We go to the farmers market with the healthiest of intentions. Surrounded by farm-fresh-everything, we carefully make our selections and check out, often to later realize we’ve quite indulged. Cheese, cinnamon rolls and some deep fried empanadas perhaps, or maybe it’s cupcakes and wine that fill our bag. With scratch-made, small batch goods galore at the market, it’s easy to lean into the luxurious treats. But, with makers like Chizfit in southeastern PA, simple pleasures and holistic nutrition are all wrapped into one scrumptious package.
A few years ago, Justin Chisholm began baking dairy-free, vegan products to meet his own wellness goals. A personal trainer and wellness coach by trade, he started making protein-packed vegan pies that he brought with him to the gym. Colleagues and clients tried them and asked for more, setting Chisholm along an unexpected path. “I started experimenting with new products and new baked goods using plant-based protein and natural micronutrients, all with the value of functional nutrition,” he says. The demand for his quietly healthy treats only grew.
Justin Chisholm
Chisholm’s friend suggested he apply to farmers markets to sell his growing baked goods line. “I never really thought of that,” he recalls. “I applied and was able to get into the Lansdale Farmers Market, which was great to reach people and help them understand the products.” He’s now a four seasons vendor at farmers markets throughout Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties with an online shop and growing retail presence as well.
Chisholm offers an array of mouthwatering baked goods that he posts – along with his farmers market schedule – on the Chizfit Instagram page. They include delights like raspberry orange cake, apple cider donuts, mango turmeric kombucha bread, flourless gingerbread squares and the bestsellers, blueberry cobbler and peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bar. He also sells plant-based protein powder in vanilla and coffee flavors. Everything is vegan, dairy free and full of protein, which Chisholm makes with the everyday consumer in mind.
“It all came from a functional standpoint,” he says. “I wanted to have a snack that has decent ingredients, has some protein in it, and makes me feel good. When I started making products, it was to reduce dairy in my diet, which helps with digestion and bloat. A lot of people are also looking for energy and protein. These snacks can all fit into your daily routine, regardless of who you are.”
Baking with minimal, plant-based ingredients can be quite challenging, but it came naturally to Chisholm, who is used to incorporating those items in his diet. “From a health and wellness standpoint as a personal trainer, I look at ingredients that add value,” he says. This includes things like chia seeds, pistachios, pea protein and pumpkin seeds. “These are things I eat all the time,” he says.
Chisholm works out of his home kitchen, certified by the Department of Agriculture, and sources ingredients locally whenever possible, while continually refining his products. But getting out of the kitchen and face-to-face with customers is what he really enjoys. “Doing the farmers markets has allowed me to have different conversations about wellness, training, building muscle or just functional activities. People will tell me the progress they’re making and different things they’re doing to promote healthy habits and physical fitness within their lifestyle. It’s cool being able to connect in that way. Also, being able to partner with other vendors and farmers and see their growth within the market community is big for me.”
Going forward, Chisholm plans to build Chizfit into a full lifestyle brand encompassing nutrition, personal care items and apparel. “One system of daily wellness,” he says. His rave-worthy baked goods, tasty protein powder and engaging presence on the local farmers market scene are a fantastic foundation.
Find Chizfit products at Growing Roots Farmers Market, Horsham Farmers Market, Lansdale Farmers Market, North Wales Farmers Market, Oakmont Farmers Market, Schuylkill River Park Farmers Market and Yardley Farmers Market, Chizfit’s online shop and through retailers including Living Hope Farm, Holly Hill Health Foods, Philly Foodworks and MeWow Cafe. 223 East Main St., Lansdale; (267) 329-9207.
- Photos: Chizfit
