Nova Scotia Company Makes Dairy-Free Creamer That’s Good For The Body And Environment
HALIFAX — In the world of small businesses and start-ups, sometimes an idea forms from coincidence and circumstance. For Sun Under The Sea, it just so happens that the three founders, Jeremy Moule, Matthew Brown, and Alexandra McCann, all have dairy sensitivities.
Naturally, the three decided to create a dairy alternative product. They chose a non-dairy creamer because the three loved their coffee, but weren’t thrilled about having to always drink bitter, black, coffee.
In 2018, the Nova Scotia-based company began 18 months of research and development to create this dairy-free product. For better or for worse, this meant drinking a lot more coffee.
“The product that people are buying today is version 23,” says Moule.
“There was a point where I was drinking 10 cups of coffee a day for a flavour profile.”
In the end, Moule and his partners came up with a healthy creamer made from MCT oil and marine collagen.
But how does it taste?
“We are very proud to say that our taste is neutral, in the fact that there is no flavour,” answers Moule. “And we purposely chose this because some collagens can have an off-putting flavour or smell.”
“But it will cut down on the bitterness of your coffee or tea.”
And because it has no taste, the creamer is also ideal for adding to things like smoothies, soups, bread, and cookies.
Even though Sun Under The Sea didn’t start its research until 2018, Moule’s research into his own body began many years before.
He paid close attention to his body while playing football for Acadia University. That’s when he found out, through trial and error, that dairy wasn’t meant for him.
“Since that time, it’s been an up-and-down battle trying to figure out what works for me and what doesn’t work for me,” said Moule. Anytime I had any kind of dairy product, my throat would start to swell.”
“Eventually, I just started eliminating dairy as much as possible out of my diet. I didn’t have to clear my throat any longer; my joints actually felt better. It was a tremendous feeling.”
It’s quite ironic that Moule has launched a business based on dairy alternatives. It just so happens that he comes from a family of dairy farmers.
“My mother’s side of the family is all dairy farmers. So, I have no ill will towards dairy farmers…but people are starting to become more aware of their bodies and their reactions to certain items,” said Moule.
“I still try to visit cows from time to time-they’re lovely animals.”
Sun Under The Sea officially launched its product in October of 2020. The creamer is available online and in 25 retail outlets across Nova Scotia.
Last year the company got a lot of help from Futurpreneur– a Canadian non-profit that provides funding and mentorship to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39. Moule gives the organization a lot of credit for helping to launch Sun Under The Sea.
“The money that I received immediately went into buying inventory, so I was off to the race,” said Moule.
The three co-founders aren’t just in business to make money, however. They believe businesses should strive to make a positive impact on people and the environment.
A portion of the money made through sales of the creamer goes to the charity Oceana- a Canadian organization that advocates for the protection of oceans.
Sun Under The Sea’s packaging is also completely biodegradable- made out of corn and wood pulp, which will “literally be turned into dirt.”
“I have two young children and I want to see a future that’s in a much better position than I inherited,” says Sawyer.
The company also has a philosophy on work/life balance that Moule calls “slow down, be more.”
Before becoming a business owner, Moule was a professional accountant who was used to burning the midnight oil. Like many in the corporate world, it led to massive burnout.
“I was putting in 60-to-70-hour work weeks. One week I clocked 92 hours,” says Moule.
“But nobody on their deathbed ever says: ‘remember that financial model I built?’”
Moule now believes it’s important to be in the moment, which was part of the inspiration for the unique company name.
His co-founder, Matthew Brown, has spent his life travelling and surfing, and he found a unique peace while diving into the ocean. Brown then relayed his story to Moule, who thought it was a brilliant analogy.
“When you’re in the ocean and you duck your head under the water and you’re floating there and you’re just in that moment—watching the sun dance on the coral or the fish.”