Yococo: Vegan Dairy-Free Ice Cream That’s Made with Love

Hey there! I want to tell you all about Yococo – the coolest, most delicious vegan ice cream out there. It’s not just any ol’ ice cream. Yococo is made with love and completely dairy-free.

What’s so special about Yococo? Well, it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a dairy-free treat that gives people who can’t have dairy a chance to enjoy ice cream. But on the other hand, it’s so good that even people who can have dairy can’t resist!

Yococo is all about elevating your taste buds to a whole new level. Their flavors are out of this world and their ingredients are top-notch. They make sure to use only the best ingredients, so you know you’re getting a high-quality treat.

But it’s not just the taste that makes Yococo special. It’s the heart and soul that goes into each and every pint. Yococo is dedicated to serving love in every scoop. From the moment they start making the ice cream to the moment it reaches your hands, love is poured into every step of the process.

Now, let’s talk flavors. Yococo has something for everyone. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fruity fan, or a nutty enthusiast, Yococo has got you covered. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they even have unique flavors like lavender and matcha. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

When you choose Yococo, you’re not just choosing a dairy-free ice cream. You’re choosing a company that cares about your health, the environment, and spreading love. They understand the importance of providing a delicious treat that doesn’t compromise on taste or values.

So, if you’re in the market for a vegan, dairy-free ice cream that will blow your mind and leave you feeling good, look no further than Yococo. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Hey there, I want to introduce you to someone pretty amazing. Her name is Sinenhlanhla Ndlela, and she did something really cool. She left a really great job in television to start her own dessert business called Yococo. You see, Sinenhlanhla wanted to create something special for people who can’t eat dairy.

It took me eight months of determined effort to bring Yococo to life. We’re a dairy-free, artisanal ice cream company, and our very first product was a vegan ice cream flavor made with cookies and rooibos. We were so proud when our ice cream hit the shelves of the famous Rosebank Market in Johannesburg.

But building a business turned out to be a whole different ballgame. I have to admit, my first year in business was a roller coaster. There were moments of doubt, and I felt intimidated by the challenges that lay ahead. I entered with big dreams, but soon realized that my expectations needed some adjustment. It hit me just how much effort and hard work it takes to turn dreams into reality.

Never backing down, I searched for solutions and stumbled upon a business development program that was perfect for my needs. They named me Sinehlanhla, but you can call me Sine. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a knack for business, especially when it comes to managing your finances. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, I had a moment of clarity. I realized that personal growth is even more valuable than growing my business,” I admit with a smile.

Yococo has become a force to be reckoned with, proudly representing Africa. I’m the ambitious pioneer behind it, and I’m here to share my thoughts on business, travel, and the joys of being a new parent.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room. Are you one of those people who can’t handle dairy? You know, the ones who indulge in dairy products and then suffer the consequences? Well, you’re in good company here.

[laughs] Luckily, that’s not the case! But I do remember when I was pregnant, my body had this weird craving for dairy, while also hating it at the same time. It was quite a rollercoaster! But you know what? That experience actually inspired me to create dairy-free ice cream. I wanted to remove all animal products from my diet and figure out how they were affecting me emotionally.

Back in 2016, I started Yococo with a simple goal in mind: to bring more joy and fun into life. It’s amazing how something as sweet and delicious as ice cream can brighten up our days and put a smile on our faces.

‘Our mission at Yococo is to remind each and every one of you just how amazing and perfect you already are. Bliss is our birthright, and we want to bring a taste of that into every scoop of our ice cream,’ Sine explained.

It’s been almost seven years since I started Yococo, and one of my biggest motivations is the desire to ‘serve love’. You may be wondering, how on earth can ice cream accomplish that?

Wow, can you believe how quickly time flies? It’s amazing how many people out there can’t enjoy a good old-fashioned ice cream without facing the consequences of food intolerances. But fear not, because here at Yococo, we’ve created something special just for you.

Our mission is simple: serving love. But how, you ask? Well, we’re proud to say that we’ve found a way to do it without using any animal products. That’s right – all the deliciousness of ice cream with none of the guilt.

But it doesn’t stop there. We’re also mindful of our impact on the environment, so we make sure to use biodegradable products wherever we can. Because loving the planet is just as important as loving ice cream.

Now, let’s talk about the power of ice cream. It’s amazing how something as simple as a scoop of the good stuff can bring back memories and make us feel connected. I remember how my mom and grandma used to use ice cream as a way to show their love for me. It created such a strong association between love and ice cream in my mind. And that’s exactly what I want to share with you through Yococo.

