohydrates,
  • and are free of lectins (lectins are proteins found in legumes that cause bloating and indigestion).

It was as if I had discovered a secret superfood that nobody knew about, so I decided to quit my job and found tarwi, a brand with the mission of normalizing access to healthier foods that contribute to the environment.

Why did they choose the name Tarwi?

Lupins are legumes that have been consumed as a food source for thousands of years, especially in the Mediterranean and Andean regions.

The name "tarwi" originates from South America, specifically the Andean region. Indigenous communities of the Andes used it to refer to lupins.

We liked how the name resonated with lupins without being too restrictive to the legume itself, so we decided to adopt it as a way to honor its origins.

Why did they choose such a diverse range of products?

Lupins are traditionally eaten as snacks in southern Europe, South America, Egypt, and Lebanon. Despite being deeply rooted in local culture, few people know about their nutritional properties.

We wanted to create diverse consumption moments where protein was the main attraction, so that consumers would come to see and understand lupin beans as an incredible source of plant-based protein.

O n l i n e   O r d e r s

Money-back guarantee

Risk-free orders.

How does your Money-Back Guarantee policy work?

We all know how important it is to try a product before buying it.

Since this is a little difficult to do online, and because we want to encourage you to try our products, we offer a refund if, within 30 days of your purchase date, you inform us that the product did not meet your expectations.

We're quite confident you'll like it, but we know that taste is subjective!

Please contact us at hello@tarwi.co.uk and we will process your refund.

Online Deliveries

Everything about our shipping policy.

Where do they send them?

We ship to most European countries and within the United Kingdom.

Check here for more details about our shipping and delivery policies.

Do you offer free delivery?

Yes, we offer free shipping above a minimum order value. These values ​​vary depending on the shipping destination. Check here for a full description.

What should I do if there is a problem with my order?

Send us an email to hello@tarwi.co and we will reply within 48 hours.

Why choose Tarwi lupin beans when we want simple and complete nutrition?

Because they are a superfood naturally rich in macronutrients and produced without the use of chemicals.

Simple and real food. With everything you need, and nothing you don't.

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