Today we’d like to introduce you to Sri And Aruna.
Hi Sri and Aruna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Prana Kitchens is a spice business built on the belief that mindful eating, conscious living, and supporting our farming communities are vital for a thriving lifestyle.
The spark for Prana Kitchens came about during a hike in the Grand Canyon. We have always shared a deep love for nature and an awareness of the implications of our lifestyle choices on our bodies and the planet. We came to the realization that the life we cherished was made possible by our unconscious integration of wellness, nutrition, and environment. We were captivated by the thought that if we could consciously extend these principles, we could collectively thrive as a community. Integrating our heritage and belief in the Ayurvedic wisdom of food as medicine led to the start of Prana Kitchens.
We draw inspiration from cuisines, forgotten and new. We have crafted spice recipes that transcend boundaries, marrying the authenticity of time-honored Indian spice flavors with the inventive spirit of our global culinary melting pot. Our recipes hail from our mothers and grandmothers, while embracing a modern world. All while staying true to the principles of Ayurveda — an essential aspect of improving our wellness.
Welcome to a world where taste meets tradition, and conscious consumption embraces community empowerment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Supporting our farming communities is a core pillar of Prana Kitchens’ ethos. We set out to connect with experienced farmers and source organically grown spices for our blends. It quickly became apparent that the USDA Organic certification process was financially out of reach for many farmers, even though their practices often exceeded the standards. Only wealthier farmers could obtain certification, leaving many who practiced regenerative farming and nurtured improved soil biodiversity without recognition or fair premiums.
Determined to support these farmers, we began sourcing single-origin whole spices, hoping customers would value ethically sourced ingredients. To showcase these spices, we publicly shared our recipe for Turmeric “Golden” Milk with customers. The response was instant and overwhelming — customers began requesting it as a finished product. What strengthened our resolve even more was the trust our customers placed in us, supporting our products without formal organic certifications, believing in our sourcing integrity and transparency.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Prana Kitchens LLC?
About Prana Kitchens
Prana Kitchens, founded by Aruna Sankaranarayanan and Sri Giridharan, is a spice-based business dedicated to creating handcrafted goods that delight the taste buds while promoting holistic well-being. Our journey is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic principles and traditional recipes passed down from our ancestors. Beyond ensuring spice quality, we are committed to ethical sourcing from fair-trade and regenerative farms, supporting farming communities as a core value of our brand. Prana Kitchens is where taste meets tradition, and conscious consumption embraces community empowerment, fostering a sustainable and harmonious food culture.
What We Do & Specialties
At Prana Kitchens, we cater to health-conscious, global foodies with our handcrafted, Ayurveda-inspired spice blends, meal kits, and spiced nuts that support a balanced lifestyle. We use organic, sustainably grown ingredients, and our small-batch, cast-iron roasting preserves natural oils and flavors. For those who value ethical purchasing, our fair-trade sourcing and commitment to sustainability stand out. Global food lovers appreciate the vibrant flavors our blends bring to diverse cuisines.
We are particularly proud of our Satva (goodness) Meal Kits, which make cooking fresh, wholesome, and grounding meals a breeze. Satva Meal Kits are suitable for all ages and all seasons, are a complete plant-based protein, and are power-packed with nutrients. The kits include simple cooking directions for convenience. Our khichadis use a combination of ancient grains and lentils to create balanced, easily digestible meals with low glycemic indices, making them suitable even for people with common ailments. By combining ancestral spice wisdom with thoughtfully curated meal kits, we help our customers enjoy holistic, mindful cooking while promoting sustainable and ethical food practices.
Brand Pride & Commitment
We are most proud of creating a brand that makes food sustainably fresh, nourishing, and naturally healing. Every product reflects our dedication to ethical sourcing, Ayurvedic wisdom, and holistic wellness, allowing our customers to enjoy meals that nourish the body, respect the planet, and honor traditional practices.
What We Want Readers to Know
At Prana Kitchens, we believe food can be healing, wholesome, and sustainable. Our offerings make it simple to cook meals that are nutrient-rich, grounding, and connected to tradition, while also supporting local farmers and regenerative agriculture. Mindful eating, conscious living, and sustainable sourcing are at the heart of everything we do, making wellness, flavor, and community impact accessible in every meal.
Prana Kitchens was awarded the 2025 Snail of Approval by Slow Food USA! This recognition celebrates our commitment to good, clean, and fair food. It’s a proud moment that reaffirms our mission to bring Prana (life force energy) back to every kitchen.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What do you like best about our city?
We are particularly grateful for Atlanta’s diverse, open-minded, and supportive community, which has warmly embraced both our mission and our products. This support is best exemplified by our customers actively advocating for us to secure a coveted spot at Upper West Market. This unique indoor farmers market, currently in development in the Buckhead neighborhood, is designed to feature and champion Atlanta-based brands and local producers.
What do you like least about our city?
The traffic can be challenging, and we hope the city continues to improve its public transportation system to reduce congestion and pollution, making it easier for everyone to move around sustainably. Additionally, we would like to see efforts to make all aspects of daily life, including public transportation, more accessible and inclusive for Atlanta’s diverse communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pranakitchens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pranakitchens/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pranakitchens
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pranakitchens
