The story behind YumYeh

Hi, I’m Jennifer — a food scientist, chef, and the creator of YumYeh.

Growing up between two worlds

I spent a long time feeling caught between my heritage and my identity as a first-generation Canadian. I loved the food, flavours, and traditions I grew up with, but I didn't always feel confident sharing them. I remember being embarrassed to bring Chinese food to school or speak Cantonese in front of my friends.

Years later, I realized something: the parts of my identity I once tried to hide were the very things I wanted to celebrate and share.

Why electrolytes?

For years, I had two seemingly separate worlds: my professional life and my personal one.

Professionally, I spent years in food science, developing products for major CPG brands—Smucker's, Cadbury, SmartSweets. I learned how to combine function and flavour at scale, and how to make products people actually want to use. I also spent a lot of time in professional kitchens fine tuning my palate and the importance of flavour balance.

Personally, I was chasing adventure. After years of solo travel and exploring the world, I found my way to Vancouver. Hiking, camping, and exploring the mountains became part of my everyday life.

Then these two worlds collided. I'd be out on a trail, reaching for an electrolyte drink, and the same questions kept coming up: Why does every option taste the same? Why are some so low in sodium?

Where were the Asian flavours?

I had the food science skills to answer these questions. I had the lifestyle that made me need to. So I decided to create my own.

YumYeh

Right now, it's just me. I develop the formulas, test the flavours, work with suppliers, pack the orders, and answer every email. When you support YumYeh, you're supporting a small BC business.

Yum means "drink." YumYeh means "drink something."

Drink YumYeh. Stay hydrated.

— Jennifer
Founder, YumYeh