Hey!Hunger Named 2026 NEXTY Awards Finalist for Organic Roasted Beet & Walnut Tikka Veggie Patties

Indian-inspired flavor, organic whole-food nutrition, and gut-health focus earn national recognition at Natural Products Expo West

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 5, 2026 — Hey!Hunger, the organic frozen foods brand founded by Shireen Khera, has been named a finalist in the 2026 NEXTY Awards at Natural Products Expo West for its Roasted Beet & Walnut Tikka Veggie Patties. Widely considered one of the natural products industry's highest honors, the NEXTY Awards recognize brands that demonstrate exceptional innovation, integrity, and impact across health and wellness.

Selected from more than 1,000 product submissions, Hey!Hunger's Roasted Beet & Walnut patties stood out for their organic certification, ultra-low-processed ingredient list, and distinctive Indian-inspired umami flavor. Built around roasted beets, walnuts, legumes, and highly digestible plant proteins from nuts and seeds, the product delivers nutrient density and gut-friendly fiber without isolates, fillers, or artificial additives. Traditional Indian spices — long associated with digestive wellness — contribute both functional benefits and deep savory complexity.

For founder Shireen Khera, the recognition is deeply personal.

"Hey!Hunger is an ode to the food I grew up eating and the way my mother nourished our family," said Khera. "Indian cooking has always celebrated plants, spices, and balance long before 'plant-based' became a trend. To see a product inspired by those roots recognized on a national stage is incredibly meaningful. It shows that cultural food traditions and modern wellness can grow together."

Produced by New Hope Network, the NEXTY Awards are judged by a panel of retail buyers, industry experts, and editorial leaders who evaluate products based on innovation, inspiration, and integrity. Finalists are featured during Natural Products Expo West, the largest gathering of natural and organic brands in North America, placing Hey!Hunger among a select group shaping the future of food.

Hey!Hunger's Tikka Veggie Patties reinterpret a beloved Indian street-food format using organic vegetables, nuts, legumes, and spices instead of processed protein isolates. The brand focuses on ultra-low processing, nutrient density, and bold global flavors, offering consumers a convenient frozen option that aligns with cultural authenticity and contemporary health priorities.

"This recognition reflects a broader shift toward real food made from recognizable ingredients," added Khera. "Consumers are seeking nourishment, flavor, and cultural connection in the same bite."

About Hey!Hunger

Founded by Shireen Khera, Hey!Hunger creates certified organic, ultra-low-processed frozen foods inspired by traditional Indian cooking. The company's Tikka Veggie Patties are made with whole vegetables, nuts, legumes, and spices designed to support gut health while delivering bold, globally inspired flavor. Hey!Hunger is committed to sustainability, community impact, and making nourishing food accessible to modern households.