The Ancient Kichwa Concept of 'Nourishing Your Body Through Food'.
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 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 your body, supports communities that harvest it, and protects the planet.
Meet our Founder, Ricky
While living in Santa Barbara, Ricky faced health and digestion issues that sent him on a new path: to find a better form of plant-based nutrition. This journey led him back home to Ecuador and to Chocho, the "Andean super protein."
Mikuna was founded by fifth-generation Ecuadorian farmer and former professional athlete, Ricky Echanique.
While living in Santa Barbara, Ricky faced health and digestion issues that sent him on a new path: to find a better form of plant-based nutrition. This journey led him back home to Ecuador and to Chocho, the "Andean super protein."
This powerful lupin has been harvested for thousands of years by Andean farmers yet remains relatively unknown because it grows so remotely. Given his deep roots within the Ecuadorian agricultural community, Ricky felt confident that he could share Chocho with the world. As he met with local farmers, he was moved by their kindness, hospitality and work ethic. Supporting and working alongside Chocho farmers quickly became a key part of his mission.
MIKUNA is proud to empower our farmers with education, fair trade and programs to help take their income from cents to dollars—because we believe our local impact matters as much as our global one.
Our Mission
My personal mission is to bring regenerative crops to life, standing side-by-side with indigenous farmers, and crafting a food system that nourishes both people and the planet.
- Ricky Echanique, MIKUNA Founder & CEO
