Q&A with Livia’s Crumbles’ Olivia Wollenberg
We caught up with the mastermind behind the health-conscious crumble to find out what the future holds for her
What was the inspiration behind Livia’s Crumbles?
I have always loved desserts but crumbles are my absolute favourite. When I was diagnosed with lots of intolerances at the beginning of last year I was determined to recreate the dessert I had always loved with ingredients that wouldn’t make me ill. Oats seemed like the obvious choice for toppings as they have been a staple in my diet for as long as I can remember and then I just played around with fruits and quantities until I found the perfect recipes for my four staple flavours.
Did you consider any other snacks or desserts before going ahead with the traditional crumble?
No, my first thought when I decided to start a company was crumbles! They are just so delicious and were probably my most missed dessert so it seemed only right to start with those.
Have you always been healthy eating-conscious? What influenced it?
I have always eaten fairly healthily but I loved to have cupcakes or desserts too! It was only when I was diagnosed with intolerances that I started to become really conscious of what I was putting into my body and how it was making me feel.
What is your go-to healthy snack?
I love to snack on a crumble when I am in the mood of course, but I also really enjoy having some fruit, guacamole with sweet potato wedges, oaty cookies like the ones on my blog or some sort of raw ball or bar.
Do you have any favourite bites or treats that are currently in the market?
I tried the Inspiral Smokin’ Coconut Pecks at a show we were exhibiting at recently and absolutely loved them!
What’s your idea of the perfect indulgent treat?
I love something really oaty – like a flapjack or a cookie.
Do you look up to any other foodies?
I really love Jamie Oliver, because he has made such a huge mark and really campaigns for healthy eating, especially for children.
Do you enjoy cooking as much as you do baking?
Baking is my absolute favourite but I do also really love to cook. My mum has always really enjoyed cooking, as opposed to baking, so I have learned lots about preparing savoury foods and delicious flavour combinations from watching her put together big family meals.
Do you have a signature healthy dish?
Ohhhh that is hard. I make ‘courgetti’ a lot. I also love quinoa and brown rice risottos with some added prawns or chicken
What do you get up to when you’re not baking?
I love going out for meals with friends, working out and keeping up to date with developments in neuroscience, as that was once very much my primary passion, and will always remain important to me.
Do you have a favourite coffee shop or restaurant that you frequent?
Recently I have been loving Peruvian food because it’s just so fresh and delicious. One that I have been going to a lot is Ceviche but I also like Pachamama.
Are there plans to expand Livia’s Crumbles?
Yes, we have already expanded from Livia’s Crumbles to Livia’s Kitchen, which has allowed me to diversify massively. I now have a popular blog where I share my recipes, plans to launch new product lines, the introduction of supper clubs and cooking courses, and much more!