Erewhon features MIKUNA for 'Meet the Maker'

Ricky Echanique is a fifth-generation Ecuadorian farmer and former tennis pro athlete. Through his company, Mikuna, he’s on a mission to share the power of Chocho with the world. We spoke with Ricky to learn more about his story and how Mikuna came to be.

Can you tell us about the story behind Mikuna?

I had a lifelong aspiration to build a meaningful connection between my Ecuadorian heritage and my life in California. This vision, along with a passion for environmental activism, sports, and wellness, inspired me to create MIKUNA. At the heart of our company is one of the world’s most nutrient-dense plants and sources of protein—‘chocho’. Chocho is a regenerative crop endemic to the Ecuadorian Andes Mountains, and I believe it has the potential to become one of the most important sources of nutrients and protein for the next generation.

How is Mikuna redefining what plant-based protein can be?

At Mikuna, we offer more with less. Our Chocho protein is minimally processed, non-isolate, and lectin-free—preserving its natural nutrients, trace minerals, and bioavailability for easy digestion. Unlike many plant-based proteins that rely on heavily processed isolates and masking agents like pea protein, Chocho represents a paradigm shift—an elegant, unadulterated solution that prioritizes purity at its source. While many plant-based protein brands source from industrial monocultures, Mikuna distinguishes itself through an environmentally conscious approach, with the ultimate mission of delivering a product that nourishes the body, supports communities, and protects the planet.

What makes Mikuna’s sourcing sustainable?

Mikuna sources its Chocho from Indigenous farmers in the Ecuadorian Andes, specifically from high-altitude regions between 10,000 and 14,000 feet. We partner with small-scale farmers who cultivate Chocho using regenerative practices that rely solely on rainwater—without synthetic inputs or irrigation. Traditionally, Chocho has also been used as a cover crop, rotation crop, and natural soil enhancer, as its roots fix nitrogen back into the soil. This model not only supports local communities but also helps preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the Andes—a value deeply ingrained in the DNA of our company. Chocho makes up 90% of our product line. For our flavored offerings—Vanilla, Cacao, and Horchata—we use USDA organic whole foods from trusted partners in Ecuador, Peru, and Southeast Asia, ensuring that sustainability and quality remain central to everything we do.

What was your biggest challenge in launching Mikuna?

One of the challenges in launching Mikuna was building market traction for Chocho—an unfamiliar yet exceptionally nutrient-dense protein. To overcome this, we strategically refined our messaging to clearly communicate Chocho’s unique value proposition, emphasizing its regenerative and nutritional benefits. We actively engaged early adopters to gather feedback and fine-tuned our approach to better align with their needs. Through film and photojournalism, we amplified our mission, using storytelling to build awareness of Chocho from the ground up.

How did your journey with Erewhon begin?

We launched Mikuna in December 2020, and soon after, Erewhon reached out. As our first partner, we shared the vision to bring Chocho to the world while being committed to culinary innovation and elevating this ancient super protein. Erewhon helped bring Chocho to a wider audience by partnering with us to launch our first smoothie, the Regenerada, in 2022. Today, Chocho is the plant protein of choice at the tonic bar and is featured in the Peanut Butter Blast, Chocho Pancakes, and their new bottled Cold Brew Protein Coffee.