KOKONUT: Curating moments of guiltless escapes and redefining human treats with an adventurous spirit, positivity, and balance.
- KLS
- a few seconds ago
- 5 min read
For the 178th feature of our "Together Talks" campaign, we collaborated with KOKONUT and Co-Founder, Jiahuizi Xiong. KOKONUT is a unique culinary venture specializing in dairy-free coconut puddings. At KOKONUT, they combine traditional and innovative tastes to cater to health-conscious and curious minds who are looking for guiltless yet flavorful indulgences. They stand out with an array of unique flavors including original, black sesame, matcha, each crafted with quality ingredients. Catering to both individual and wholesale markets, they serve an array of businesses from local shops to cafes and restaurants.
"Together Talks" feature # 178: KOKONUT presented by KLS - Your Trusted Shipping Solutions In The USA
🌴 How KOKONUT Was Born
KOKONUT started with a craving I couldn’t shake — a creamy, light coconut pudding I grew up eating back home in China. When I moved to Chicago for grad school, I missed it deeply. During that time, a friend from my hometown and I began making and selling it on the side. But as school picked up and life moved on, the pudding faded into the background.
Years later, I left my job as a healthcare tech analyst and moved to Irvine with my (now) husband. He’s always been entrepreneurial, and I knew I didn’t want to go back to corporate life. One day, while walking past a Chinese bakery, I saw that familiar pudding in the window — and everything clicked. That moment reignited the idea that had been simmering for years.
We started making small batches from home, selling to friends and family. The response was overwhelming, and before long, what started as a nostalgic craving became a business rooted in culture, flavor, and joy.
✨ What Makes KOKONUT Different
Most desserts in the U.S. fall into two camps: indulgent calorie bombs, or “healthy” options that feel more like punishment than pleasure. What I wanted was something in between — a treat that felt light, creamy, satisfying, and still nourishing.
KOKONUT hits that balance. The texture is silky, somewhere between flan and panna cotta, with a hint of young coconut. It’s plant-based, inspired by a family recipe, and each flavor — from matcha to Vietnamese coffee — is a nod to the Asian ingredients I grew up with. It’s not just a pudding. It’s a new way to indulge without the guilt.
🧗♀️ Lessons from Growing Too Fast
There was a moment when demand outpaced infrastructure — a time when we were growing too quickly and losing money trying to keep up. It was a difficult, humbling period. We had to take a step back, reassess, and pivot toward sustainable growth.
That experience taught me that building a healthy business isn’t about chasing scale at all costs — it’s about knowing when to pause, refine, and protect what matters most.
🎯 The Year Ahead
This year, we’re focused on getting into premium natural retailers: Whole Foods, Gelson’s, Mother’s Market, Bristol Farms, and Sprouts. These stores align with our mission and our ideal customer — someone who wants something new, nourishing, and thoughtfully made.
👩🚀 Becoming the Face of the Brand
In the beginning, my husband was the more visible one — he was used to it. I’ve always been more introverted. But over time, I realized that no one could tell our story the way I could. Stepping forward meant owning that role, even when it felt unfamiliar.
Now, showing up for the brand, sharing our journey, and connecting with others in the industry has become one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
📈 What I’ve Learned
My dad used to say, “If you focus on doing one thing well, the rest will follow.” That stuck with me. But I’ve learned that today’s world moves fast. Consumer preferences change. Markets shift. Businesses have to be flexible, curious, and willing to adapt — fast.
The biggest lesson? Don’t cling too tightly to one version of the plan. Stay grounded in your mission, but evolve with the world around you.
🌱 The Most Rewarding Part
The personal growth has been incredible. I’ve grown more in the past few years than I ever did in corporate. And the community — fellow founders, makers, and creatives — inspires me every day. These are the people who remind me why we’re building something different.
💡 My “Why”
KOKONUT exists to offer something better — a dessert that’s rooted in culture, but created for now. I want people to know that indulgence and health aren’t opposites. That you can enjoy a pudding made from real, nourishing ingredients and still feel good after.
And I want to share a part of where I come from. Coconut pudding was a staple in my childhood — and now, it’s become a bridge between cultures, one spoonful at a time.
🥥 Favorite Way to Enjoy It
Sometimes I eat it like a parfait, with fruit and granola. Other days, I’ll blend it into smoothies, or dust some matcha on top and enjoy it as-is. It’s versatile — and that’s what I love about it. It fits wherever the day takes me.
🌟 A Milestone That Meant the World
When we finally landed on Erewhon shelves, it was surreal. That process took months — and it wasn’t easy. Originally, our recipe included gelatin and dairy. Erewhon challenged us to go fully plant-based.
It felt like a risk — this was a family recipe, after all. But we took the leap. We removed both dairy and gelatin, and the final version turned out even better. That push helped us evolve not just the product, but the brand itself.
🛠 Evolving the Recipe
The early version of our pudding wasn’t vegan, and while it tasted great, we kept getting the same question: “Why isn’t this plant-based?” Deep down, I knew we had to make the shift — but we were scared of losing what made it special.
With Erewhon’s encouragement and months of testing, we found a way to preserve the texture and elevate the flavor — without compromise. And now, our entire line is 100% plant-based.
💼 A Principle That Guides Us
Stay lean. That’s the principle that’s guided every decision — from not opening a big storefront to limiting overhead. Being lean means being nimble, resourceful, and able to focus on what matters most: creating great products and serving our community.
It’s one of the most important things I took from my business education — and I live by it daily.
🎁 Promo Code
Purchase off their website here and use the promo code below:
TOGETHER -> 20% off
Community Callout
We met at a San Diego meetup event from StartupCity.org and we have soon bonded. On our startup journey, they've always been an inspiration. She is very passionate about what she's doing. It's a source of inspiration.
In Closing
KLS wants to thank KOKONUT and Co-Founder, Jiahuizi Xiong, for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for their journey with their social handles below!