WELCOME TO THE LOVE YOUR LOCAL LARDER PODCAST! A PODCAST THAT CELEBRATES LOCAL PRODUCE WITH THE PEOPLE WHO COOK AND GROW IT.

Blog written by Louise Mckie. 

In this episode, Suzie has a lovely chat with Karen Robinson, founder of the wonderful Three Robins brand.  They discuss Karen’s journey from working in women’s rights to owning a company that has developed family-friendly, lactose-free products.  We hear about the practical challenges of making oat milk in Scotland, the difficult act of balancing family and business, and the exciting development of networks across the UK that are working to offer healthier, more sustainable food choices for families.

The Three Robins (named in homage to Karen’s Three sons) first began in 2019 with some experimentation in making oat milk.  Karen’s middle son is lactose intolerant and she was frustrated by, not only the choices of drinks and snacks on offer, but that the branding of these did not connect with the concerns of parents.  Karen recognised that most oat milks were being developed for coffee-drinkers and the barista market; as a result, these were formulated to be best in coffee, not for the nutritional needs of a growing child.

Karen tried a small-scale operation in her kitchen and discovered the difficulties with making a product that was flavourful, had great consistency when hot or cold, and could be drunk on its own without coffee to disguise aspects of the flavour.  Subsequent conversations with friends confirmed to her that this idea was one worth pursuing and that there was a market there for her product.

Next, was to work with food scientists to help with the core recipe - easy in comparison to finding a manufacturer!  Karen found no infrastructure in Scotland to make and package oat milk; indeed only one supplier in the whole of the UK could process it.  With recipe and manufacturer in place, the company formally launched in 2022 and has grown to include 2 other products in its range: flavoured oat milks and fruit smoothies. 

Throughout this episode, we are provided with much food for thought around the choices we have as consumers.  Suzie and Karen discuss the lack of nutritious ‘grab and go’ foods for Primary-aged children that meet needs from ‘breakfast to bedtime’.  This is a gap that Three Robins is working tirelessly to fill.  Karen is keen to pack as much nutrition into her products as possible.  Three Robins oat milk is fortified with vitamins B2, B12 and D as well as calcium and folic acid to provide a well-rounded milk option for families.  The range of smoothies developed are similarly packed with fruit, vegetables and oat milk to support healthy development of body and brain.

Three Robins stand out in a crowded oat milk market.  Their commitment to reducing added sugar while maintaining a great flavour that even those picky little consumers will enjoy, is fundamental to their process.  Karen and Suzie both recognise how challenging it can be to find easy options for families who want a plant-based, healthy diet and share their experiences of navigating a market that is flooded with junk food and chemically enhanced products that are enticing to children.

This leads to a lovely example of how founders support one another, as Karen and Suzie share their challenges and frustrations of starting their own ventures, as well as gratitude for the networks and support structures that have lifted them.  Three Robins also added a second member of staff to join Karen, through a government internship that has been so successful, the appointment became permanent. 

Both women and their businesses continue to grow and push the boundaries of the food industry through the ‘Female Founders’ network in Edinburgh.  Three Robins is also, notably, a founding member of the ‘Kid’s Food and Drink Collective’.  Alongside 9 other ethical brands, they are working with the food and drink industry to find affordable and healthy options for children.

In the usual ‘Tasting’ section, Suzie confesses that the Millar family have already drank all their Three Robins products!  A great ‘thumbs up’ from the Milar boys!  She was struck by how creamy it tasted and how much it looked like milk.  The taste was lovely and was enjoyed by all the family: exactly the result Three Robins aims for.

This conversation will leave you thinking about the food market in Scotland and the collective of small businesses that make the craft side of this unique.  Three Robins is a wonderful, nutritious addition to this Scottish palette.  Their full range can be found here.