Rau Chocolate is a dairy-free soft drink that is simultaneously sweet, vegan, dairy-free, and non-GMO. Available in six chocolate-centric flavors — including Salted Caramel, Mint, and Chocolate — Rau’s drinks are healthy but they taste much better than a person might expect when hearing the term “healthy” used to describe a functionally indulgent beverage.
On behalf of A Global Lifestyle, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rau’s CEO and co-founder Daren Myers. More on Myers and co-founder Brian Watrous can be found online at www.drinkrau.com.
AGL: Rau Chocolate makes drinks that are vegan, dairy-free and non-GMO. What came first: the idea for a healthy drink or the idea for a chocolate-based drink?
Daren Myers: For me it started with a deeply-rooted passion for nutrition and holistic healing. From there, it was a matter of applying my passion to an industry problem that no one had yet solved. For Rau, it landed with cleaning up and reshaping the way we all experience life’s most guilty pleasure–chocolate. A perfect blend of passion and fulfillment.
Do you have a favorite of the RAU Chocolate offerings?
My favorite Rau flavor depends on the tone of the day, but my usual go-tos are Semi-Sweet and Cold Brew Mocha.
When did you first become interested in healthy eating? Or at least when did you become concerned about better ingredients?
I grew up in a household where snacks consisted of celery and peanut butter instead of candy bars. Eating healthy has been ingrained in my soul since I was a little tyke. It’s why I care so deeply about ingredient transparency.
What’s coming up for Rau Chocolate?
Our focus over the coming months is to take our Southern California roots and expand Rau’s mission on a national level.
What is your next planned vacation?
My big — and only — vacation for 2018 will be my wedding on beautiful Lake Tahoe this summer. Excited for this next chapter in my life.
When not busy with Rau, how do you like to spend your free time?
Aside from the busy days spent building Rau Chocolate, I like to get outside and get some exercise and some beach activity with my friends.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Be true to who you are and what you eat.
