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ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Fuel your body with ingredients you can trust.
To provide wholesome, nourishing options that fuel the body, energize the mind, and support your day with natural vitality, empowering informed, health-conscious choices for lasting wellness.
WHAT DOES "OLAKINO" MEAN?
The name “Olakino” is inspired by the Hawaiian language: Ola means health or well-being, and Kino means body. Together, “Olakino” represents the harmony of health and well-being for your body.
Tropical places like Hawaii have always held a special place in my heart—they bring to mind the warmth of the sun, the freshness of the air, and the beauty of God’s creation, filling me with joy, peace, and positive energy.
That’s the feeling I hope to share with every visitor to Olakino Shakes. When you’re here, I want you to feel that same uplifting, vibrant energy in every sip. Welcome to a place where health and happiness come together!
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi there! My name is Jess Howes, and I’m the owner and founder of Olakino Shakes.
We'll be serving our delicious superfood shakes from our mobile food truck, bringing health and flavor to the Twin Cities and surrounding metro area.
MY BACKGROUND
As a former Division 1 college hockey player, I spent years focused on athletic performance but didn’t pay much attention to nutrition. It wasn’t until after college that I began to understand how much our diet impacts our health and well-being.
Looking back, after years of getting sick, having little energy, and struggling with weight, I wish I had known then what I know now about the importance of clean, nourishing food.
THE STORY BEHIND OLAKINO SHAKES
As I learned more about health and nutrition, my passion for it grew, and I wanted to help others learn the same, but I wasn’t sure how. I realized how difficult it is to find fast, healthy food options on the go. Since college, I’ve loved making smoothies and protein shakes for myself, so I decided to combine my passion for nutrition with my delicious smoothies and share them with others. My roots are in Minnesota, and my inspiration comes from the vibrant, healthy lifestyle of Hawaii, where I found the perfect balance of nature, energy, and wellness.
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THE STORY CONTINUED...
One of the most eye-opening things I’ve learned is how unregulated the U.S. food industry is compared to other countries like those in Europe. Many of our foods are ultra-processed, containing harmful ingredients like pesticides, GMOs, artificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, and additives such as carrageenan and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. For example:
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73% of the U.S. food supply is ultra-processed, which is linked to a higher risk of developing various health issues, according to a study by Northeastern University’s Network Science Institute.
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60% of the foods Americans purchase contain technical additives —substances added to enhance flavor, texture, or shelf life, as reported by the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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Food dyes, such as Red 40, have been linked to attention disorders in children and are associated with an increased risk of cancer, according to BMC Environmental Health.
With all the information available today, and by listening to my body and understanding what makes me feel good, I realized how crucial it is to avoid processed foods. Olakino Shakes' tagline is all about fueling your body with ingredients you can trust (unless you have specific dietary restrictions), no need to stress over labels, just organic, clean, whole foods to nourish you the right way.