So, why did we choose the name “Yococo”? Well, it’s a playful twist on the words “you” and “cocoa.” We wanted a name that would instantly make you feel welcome and cozy – like curling up with a warm mug of cocoa. It’s all about creating that sense of comfort and joy in every bite.

I still remember the time when I sat down with a pen and paper, jotting down various names, each one a potential candidate for the birth of a new creation. It had to be a coconut-based concoction, that much I knew. Coco had to find its place in the name. And just in case ice cream wasn’t the ultimate destiny, I considered the possibility of yogurt. However, this whole venture was also inspired by my spiritual journey, so a word that hinted at unity and connection was necessary. And that’s when yoga, meaning union, came into the equation. And thus, Yococo was born – a name that resonated deep within.

Now, let me be honest for a moment. I recently attempted the art of ice cream making myself, and, well, let’s just say it highlighted the fact that I should probably stick to my day job. So, I’m curious, how long did it take you to master the craft of ice cream making? And do you still personally create all of your ice cream delights in-house?

[laughs] Hey, don’t worry! When I first tried this, I regretted quitting my job too. I remember jumping into bed and crying. But you know what? I didn’t give up. Even though it felt like I had gone too far to turn back, I kept pushing forward. And you know what? It paid off! After about 2-3 months of practice, I started feeling confident enough to charge money for my ice cream. It wasn’t easy, but I kept learning and improving over the years. Looking back, it’s funny how some things that seemed impossible back then are so obvious now. Oh, and by the way, I don’t do everything by myself anymore. I have someone who helps me make the ice cream.

I’ve had the pleasure of savoring your ice creams throughout the years, and there are two flavors that have become my absolute favorites: Stracciatella and Salted Caramel. Although I must admit that I have also found delight in the unique combination of Beetroot Chocolate. How do you manage to create such incredible flavors?

Ah, thank you! I used to experiment with various ingredients, and when I start making ice cream or any kind of food, something magical happens. My imagination takes control, and I begin to envision different mixtures and the elements that are missing. It’s through this process that I come up with new recipes and delightful combinations.

Sine has a vision of establishing the most prominent and pleasurable ice cream brand in South Africa. Additionally, she aims to utilize her continuous growth to support her team and empower more women.

‘I want to give people in rural areas the chance to grow with my company,’ I tell you. ‘On my journey, I’ve been lucky to meet many people, and my mother has been there for me every step of the way. I truly believe that my team has carried me through tough times, making us stronger. They all understand the process and contribute greatly.’

In 2019, Mail & Guardian named you one of the top 200 young South Africans, and your business has successfully sold hundreds of tubs of ice cream to people all over the country. Do you have any plans to expand that love beyond South Africa and perhaps even further?

Oh, absolutely! I want Yococo to be enjoyed all over the world.

Inspired by the strong and determined women in my family, I have found my passion for ice cream and my dream for the future. I believe that we can show that ‘fun’ and ‘healthy’ can go together. That’s exactly what I’m doing with Yococo’s dairy-free ice cream. I want to show that we can make a difference in the world and spread love, one scoop at a time.

Speaking of spreading love to the world, it all starts at home, doesn’t it? Now, as you embark on your journey of being a mom while running a full-time business, have you faced new challenges? If so, how do you find the time to ground yourself?

Motherhood has opened up a whole new world for me. I thought I had it all figured out before, but now I’m like, “What is happening? Where are all the grown-ups?” It’s definitely a fun and exciting journey, filled with lots of learning. I’m grateful for the inner work I did when raising my first baby, Yococo. I can now apply those skills here. For example, I’m open to learning new things, I give myself grace when times are tough, I’m not afraid to ask for help, and I make sure to take care of my mind, body, and spirit.

Have you ever been to a country that has truly inspired your taste buds with their ice cream?

During my time in Amsterdam, I had the pleasure of sampling various dairy-free ice creams, and out of all of them, I found myself partial to Yococo.

If you were to create an ice cream flavor that represents the essence of South Africa, what ingredients would you include?

I envision a flavor that combines the warmth of turmeric, a touch of spiciness from chili, and the vibrant sweetness of pineapple. South Africa, to me, is a lively and diverse country that is filled with exciting flavors!

Last but not least, where is Yococo currently located, and how can people get their hands on these delectable tubs of ice cream?

I’m currently located at Riversands in unit 65 of the Riversands incubation hub. However, you can also find me online. I supply Jackson’s in Kyalami and Bryanston, Thrupps in Illovo, and The Pantry in Rosebank.

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