We’re excited to present our iconic series Behind-The-Brand which honors trusted brands dedicated to creating a better planet. This edition features Keimling Naturkost, a German health-conscious raw food brand.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
Winfried Holler, Founder
Keimling Naturkost is synonymous with natural and health-conscious nutrition, an online retailer and EU-bio-certified food brand offering a wide array of organic, vegan and raw vegan food products that focus on gentle preparation and nutrient preservation. Founded by Winfried Holler in Northern Germany, the company has been owner-managed for over 40 years, holding values like honesty, reliability, sustainability, and continuous improvement in product quality, processes, and customer service.
Keimling Naturkost’s story begins in 1984 with Winfried Holler, who has a deep-seated passion for introducing organic raw vegan nutrition into people’s daily lives. He believes in the benefits of a diet rich in unprocessed and unheated foods to support health and longevity. What started as a one-man show quickly grew into one of the leading companies in the vegan raw food movement.
Holler began selling raw organic muesli, wholemeal bread, and organic raw food from his van at local markets in Buxtehude, a small town near Hamburg, Germany. In 1989, five years later, he took over a small store, named it „Keimling“ (“seedling‘ in English), and transformed it into a specialty shop for raw food. He expanded the product range to include juicers, dehydrators, and blenders, laying the foundation for the company’s unique product offerings.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
This early focus on slow juicing technology was a turning point. Winfried Holler was the first to bring the Green Star Slow Juicer from America to Germany, introducing the concept of slow juicing, which retains more nutrients compared to traditional juicers. These devices are specifically designed for raw food preparation, playing a crucial role in maintaining vital nutrients. Holler’s pioneering vision of promoting a plant-based diet in harmony with nature made Keimling Naturkost a leading brand in the raw food movement, and the connection between the brand and its founder remains strong to this day. With 60 employees, Holler’s philosophy is embraced by its employees who take pride in working for a company that advocates for conscious and natural eating.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
At Keimling Naturkost, the principle of gentle food preparation is key. Food should not be heated above 45°C (113°F) to preserve the essential vitamins, minerals, and heat-sensitive enzymes that are critical for good health. This is what sets raw food apart from processed alternatives, as the nutrients remain largely intact. The difference can also be tasted – unprocessed, natural food offers a more intense flavor. Raw food encourages creativity in preparing dishes, juices, or smoothies that can range from sweet and sour to bitter, mild, or umami.
Take, for instance, a cold pressed green juice, which is not just a trend from L.A., it’s a powerhouse of vitamins and enzymes to fuel the body. Try a simple recipe like a green juice with celery, cucumber, spinach, apple and lemon with a cold pressed juicer, for example, the Omega Slow Juicer which uses a low-speed masticating process to extract juice without heat, ensuring that the fruits and vegetables retain their full nutrient profile. The connection between raw food and the right appliances cannot be overstated. That’s why the emphasis on high-quality appliances is deeply rooted in the company history. Winfried Holler’s early focus on bringing innovative kitchen tools from around the world to Germany positioned the brand as a market leader. Keimling Naturkost was also a pioneer in introducing dehydrators and high-performance blenders like the Vitamix, offering customers tools to create raw food dishes that are not only healthy but also easy to prepare.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
Editor’s Note: Living with Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune condition) and Endometriosis (a chronic illness), a mindful, nutrient-rich diet has significantly contributed to my well-being. Both conditions are still not fully understood, and their exact causes remain unclear. However, it is believed that environmental factors, such as processed and genetically modified foods, may play a role in their development. Personally, I love the Paleo lifestyle, which emphasizes raw foods and focuses on whole, unprocessed ingredients. Eating this way has helped me manage my symptoms and feel more in control of my health.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
The so-called “raw food dietary style” includes a variety of fresh and dried fruits and seaweed (dried in the sun under controlled conditions to preserve their value) raw vegetables, wild herbs and flowers, spices, nuts, seeds, sprouts (preferably home-grown), high-quality cold-pressed oils, and soaked and crushed grain flakes.
Keimling Naturkost products are 100% plant-based which is considered the most natural form of human nutrition. The natural and wholesome approach to nutrition is capable of supplying all essential nutrients for a balanced lifestyle. By consciously choosing a diverse range of plant-based foods, you can enjoy an impressive variety of nutrients and flavors while ensuring adequate nourishment.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
Whether dried fruit, nuts or seaweed: Keimling Naturkost is committed to offering only foods sourced from fair organic cultivation or wild harvesting, ensuring that their products are beneficial for consumers, the environment, and the communities involved in harvesting and processing. For example, Keimling’s cold-pressed flaxseed oil is produced using a local mill and is freshly pressed weekly upon order. All products are free from preservatives, vitamin supplements, tableting aids, and gelatine capsules. Keimling also strictly avoids genetic engineering and irradiation as well as drying temperatures above 45°C for raw food products as mentioned above. This commitment applies not only to the Keimling Naturkost brand but also to all products available in their online store from other manufacturers.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
Since Holler’s mission is deeply rooted in his commitment to bringing genuine raw food to people, he cares that consumers truly receive raw food as promised. He recognized the issue that not all “raw food” is truly raw, leading to confusion among consumers. Raw food spans the entire supply chain, involving many stages—from cultivation and gentle processing to overseas transport, and storage. Each step must ensure the product isn’t heated above 45 degrees Celsius. In response, Holler co-founded and developed the ‘really-raw’ certified standard under the Rawfood Association, which provides a uniform definition of quality and accepted processing methods. This standard guarantees strict control, carried out by independent certifiers. Additionally, Keimling Naturkost is also independently certified under this standard. When you see “really raw,” you can trust the product is genuinely raw, from harvest to the finished product.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
A health-conscious diet includes a variety of fresh or dried fruits, raw vegetables, wild herbs and flowers, spices, nuts, seeds, sprouts (preferably home-grown), high-quality cold-pressed oils, and soaked and crushed grain flakes. And a diverse vegan and raw food diet also requires high-quality kitchen appliances. Keimling Naturkost provides an extensive selection of practical and premium kitchen tools, including top-rated blenders, juicers, dehydrators, and water filters, making Keimling Naturkost one of the leading retailers in Europe for products supporting the raw vegan lifestyle.
Our Favorite Raw Food Essentials:
– Keimling Naturkost Nuts and Almond Puree
– Oils, especially Linseed Oil
– Dried fruits (Medjool Giant Dates, Mango)
Our Favorite Appliances:
Why we love it: Ideal for cold-pressed juicing and nutrition and making baby food, nut butters, pasta and more. Celery
Why we love it: Known for its powerful performance and versatility.
Why we love it: Great for traveling.
Keimling Naturkost products are available worldwide, primarily through their German online store, Austrian online store or Swiss online store all with international shipping.
Additionally, Keimling Naturkost is the exclusive supplier of brands such as Vitamix, Omega Juicers, and Tribest in the EU. Retailers can contact Keimling’s business-to-business department via keimling.eu.
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
We wish you lots of enjoyment with the raw food lifestyle and recipe development!
For locals in Northern Germany interested in learning how to cook raw, Keimling Naturkost offers its own RohAkademie, where you can attend in-person courses to explore the raw food lifestyle. With tailored course concepts, the academy provides opportunities to discover new paths to enhanced well-being and health, supporting you on your journey toward a more fulfilled and vital life. The focus is on you and how you feel in your body!
Photo courtesy of Keimling Naturkost
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