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About Us

At UmamiBee, we craft flavour with purpose.
From simmer sauces and dry blends to fermented drinks, sweet condiments, and baked goods, our range is rooted in tradition but reimagined for the modern kitchen. We’re all about real ingredients, bold taste, and better-for-you options—without relying on additives or artificial flavour enhancers. Many of our products are vegan-friendly, while others include ingredients like eggs or dairy to suit a variety of lifestyles and diets. What ties them all together? A commitment to clean, honest, and exciting food.
UmamiBee began in a home kitchen—driven by the need to simplify flavourful cooking without compromising nutrition, quality, or cultural depth. Inspired by Filipino heritage and informed by food science, we saw the gap between traditional recipes and the fast-paced realities of modern life. UmamiBee was born to bridge that gap—offering the comforting richness of tradition with the speed, nutrition, and clean-label integrity today’s kitchens deserve.

Our Ethos
We exist for flavour explorers—the curious, the bold, the ones who love discovering something new in every bite. Whether you're reaching for something quick, something comforting, or something daring, UmamiBee is here to bring joy to your table through flavour that’s crafted, not compromised.

Our food philosophy is simple

  • Rooted in tradition, powered by innovation

  • Crafted with care, backed by science

  • Flavour-first, always better-for-you


We use slow methods like fermentation and natural umami boosters to create pantry staples and treats that are both familiar and fresh. Every product is made with intention—from sourcing to process to packaging—so that you can feel good about what you eat and what you share.

What We Offer
We offer a growing line of products designed to make flavour accessible, joyful, and clean-label:

  • Sauces & Pastes – for simmering, dipping, finishing, and glazing

  • Dry Seasonings & Blends – versatile umami-rich blends for every dish

  • Fermented Drinks & Desserts – functional, delicious, and gut-friendly

  • Baked Goods – rooted in Filipino tradition, reinvented with creativity


Everything is small-batch made in New Zealand, with quality, flavour, and simplicity at the heart of every recipe.

Why UmamiBee?
Because food should be full of flavour, not fillers. Because innovation doesn’t mean forgetting where we come from. Because we believe the best food is created with curiosity, care, and courage.
We’re not here to follow—we’re here to pioneer. To take inspiration from the past and use it to shape something better. At UmamiBee, we don’t just follow recipes—we rewrite them. With every product, we’re creating new ways to eat well, celebrate heritage, and share flavour-forward food that makes people feel good.

Whether you’re plant-based, flexitarian, or simply someone who loves a good meal—UmamiBee is here to make your everyday cooking exciting, meaningful, and easier than ever.

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Our Mission

To bring bold, umami-rich flavours into every home through clean, honest, and high-quality products. We aim to make cooking effortless, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone while honouring tradition, celebrating nature’s finest ingredients, and caring for the environment.

Our Vision
To become a trusted kitchen companion that inspires culinary creativity, promotes healthier, flavourful meals, and champions sustainability. At UmamiBee, we envision a world where convenience meets authenticity, empowering families and food enthusiasts to cook with confidence, care, and respect for the planet.

Our Story
 
At UmamiBee, flavour is at the heart of everything we do. Founded by Analiza Badilles, a seasoned food technologist with over 30 years of experience, UmamiBee was born out of a deep love for clean, honest ingredients and a commitment to making cooking both simple and delicious.

As a busy working mother, I often found myself tired of the daily grind of chopping and sautéing ingredients to make meals for my family. Then, one day, I had my eureka moment—why not make these bases in bulk, bottle them, and save myself time and effort? I shared my homemade creations with family and friends, and they were the ones who encouraged me to turn this into a business.
For years, I held on to the idea but overthought every step, hesitating to move forward. However, I eventually realised that what I had was something truly unique—a product that could bring the same joy, convenience, and umami goodness to other busy people like me.

The turning point came when I discovered The Kitchen Project, an Auckland City Council initiative that supports budding small food businesses. It felt like a sign that everything was finally falling into place. With their support, I knew it was time to bring UmamiBee to life.

Also popularly known as MotherBee on social media, I have inspired so many foodies to launch their own businesses, turn their passion into purpose, and embrace their creativity. UmamiBee is just one extension of that brilliance—a reflection of my love for food, innovation, and sharing flavours that bring people together.
More than just a brand, UmamiBee reflects my passion for food, family, and the environment. We take pride in sourcing nature’s finest ingredients, ensuring every jar helps you prepare meals that are flavourful, nourishing, and free from nasties. Sustainability is at the heart of our process, because we care for the planet as much as we do for your table.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, UmamiBee is here to help you create meals you can feel proud of—convenient, clean, and packed with umami goodness.

UmamiBee – crafting moments of flavour, care, and connection, one jar at a time.

Crafting Umami moments for everyone.

Bringing flavours that are rich, bold, and unforgettable to every kitchen table. At UmamiBee, we carefully combine honest, real ingredients like fresh vegetables, spices, and natural seasonings to deliver products that enhance your meals effortlessly. Whether you’re sautéing, simmering, or drizzling, each jar is crafted to help you create dishes bursting with savoury goodness. Designed for busy home cooks, curious foodies, and flavour lovers alike, our products ensure that every bite brings joy, connection, and a taste of umami magic.

Discover the UmamiBee Difference

At UmamiBee, we’re more than just a brand – we’re your partner in creating bold, delicious meals with ease. Our carefully crafted products, like our sauté bases, condiments, and sauces, are made with clean, honest ingredients and a deep love for flavour.

What makes us unique? We take the hard work out of cooking, helping you save time without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a busy parent, a kitchen novice, or an adventurous foodie, UmamiBee delivers rich, umami-packed goodness that transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary.

 

By choosing UmamiBee, you’re choosing convenience, quality, and a brand that values your health and the environment. Join us in making cooking simple, enjoyable, and flavourful—one jar at a time.

Elevate your meals. Love your time in the kitchen. Experience UmamiBee.

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