Shaynie Ashkenazi, founder of FodShop, has taken all the hard work out of sourcing low-FODMAP foods so you can enjoy a healthy, no-fuss diet.
Tell us about FodShop
FodShop is the world’s first online commercial FODMAP nutritionist-run shop and gastroenterology resource, supplying thousands of low-FODMAP food products from hundreds of innovative brands, additionally meeting various food intolerance, allergen-friendly and nutrition requirements.
FodShop’s online tag filtering system also allows customers to search products by medical condition and dietary and lifestyle choice criteria.
Our product range has been extensively triaged and assessed for FODMAPs throughout the Australian, USA, UK, Canadian and New Zealand food supplies, based on suitability on the FODMAP diet.
The products have been approved by FodShop founder Shaynie Ashkenazi, who has more than six years’ experience in clinical and commercial FODMAP nutrition, retail pharmacy and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
What is the story behind FodShop?
When IBS patients start out on the low-FODMAP diet, it’s not uncommon for them to quickly realise how restrictive the diet is. So many foods that would normally be eaten are on the “can’t have” list, creating overwhelming feelings of angst.
There aren’t many with the time and energy to ‘shop hop’ in hope of finding suitable low-FODMAP food. Navigating ingredients lists to assess suitability can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Many of the gastroenterology hospital patients I was caring for in my master’s program did not know where or how to access safe low-FODMAP food products suitable for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms upon discharge from hospital. After several years of experience, I had a light bulb moment!
To give the Australian and international community any hope of self-managing their gut health, a one-stop shop was necessary — call it a one-stop FodShop.
Since its inception, FodShop has serviced 15,000+ customers and, in the past year, seen exponential growth, making it Australia’s leading and most trusted gut health-focused online and retail store.
FodShop isn’t just a health food store. It is quickly becoming a dependable resource for gastroenterology practitioners for the clinical support of their patients during their gut health and FODMAP journey.
How is FodShop helpful for people following a low-FODMAP diet?
It’s a relief for people with IBS to have easy-to-find food products, all available in the one place.
Our shop allows customers to purchase off our shelves or online, and our staff are available 24/7 to answer questions in-person during business hours or online out of hours.
FodShop assists dietitians and other practitioners as a point of referral for their IBS patients requiring low-FODMAP nutrition support as part of their care plan. Our customers present with a range of specific clinical needs, so having a broad variety of medical nutrition and low-FODMAP products, which also tick a range of other free-from categories, enables us to better cater to their unique requirements.
Why is the FODMAP Friendly certification so important to FodShop?
Having a certification logo on product packaging makes it much easier for our customers to identify low-FODMAP food products without second-guessing the ingredients.
The presence of a logo also means that the product manufacturer has considered the importance of their product being included as part of a low-FODMAP diet and recognised that it may assist in relieving the burden of everyday living for people who experience gastrointestinal distress.
What has been the highlight of the FodShop journey so far?
Being the first in the world to launch UK-leading low-FODMAP certified brands Bay’s Kitchen and Slightly Different Foods here in Australia.
These product ranges have been huge crowd-pleasers here at FodShop and continue to bring so much cooking freedom and enjoyment to the lives of our customers. It’s such a thrill to be able to throw together a delicious, healthy, quick and easy meal without the IBS symptoms that follow.
With their products representing a diverse palette of onion- and garlic-free ethnic cuisines across the globe, Bay’s Kitchen and Slightly Different Foods products allow us to supply our customers with exactly what they need during a busy working week.
What’s next for FodShop?
We are always launching new product ranges. Our customers’ unique dietary and lifestyle requirements are always at the heart of our purchasing decisions, so stay tuned for what’s coming next!
Where can we find FodShop?
You can find FodShop’s full range at fodshopper.com.au. Shop online 24/7, pick up your order in-store or shop in-store 9am–5pm weekdays and 10am–3pm on weekends. Factory 5, 30-32 Christensen Street Cheltenham VIC 3192
For more information, visit fodshopper.com.au or find them on Instagram @fodshopper Facebook @fodshop
