You’ve seen the products in Houston Hall and in some of the cafes on campus, perhaps you’ve tried a few. Maybe you’ve even been to their physical location downtown. But do you really know what Pure Fare is all about? Kriti Seghal, the owner of Pure Fare, graduated from our very own UPenn in 2005 with a degree in Economics and Health and Societies. Yes, that’s right, she knows all too well the struggles of succumbing to greasy dining hall pizza and late night pints of Ben & Jerry’s. That is exactly why she’s so passionate about the wholesome foods she makes available to us, fresh, each and every day.
The Motive
Kriti has a passion for both health and food. She was inspired to open Pure Fare as a means by which she could blend the two, offering nourishing food that not only tastes great, but that her customers can feel good about. In an age of diet crazes and heavily processed foods, Pure Fare is breaking the mold. All of the food they offer is locally sourced, GMO free, gluten free, and nutrient rich.
The Food Philosophy
Unlike so many of the trends we hear about today, nothing about the food philosophy of Pure Fare is restrictive. “The reason we went gluten free is because I wanted to use seeds and grains, things that pack more of a punch. I wanted to stay away from processed sugars and flours and by default that makes you gluten free” said Kriti. These foods that “pack more of a punch” leave you feeling full longer, and more satisfied, unlike the “fat free” or “low calorie” diet foods on the market that leave us empty, unsatisfied, and reaching for more.
Their Sweets, Though
When we think about healthy food, we often pin it into boxes and categories that aren’t necessarily accurate. For example, I’m sure many people would be surprised to learn that a business like Pure Fare, which prides itself on healthy food, offers an array of sweets and treats just as numerous, and dare I say even tastier, than the pastry display at your local Starbucks. How is this possible? It’s all in the ingredients. At first glance, they look no different than your typical bakery treats. However, from sweet potato and avocado brownies, to banana chocolate chip cookies, there’s more to them than meets the eye.
The Main Ingredients
Kriti and her team work together and play with ingredients such as coconut oil, grass-fed butter, maple syrup, and date sugar to mimic the richness and sweetness of traditional desserts, while providing infinitely more health benefits. Not to mention their soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, frittatas, and more are equally packed with flavor and health.
The Team
Speaking of Kriti’s team, her kitchen staff is made up entirely of refugees. They play a large role in the collaborative process which takes place in creating each and every dish they offer. “It’s been amazing to work with organizations in the city. I love ethnic foods and cultures so it’s really kind of fun. They have great input,” said Kriti.
Pure Fare Extensions
Pure Fare’s original location opened in 2010 at 119 South 21st Street and has since expanded, opening Agno Grill at 2104 Chestnut St. which follows the same food philosophies as Pure Fare, offering build-your-own Mediterranean inspired meals such as bowls, wraps, and salads. In 2015, yet another branch to Pure Fare was added. Yoku operates right out the original location as a fast-casual takeout window offering Southeast Asian inspired cuisine.
Gone are the days when eating on the go meant sacrificing quality. Whoever you are, whatever your palate, between Pure Fare, Agno Grill, and Yoku, you’re bound to find something you’ll love. Added bonus: your body will love it too.