Lupin snacks for TEDxWageningen University

We were invited as Lekker Lupine to provide the snacks during the reception following the TEDx event on January 31st, which revolved around the theme “Rewriting the narrative”. In line with this theme, we proudly prepared a variety of lupinbites and were also given the opportunity to explain them. This allowed people to taste with attention, fully in keeping with the theme of the gathering.
… You can find the text and the images shown here. In this way, you can experience firsthand what our company is working on.

Marieke Laméris - director and co-founder of Lekker Lupine, presented the text & presentation below:

“Rewriting the narrative… with locally grown organic lupins.

Imagine eating more plant-based, following a healthier diet, and supporting a food system that restores biodiversity, improves soil health, and offers a real future for Dutch farmers.

Today I’ll show you why this is possible and how we’re doing it with Lekker Lupine. And how you can be part of this new narrative.

Let’s start with the basics.
Six years ago, I had no idea what lupin was either. I thought it was just a flower.
But this is what it really looks like: a field of young lupin plants, grown by biodynamic farmer André Jurrius across the river Rhine.

During flowering, the fields burst with insects; a biodiversity hotspot.
The plant doesn’t need artificial fertilizer; it captures nitrogen from the air and stores it in small nodules on its roots: reducing CO₂ emissions while enriching the soil and the plants.

Later in the season, the pods appear, and by late summer you have a field full of rattling pods ready for harvest.

And then…
you get beans that are so special!

About 40% protein. 40% dietary fiber. A complete amino acid profile.
A golden bean.

Comparable to soy. Yet instead of importing soy from the other side of the world and feed our animals, we can grow our own plant-based proteins right here in the Netherlands. Direct for human consumption.

So many benefits.
But farmers can’t do this alone.

That’s why André and I founded Lekker Lupine.
My name is Marieke Laméris, and our mission is to bring lupin back to Dutch fields and onto everyone’s plate. In a way that benefits farmers, nature, and consumers.

To do this, we’re building a strong, collaborative value chain:

• Organic cultivation and knowledge development

• Market creation and product innovation

• Community building

And the result?
You’ll taste it shortly!
Together with partners across the chain, we’ve transformed these golden beans into delicious foods:

1. Ready to eat Lupin Beans for Every Meal
Add them to soups, salads, curries: boosting fiber and protein effortlessly.
Available in organic stores, supermarkets, and for caterers.

2. Plant-Based Spreads
Our lupin spreads, currently for caterers only. Slowly, chefs and catering buyers are choosing local, organic options. Collaboration matters. And through projects like the “Broodje Gelderse Vallei,” momentum is growing.

3. Vegan Lupin Balls
Ekoplaza wanted more plant-based choices and saw a gap in the meat-replacement shelf. Together with Udea and De Paddestoel we created these vegan balls using our local lupinbeans and our Lekker Lupine brand for co-branding.

4. Dutch Lupin Flour at Inveja
Inveja in Twello, known for processing Australian lupins, is now also milling our Dutch organic lupins. Together we serve the local market and share the value. A new business model and 100% Dutch Partnerschip!

5. High-Protein Pasta
And from this flour, we’ve made Lupine Pasta. You’ll taste it today: 23.6% protein and 13.6% fiber. Simple, nutritious, delicious. So ease to boost your weekly pasta dish!

6. And Yes… Even Sweets
From stroopwafels to high-protein cakes developed for Olympic athletes at Papendal.
Baker Frank van Eerd discovered that lupin protein supports muscle recovery. Offering new possibilities not only for sports, but also for healthcare nutrition.

So…
When you enjoy the lupin snacks later today during ‘the borrel’ , know that you’re not just having a pleasant bite.

You’re contributing to rewriting the narrative, toward more local, organic, plant-based proteins grown on Dutch soil.

As Team Lekker Lupine, we’re proud to serve you today.
Let’s create that new story together!”