Sodexo Live! and Rbel Bee are making waves at Shedd Aquarium one bite at a time, partnering to offer hungry guests "Snacks with Benefits." Founded by Joline Rivera, Rbel Bee honey fruit chews are made with honey, not sugar, and packed with other functional ingredients. "I wanted snacks that do way more for me than just satisfy my sweet craving," explained Joline. "I knew if I wanted it, then others must want it too."
The brand's journey began when Joline faced her own health challenges. Like many Latinx Americans, she struggles with insulin resistance. "Instead of prescribing pills, my doctor gave me a 'food prescription.' It was an incredible list of functional foods I could eat and things to stay clear of." She began looking for alternatives to refined sugar and sugar substitutes, and that's when she turned to the bees. "Honey is a nature-made functional sweetener packed with nutrients and enzymes that tastes incredible. It made perfect sense to create gummies sweetened with honey."
Joline's inspiration came from a mix of personal experiences - her grandfather's stories about being rewarded with honey as a child in Mexico and her research into using real, anti-inflammatory ingredients to manage her condition. "I was looking for any healthy sweet snack that didn't inflame my body," she explains. Rbel Bee's fruit chews caught the attention of Patricia Fraser, Vice President of Guest Relations at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. After a mutual friend shared samples, Patricia reached out to Jolene, eager to bring the natural, nutritious snacks to the Aquarium for kids. "Patricia and Sodexo Live! were open-minded and saw the value in bringing our product to Shedd," says Joline.
"The introduction of Rbel Bee's honey-based fruit chews offers a wholesome alternative to traditional sugary snacks," said Josh Rupp, Sodexo Live! General Manager at Shedd Aquarium. "We are thrilled to provide families and visitors with a guilt-free snacking option that not only satisfies their appetites but also promotes healthier eating habits and sustainable business practices."
This collaboration also opens doors for events and programs focused on nutrition education, sustainability, and the importance of bees and pollinators, enhancing the guest experience while benefiting the community. "We know that without bees, we wouldn't be alive," said Joline. "We're proud to partner with organizations dedicated to protecting bees and educating people about the importance of all pollinating species." Rbel Bee donates 15% of every Rbel Bee Sweets purchase to The Butterfly Pavilion, an organization that celebrates invertebrates of all types by educating people on their essential role in the ecosystem. They educate thousands of students annually, teaching them how insects are more than just pests to be avoided or frightened of, but how they are a tremendous resource to be protected.
Joline is also working on getting the brand's ingredients certified as toxin-free - a personal mission stemming from her belief that reducing exposure to harmful substances is key to supporting overall health. As Rbel Bee continues to grow, Joline remains committed. With unique flavors, functional ingredients, and a mission-driven founder, Rbel Bee is carving out a niche in the crowded snack market.
Sodexo Live! takes pride in creating strategic partnerships that not only elevate their offerings at venues such as the Shedd Aquarium but also empower local entrepreneurs. "By collaborating with local vendors and brands like Rbel Bee, we are able to source innovative, high-quality ingredients and products that pave the way for a more sustainable and exclusive future," explained Josh.
