CARINARA

We are Jacque and Jake Burklund, and we created CARINARA in 2023 after years of struggling with heartburn from tomato sauces. We discovered that many people—even those seeking natural health solutions—struggle with food sensitivities that prevent them from fully enjoying their favorite meals (1 in 4 people in the U.S.). Neither of us are from the food world. No culinary training, no CPG experience, no background in food manufacturing. CARINARA was willed into existence through persistence, late nights, and a shared belief that good food shouldn't require compromise. After countless home kitchen experiments, Jacque perfected a sauce made with fresh roasted carrots, onions, and garlic—delivering the rich flavor of marinara without the acidity. CARINARA is a fresh, whole-ingredient sauce that's designed for people with acid reflux, autoimmune conditions, and dietary sensitivities to enjoy their favorite meals again. Our sauces—The Original, Cracked Pepper, and Sweet Basil—offer a satisfying and gut-friendly solution. In December of 2023, we landed our first retail account. A month later, Jacque took home the grand prize at the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Pitch Competition for Female-Owned Businesses. Today, CARINARA is in 125+ stores across nine Midwest states. We are on a mission to expand beyond the Midwest, make CARINARA a household name, and help even more people reclaim pasta night—without the heartburn. Less Upsetti, More Spaghetti!