MEET THE FOUNDER

Hi there, I’m Lauralie!

I am originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. I’m a  housewife and stay-at-home Mom of two amazing kids. Embarking on my health journey, I discovered the transformative power of eating wholesome foods—a clean-label lifestyle that resonated with my well-being.

It all started in my home kitchen in Saint Louis, Missouri, where I was staying up late at night, losing track of time doing my favorite thing: trying and crafting delicious food products that are not just flavorful but genuinely good for you.

This passion led to the creation of Tolia Foods, I believe that all-natural foods can be both nourishing and incredibly delicious all by themselves, with nothing artificial added to them.

I view nutrition through a holistic lens, believing that a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle nourish the body from head to toe.

I'm excited to share these amazing flavors with you!


Whether you're seeking a flavorful addition to your meals, a healthy snack, or a convenient way to elevate your cooking, Tolia Foods spice blends and snacks are the perfect choice. Join us in making a positive impact with every delightful sprinkle and bite.

Thank you for cooking and snacking with purpose!


_Lauralie Mafolo, Founder & CEO

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ABOUT TOLIA FOODS

Tolia Foods is a Central African food company founded in Saint Louis, MO, offering consumer packaged goods made with only natural, clean ingredients. We are currently shipping nationwide in the US and in Canada, with plans to expand availability internationally in the near future. Additionally, if you are in Saint Louis, we have a line of ready meals currently available for carryout at the Exchange Kitchen (Google the Woman's exchange Saint Louis), you can stop by at any time during the store hours of operations to purchase our delicious Tolia Ready meals. As we move forward, we plan to introduce you to even more Tolia amazing crafted flavors.

Bon appétit!

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME

I started Tolia Foods with a mission to bridge cultural gaps and share the rich culinary heritage of my home culture. My goal is to create wholesome flavors inspired by the ancient culinary traditions of Central Africa, particularly those from the Congo.


The name "Tolia Foods" captures our mission essence perfectly, as "Tolia" means "let’s eat" in Lingala, a Bantu language spoken in the Congo. Born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I see "Tolia" as more than just a word; it’s an invitation to enjoy great food, good company, and a cheerful atmosphere.

Being from the province of Equateur, where my parents are from, I embrace the local tradition of cooking and sharing meals. In our culture, we ensure that everyone eats well and has plenty to take home. Through Tolia Foods, I aim to share this culture of hospitality and the vibrant flavors of my Central African cuisine with a fine creative twist.

Cheers to wholesome foods,

_Lauralie

  • OUR MOTIVATION

    To introduce the wholesome untapped flavors of Central Africa to every kitchen while nurturing a brighter future for children and families in the Congo.

  • OUR MISSION

    To infuse wholesome Central African flavors into every kitchen. By offering exquisite flavors and spices, we inspire professional cooks, adventurous food enthusiasts and home cooks to create unique exciting dishes.

  • OUR VISION

    A world where Central African flavors are not just ingredients, but stories; where every meal is an embrace of culture, and each purchase is a contribution towards a hopeful tomorrow for Congo's youth.

OUR CORE VALUES

ADVENTURE, ENJOYMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

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  • ADVENTURE

    At Tolia Foods, we believe that every meal is an opportunity to embark on a new journey. Our unique Central African spices represent the rich, diverse, and uncharted flavors of this region. Why stick to the usual when you can treat your palate to an exhilarating adventure? Every sprinkle of our spice is a step into the wonderful culinary landscape of Central Africa.

  • ENJOYMENT

    Tolia Foods' isn't just our name; it's an invitation to relish the joy of eating. We understand the sheer happiness a well-cooked meal can bring. That's why we're committed to enhancing the art of cooking with our spices. We aim to turn every dish into a reason for cheer. With Tolia Foods, it's always time to say, 'Let's eat and let's celebrate the great food!

  • SUSTAINABILITY

    For Tolia Foods, sustainability isn't a trend; it's a tradition. Our approach ensures that not only are our spices ethically sourced, but the communities that nurture them thrive. We take pride in providing flavors that respect both people and the planet.

THOUGHTFUL EATING : Our ingredients are clean and simple, naturally packed with delicious flavors.

For the past three years, I have been working on finding ways to capture the essence of ancient Central African culinary traditions and make them accessible to modern home cooks and food lovers. I crafted all-natural bouillon seasonings that enhance any dish calling for salt, herbs, and spices, named “Mama’s Kitchen Secret,” which has become a staple in my pantry. It is an all-purpose seasoning for anyone looking to naturally upgrade their meals flavor. With this seasoning, the possibilities are endless.


Then I crafted “Kinshasa Heat,” which was inspired by “sauce nature.” Sauce nature is the most common way we prepare and enjoy pepper soup-based dishes, such as Liboke, goat pepper soup and many others in the Congo. This versatile seasoning is light in color with a spicy-savory flavor that is pleasantly aromatic. It's perfect for a wide range of dishes that call for savory and a balanced spicy kick. 

Together, these products connect the modern home and professional cooks with the rich culinary heritage of Central Africa, allowing everyone to experience vibrant flavors in their own kitchens. Even more, with a fine touch of my creativity.

Mix and Match your Favorites!

Cheers,

Lauralie

Mix and match your favorites!