Getting to Know: Sunfly

We spoke to Aleksandra Borges of Sunfly to learn more about how this delicious new range came to be, the wealth of health benefits it provides, and how to incorporate such a versatile new addition to the kitchen.

Our journey with sunflower seeds began over 15 years ago when we initially started trading sunflower oil, sunflower seeds, and their by-products. As our expertise grew, we expanded into cultivating and processing sunflower seeds for various industries, including wild bird feed, the bakery sector, and the snacking market. Sunflowers have become our specialty, and we've been involved in every step of the process, from cultivation to delivering high-quality products.

Five years ago, when my nephew was diagnosed with a lactose intolerance, my father, who is a doctor, began exploring the dairy alternative sector. He proposed the idea of creating a sunflower seed-based drink, which sparked our venture into product development and led to the creation of the SUNFLY concept in 2020. After five years of dedicated research and development, we're thrilled to have launched our own top-14 allergen-free production facility in Estonia, with our first product line-up of sunflower seed butter in five flavours.

Sunflower seeds, and our butter derived from them, are a nutritional powerhouse. They're packed with Vitamin E, which is vital for skin health and a strong immune system. Additionally, they’re rich in magnesium, zinc, and iron, all of which are essential for overall wellness, including bone health and immune function. High in both protein and fibre, sunflower seeds support muscle growth, boosts metabolism, and aids in tissue repair. The fibre content also helps with weight management, improves gut health, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Our Sunflower Seed Butter is more than just a nut butter alternative—it's a nutrient-dense addition to any diet, thanks to its unique blend of vitamins and minerals.

Our production process is sustainably crafted to ensure zero by-products by fully utilizing every part of the sunflower. This allows us to create products like sunflower seed butter, sunflower protein, cold-pressed sunflower seed oil, and soon, sunflower seed milk. By harnessing the full potential of sunflower seeds, we achieve a significantly lower environmental impact compared to animal-based protein sources. Sunflower cultivation requires 95% less land, 50% less water than cow’s milk, and produces 93% fewer CO2 emissions than animal protein. Sunfly’s plant-based products is not only a healthier option for individuals but also a more environmentally responsible choice, making it a better solution for both people and the planet.

I love using the Natural variety in my cooking, especially for making hummus, sauces, and dips. The Crunchy version is my go-to for spreading on crackers with blueberries. And when I crave something sweet but still want to keep it healthy, I reach for the Cocoa spread—it's absolutely delicious on hot toast!

Absolutely! I'd love to share a hummus recipe featuring our Natural Sunflower Seed Butter. Simply blend together:

• 200g of red lentils
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 100g of Natural Sunflower Seed Butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp of salt

Once blended, top it off with olive oil, chopped coriander, and flax seeds. Voila! You have a delicious and healthy dip that’s sure to impress your guests—and they might just end up stealing the recipe!

There have been so many creative uses, it's tough to choose just one! But with spring on the way and ice cream weather not far either, I'd say one of the most inventive ideas I've come across is a healthy protein ice cream. It’s made by blending cottage cheese, dates, and our Smooth Sunflower Seed Butter, then freezing it for 20 minutes—an absolutely delicious and refreshing treat!