Creator of unique meat alternative visits Vernon

Apr 3, 2023 | 7:30 AM

After months of experimenting in the kitchen, mad-scientist style, Myrna Selzler has updated an old recipe to one for today’s health-conscious consumer.

Selzler, a former real estate brokerage owner and business consultant, took her original flatbread recipe to another level, creating five flavours of plant-based meat alternatives.

Selzer is leaning on that 40-years experience to help expand the company.

“I am acting as a managing broker yet again. I have good people in the food business and my income from this gig is helping support my start-up. I am managing two offices of experienced agents in West Kelowna and Penticton for Chamberlain Property Group. And actively working to build Myrna’s Foods,” Selzer told Vernon Matters.

Bodacious Artisan Foods is a Kelowna company offering plant-based flatbread and meat-alternative dry mix products under the trademark BABz, a name that started as a nickname for their Burgerz and Breadz.

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Just add water (or beer or wine) to the dry mixes, and within 30 minutes, you are eating high-protein, high-fibre food.

“Our mission is to provide high-quality, easy-to-prepare plant-based foods,” owner Selzler stated. “We want our customers to prepare nutritious foods for and with their family and friends with ease. And they don’t need to compromise quality, flavour or family time.”

Unlike many meat substitutes, there are no unpronounceable ingredients.

“Labels you can read, ingredients you can trust. Seed-based ground meat alternatives. Only six whole food ingredients plus seasonings. No multi-syllabic chemical “made in the lab” ingredients,” Selzer said.

The seasonings for the five plant-based meat alternatives were created by Selzler’s brother, Wayne.

In 2014, Selzler was a kidney donor for Wayne, who has since been coming up with ways to season his food that suit his health requirements. These seasonings are the result of that; they contain minimal salt and sugar, maximizing the flavour profile of other spices.

A few years later, Selzler had her own health issues that created the desire for a change in diet.

“After a double mastectomy, I thought I could take better care of my health by transitioning to a plant-based diet. I hated the way that plant-based meat products looked (like badly fried brains) and tasted (like a carrot or a bean) and that they always fell apart. And there are all kinds of additives in other products. Our products are designed to address all those issues. We source our products across Canada and the globe, seeking ethical, sustainable and natural ingredients that meet BABz high standards,” Selzler said.

BABz products are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free and vegan.

She is now turning her focus to growing the company.

“Our product meets the needs and tastes of the wider population, the flexitarian, the person or family who wants to have less meat in their diet. We are getting traction in the food service industry. Our product is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration so it is really convenient to use-the healthy version of “Hamburger Helper,” Selzer added.

The product is now in 150 stores across Canada and has been picked up by Save-on-Foods for its buy local program.

Selzer will hold an information session Tuesday, April 4, in Vernon, at the Coldwell Banker office on 27th Street at 5:30 p.m.

“Champions would be nice. Investors will accelerate our growth. And champions who are also investors could launch us into the hands of more consumers, cooks and chefs,” Selzer remarked.

BABz products are now available online and at selected retail stores and restaurants listed at buybabz.com.

by Kevin Rothwell

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