Like many parents, I used to think “gut health” was one of those wellness buzzwords that didn’t really apply to everyday family life. By Kiesha Meikle
Then my daughter started complaining about stomach pain.
We went through the usual cycle of appointments, tests, and investigations, only to repeatedly hear that nothing appeared to be wrong. On paper, everything looked fine. But as a parent, you know when your child isn’t feeling their best. At the time, I realised how little I actually understood about gut health and the connection between digestion, immunity, mood, and overall wellbeing. I started reading more about the gut microbiome, nutrient density, and the impact ultra-processed foods can have on the body. Like many families, we were trying to eat well, but convenience often won.
That search led me to bone broth.
Initially, I introduced it in the easiest possible way: blended into milkshake-style smoothies for my children. It was simple, nourishing, and something they would actually drink without complaint. Now, we use bone broth in more ways – sipped as a soup, added to meals, soon to be stirred into sauces and stews. One brand we’ve consistently returned to is Freja, a company I’ve grown to genuinely trust after interviewing founders Jess and Ed about their journey and philosophy around nutrition.
What struck me most was that Freja wasn’t created as a trend-led wellness product. It came from the realities of family life. “As with many successful businesses, the idea for Freja was born out of necessity. As a working mum in a busy household, I constantly faced the challenge of finding quick, easy, and nutritious meal solutions.”
Jess explained that her own frustrations around processed “health” foods became the catalyst for creating something more natural and nourishing. “My interest in food and nutrition, coupled with my frustration over the availability of ultra-processed ‘health’ foods, drove me to seek a genuinely healthy alternative.”
That idea resonated deeply with me because it mirrored my own experience. Once I started paying closer attention to ingredients and nutrition, I realised how many products marketed as healthy were still heavily processed or filled with additives.
Freja’s approach feels intentionally different. Rather than chasing trends, the brand focuses on traditional nutrition made practical for modern life. “We don’t focus on following trends. Instead, we emphasise the timeless value of the original superfood, bone broth.”
And importantly, they recognised that even the healthiest products need to work for busy households. “We innovate by ensuring our offerings are convenient and accessible for modern consumers by developing products that are ambient, natural, and delicious.”
That convenience factor honestly mattered for our family. When you’re juggling school runs, work, activities, and everything else life throws at you, wellness products only become sustainable if they fit seamlessly into everyday routines.
Another thing I appreciated during our conversation was Freja’s honesty about what consumers are increasingly looking for. “One of the most significant trends we see is the growing rejection of ultra-processed foods. Consumers are increasingly looking for whole, natural foods that provide comprehensive nutrition.” It feels particularly relevant right now as more people begin questioning what “healthy” really means beyond clever packaging and marketing language.
Freja also places sustainability at the centre of its production process, something that increasingly matters to conscious consumers. “We source our ingredients from sustainable farms, use eco-friendly packaging that’s 100% recyclable, and minimise food waste by making our broths with byproduct ingredients that would otherwise be thrown away.”
For me, this journey started with trying to help my daughter feel better. But it ultimately changed the way I think about food, nourishment, and family wellness as a whole. I’m still learning, and I’m certainly not claiming bone broth is a miracle solution. But introducing more whole, nutrient-dense foods into our routine has genuinely made me more mindful about what we consume and why.
And sometimes, the most impactful wellness habits aren’t the complicated ones. They’re the simple, traditional practices that quietly support everyday health.
You can learn more about Freja Foods and their range of bone broths online.
Top image: Freja Founders, Jess and Ed.
