Adventurer, teacher and foodie Rachel Beaden has been in growing demand since she kitted out a food truck and started scooping up 100 per cent natural fruit ice-cream.
The food truck, called Baenana, dishes out guilt-free, dairy-free, sugar-free ice-cream generously topped with a selection of homemade toppings such as passionfruit sauce, Sunshine Coast peanut butter, fresh fruit, granola and the crowd favourite: vegan chocolate sauce.
Baenana was born when Rachel, a fan of weekend markets, noticed a lack of healthy food. Although she admits she’s a hot chip fan, she said, “I loved the banana ice-cream I made at home and thought maybe I could provide it as an option for other people looking for healthy food.” She recognised there weren’t many options for people with dietary requirements or food sensitivities and wanted to provide something that would nourish people and leave them feeling good.
In 2018, friends and family helped Rachel paint and fit out a food truck. Since then, she has been selling ice-cream at her local weekend markets, events and camps.
She and her family recently set up Baenana at South Queensland Big Camp for the entire week where they were fundraising through ADRA Australia for 25000 Spins and Ride4Rescue.
“I emailed about 50 banana farms to see if they’d be willing to donate any bananas. One company responded and said they’d be happy to,” Rachel said.
LaManna Premier Group donated 900 kilograms of bananas.
Whether the sun was out or the rain was pouring, Baenana had a constant line of people waiting for ice-cream each day at South Queensland Big Camp in September.
Rachel and the Baenana team raised more than $A7000 and look forward to future fundraising missions.
To keep up with Baenana updates, follow them on Instagram.
