Grashka Presents Chiko 3.0
An improved formula that solves old challenges and brings a new level of flavor!
There’s always something cooking at our production facility—literally. After countless tests, fermentation adventures, and culinary experiments, we’re finally and proudly introducing the new version of our most popular product: Chiko.
What’s new?
With this new recipe, we aimed to solve the biggest issue with the previous version: inconsistency in flavor and texture. Seasonal fluctuations in the composition of chickpeas, such as varying starch and fat content, posed daily challenges in production. We’ve finally tamed that problem. With Chiko 3.0, we’ve achieved a firmer and more compact block, with a creamier consistency and a much more convincing taste and aroma.
We unveiled Chiko 3.0 in February at Biofach, the largest international organic food trade fair, where the crowd gave very positive feedback on both the flavor and the packaging.
Improved Ingredients
In Chiko 3.0, we’ve replaced olive oil with organic, sustainably sourced coconut oil—an essential ingredient for a creamier, more compact texture and improved taste. In the field of micro-fermentation, we are already exploring more regional and sustainable solutions.
A more complex fermentation process and the addition of yeast extract contribute to a deeper, richer flavor, while agar ensures an even better consistency.
New Paprika Flavor
We’ve enhanced the taste of Chiko Paprika by upgrading the spice blend with cumin, cayenne pepper, and chili. The result? A flavor experience that stands proudly alongside cheddar cheese.
Nutritional Value
Chiko 3.0 contains nearly 12 grams of protein per block—perfect for anyone seeking a plant-based source of high-quality protein. We're also working to increase this even further. Soon, all Chiko versions will offer 20 grams of protein per serving, making it an even richer source of protein.
In addition to protein, Chiko 3.0 is a great source of fiber, with 4.2 grams per block.
The Team and Development
Our food technologist Lara Lunder and her team did an outstanding job—from ingredient analysis and production process optimization to fine-tuning the fermentation. It wasn’t without challenges.
Lara shares her thoughts at the end of the project:
“We created around 120 different samples, testing various functional additives, their concentrations, and running numerous trials. We produced some imperfect samples and even had a few failed batches, but none of that stopped us—the adrenaline kept us going and we truly believed we’d succeed! After many attempts, we finally managed to develop and launch Chiko 3.0—a stable and tasty product that has been available since the end of April at Grashka Deli and all our retail partners in Slovenia (Interspar, Mercator, Biotopic, Krajček, Zlata ptička, Rifuzl, Vegansko, Koru, and Wolt Slovenia).”
Recycled Packaging
Because we believe in sustainability and minimizing waste, we reused old Chiko boxes. Of course, we updated the labels to reflect the new ingredients—but instead of printing entirely new boxes, we simply overlaid the new info. So the “collage” look you might notice isn’t a mistake—it’s our artistic creation.
We’re aware that Chiko hasn’t always been consistent in the past. We sincerely apologize to anyone who experienced this. But with the new recipe, we’re finally fulfilling our promise: better texture, better taste, better experience.
Thank you for growing with us.
– The Grashka Team