FAQ

What does KOJO mean?

KOJO is a twist on the Japanese word, Kōjō, which means plant. Our kitchens are World inspired with Asian influence, starting with Rice Paper Rolls from the Vietnamese cuisine, ranging to Japanese style Broths and Sushi.

KOJO is written in capitals to showcase the first two letters of KOLTURE, and JONES (the family name of two of the founders).

What is plant-based eating?

A plant-based diet focuses on the consumption of plant foods. This does not only include fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, healthy fats and whole grains. This does not necessarily mean vegan or vegetarian, nor does it mean you can’t consume small amounts of meat, fish or dairy.

KOJO does not stock, serve or keep on site any animal products.

Plant-Based vs Vegan

A vegan diet eliminates all animal products including dairy, meat and fish.

A plant-based diet is predominantly plant-based foods but can include a small serving of animal products once or twice a week. This is adjusted to the individual. KOJO is 100% plant-based and does not stock, serve or keep animal products on site.

What is a Plant-Based lifestyle?

There are a few principles to a plant-based lifestyle. The spotlight is on eating whole foods, which refers to whole, unprocessed foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes. The focus is having plants as a main on your plate, and if you choose to eat animal products, they could be on the side of your plate.

It is also about limiting moderate-highly processed foods such as canned, pre-packed, pre-made and also salad dressings, ready-to-eat food and foods with a long shelf life.

A plant-based lifestyle is more than just a plant-based diet. It’s about understanding how a plant-based diet can enhance well-being and being aware of the environmental impact that non-plant-based foods can have on the planet. It is also having mindfulness about the other ways we can be sustainable and eco-friendly for the benefit of our species.

What does Plant-Based eating mean to KOJO?

It’s our lifestyle! A new form of KOLTURE. in plants we trust.

Why have we chosen to use gluten-free alternatives?

We love carbs! Who doesn’t?

Our bodies enjoy eating a range of different types of foods that includes a range of carbohydrates. Since the typical western diet is packed with one specific type of carbohydrate, wheat, we wanted to introduce our customers to alternative carbohydrates.

That’s why you will find our menu filled with gluten-free options.

Why are we dairy-free?

We are plant-based so we do not stock, serve or keep on site any dairy products.

Instead, you can enjoy the delicious alternatives that we propose like coconut oil for cooking, coconut yoghurt and alternative milks for our drinks.

Why are we refined sugar-free?

The western diet can be full of sugar, it’s added to almost anything and everything these days, such as dressings, sauces, canned goods and bread.

To take the load off our bodies from ingesting so much refined sugar, we propose refined sugar alternatives such as date syrup, fruit, coconut flakes and cocoa nibs, all added in small quantities, but with big taste!

Do we serve Organic produce?

Yes. KOJO serves organic produce. Given the current climate, our suppliers can’t guarantee 100% organic, so this may fall to 85%, however we prioritise and state to our suppliers that all fruit and vegetables must be organic so we don’t serve anything less.

Some of our products do not label as Organic since the certification for organic can be expensive for some farmers and suppliers. However, they work to an organic standard, so we are more than happy to support these types of suppliers too.

What does organic mean for the people eating our food?

Organic farming means no artificial fertilisers, lowered environmental pollution, reduced greenhouse gas emissions plus there are 50% more abundance of plant, insect and bird life on organic farms.

What is KOJO KOLTURE?

KOJO KOLTURE is about kommunity. It’s about an inclusive movement that believes blue-sky thinking finds the silver-lining around every cloud. It’s about doing what is right with the resources that we have left. It’s about plant-based nutrition helping to restore balance in the body and harmony in the environment. in plants we trust.

You’re nuts about nuts, but I nut to know about peanuts.

KOJO does not stock, serve or keep on site any peanuts or peanut products.

Other form of nuts are served in some of our dishes, please speak to a member of the KOJO KREW who will be happy to advise.

We cannot guarantee cross-contamination on behalf of our suppliers.

We bang on about sustainability, but what is it?

Sustainability looks to reduce carbon emissions and develop and discover technologies and innovations to protect and revive our natural environment. Protecting against future damage to ecosystems and human and ecological health is at the core of sustainability.

What does KOJO do to be sustainable?

We are very passionate about sustainability, here are a few ways we contribute to protecting our natural environment:

• Our toilet roll used on site is unbleached, plastic and chemical free as well as being made from organic bamboo.
• The cleaning products used on site are environmentally and human health-friendly. (They also come in recycled and recyclable packaging, which after use are refilled and sent back to our supplier to be reused).
• Our straws have no micro plastics or chemicals, and are made from raw materials.
• All KOJO TO GO and take-away packaging are made from eco-materials meaning they are compostable.
• Front of House staff uniform is made from organic/recycled cotton and use natural dyes.
• KOJO partners to work with other brands from suppliers to manufacturers who share the same values and mission.

Why do we use ‘kJ’ to measure our foods calorie content?

Let’s start with the basics…

Calories and kilojoules are a measurement of energy. Kilojoules (or kJ) and kilocalories (or kcal/Calories) are a measurement of energy intake. They are essentially the same, but have a different scale (like centimetres compared to inches).

Here is the breakdown:
1kJ = 0.2 Calories
Or
1 Calorie = 4.2kJs

Our bodies require energy for our cells to carry out normal bodily functions and take part in physical exercise. Eating and drinking puts energy into our bodies. This energy is used for different functions, from the largest movements, such as running, to the smallest, such as breathing and digestion. To maintain weight, the energy we take in through food and drink must equal the amount of energy we use. For example, the more physical activity we do, the more energy we use up.

Empty calories refers to food or drink that we consume that are high in energy, like sugary drinks, that do not provide our bodies nourishment or sustenance.

KOJO states our food and drinks’ energy as kJ. The measurement seems lower when measured in kilocalories. There has been stigma over calorie counting. Useful for those on weight loss programs or those training as athletes.

Dishes and drinks at KOJO can be high in healthy fats, increasing the kJ measurement. We advise guests to focus on the energy that food and drink can give them and pair this with appropriate exercise to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Biodegradable vs Compostable products

The wide variety of products claiming to be compostable or biodegradable can be confusing. There are some differences that impact their disposal. A compostable item needs four factors to be able to break-down and be considered compostable: sunlight, oxygen, water and heat and be able to provide nutrients to the environment around it. An item that biodegrades means that it will breakdown into smaller pieces after it has been thrown away.

Something that is biodegradable is not necessarily compostable.

KOJO will provide bins for biodegradable and compostable waste.

Why do we give students a 15% discount?

KOJO is very keen to promote healthy eating to the younger generations, giving a 10% discount to students we hope to encourage young people to make good choices (occasionally).

Why do we give NHS staff and Emergency Services a 15% discount?

Take care of those who take care of us.