Couple Built Rs 6 Cr Gut-Friendly Wellness Brand Using Ingredients Sourced from Local Farmers

“Managing polycystic ovary syndrome, (PCOS) isn’t about quick fixes or taking something to cover up the symptoms. It’s about a root-cause approach, one should understand the deeper issues at play and make informed and knowledge-based decisions,” says Vibha Harish, a 30-year-old entrepreneur.

When Vibha Harish was diagnosed with PCOS in 2016, she found herself navigating a healthcare system that offered only short-term fixes. Frustrated with superficial solutions, she turned to plant-based remedies — a decision that not only transformed her health but also laid the foundation for ‘Cosmix’, a wellness brand that’s redefining clean nutrition in India.

Built with her husband, Soorya Jagadish, the company champions long-term health through gut-friendly, additive-free, plant-based protein supplements. But their commitment doesn’t stop at health — from sourcing herbs directly from Indian farmers to packaging their products in glass jars with fully biodegradable scoops, Cosmix is proving that wellness and sustainability can go hand in hand.

“I was looking for something that would help me recover in the long term, not just an instant remedy that could positively affect my health further,” she tells The Better India.

Today, Vibha and her husband, Soorya Jagadish, have built a Rs six crore business out of plant-based protein supplements, all while embracing eco-friendly packaging solutions

Vibha’s journey with PCOS wasn’t just about finding a solution for herself, she also wanted to help others who faced similar health challenges. I wanted to create something that was accessible and natural for anyone struggling with the hormonal disorder,” she says.

The idea behind Cosmix: Long-term solutions for health problems

In December 2019, after years of research and experimentation, Cosmix was born. “When we first started, protein wasn’t even part of our product range, and today, it’s our biggest seller,” says Soorya. “We began with very pure remedies aimed at improving digestion, sleep, stress, immunity, and more. Our core idea was to make products using herbs that are already available in most kitchens, like jeera (cumin), ginger, and ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng), which are known for their specific health benefits.”

Vibha adds, “We didn’t want to complicate things. We focused on extracting and formulating these everyday ingredients in a way that would deliver the highest potency and best results for our customers. The uniqueness of our products was that we didn’t use any emulsifiers or bulking agents to make them taste better. We wanted to offer raw ingredients that would directly support people’s health concerns. Of course, these products weren’t exactly tasty in the beginning, but people understood that they were making a health-conscious choice, and that’s when our business started to gain momentum.”

Dr Ramakiran, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, Doctor of Medicine (Ayurveda), Post Graduate Certificate in Kidney Sciences, states, “The plant-based protein supplements contain no unnecessary additives, and what sets them apart is the carefully crafted herbal blend. This formulation, developed by a team of experts, is specifically designed to support digestion. Each batch also goes through lab testing to ensure safety and potency. The combination of high-quality ingredients and scientific expertise makes this protein not just effective but also a safe option.”

Dr Nidhi Tripathi, a gynaecologist and fertility specialist in Noida, with over 12 years of experience, says, “PCOS is a multifactorial disorder that affects our metabolism and can cause diabetes, obesity, and other health problems. While PCOS itself does not directly cause inflammation, it causes obesity, and this is what leads to inflammation in the body.” She recommends incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like herbal blends such as ginger, turmeric, and fenugreek to help manage symptoms.

She also observes that many patients are shifting to plant-based protein due to its benefits in managing cholesterol. “I have seen many patients switching to plant-based protein and now, they feel healthier and robust, and their cholesterol levels are also controlled,” she says. She adds, “While more studies are needed to prove this, it is the experiences of people that help to understand that this can be helpful.” 

Initially, Cosmix was a very small operation, with Vibha leading the charge alongside a handful of formulation experts and a few people in manufacturing and warehousing. Soorya, still serving in the Indian Navy at the time, recalls, “I would talk to Vibha every day, brainstorming and figuring out how we were going to grow the company, even though I wasn’t involved full time yet.”

Vibha, who had quit her job at Rolls Royce to focus on the brand full-time, shares, “We started small, but our main goal was to offer trusted products, we didn’t want rapid growth. As the products started resonating with people, I could feel the gradual growth happening organically.” Soorya joined the brand full-time in 2021.

Sourcing raw ingredients from various parts of India

“Our plant-based protein isn’t like anything else out there,” Soorya explains. “We focused on creating a product that was not only easy to digest but also free of common allergens. A lot of plant-based proteins out there can cause bloating, and we didn’t want that. Our formula includes digestive herbs like fennel and ginger to support gut health naturally.”

The couple utilises raw and ethically sourced herbs such as ashwagandha, turmeric, and ginger, each known for its anti-inflammatory and health-boosting properties. 

Unlike many products that use artificial flavouring, Cosmix uses real ingredients such as vanilla beans and cocoa powder. “We are very particular about the ingredients we use and where they come from,” says Vibha while explaining how the brand is different from others in the market. 

“For example, to make our herbal blend, we source ashwagandha from Gadag in Karnataka. We have built strong relationships with local farmers and block a specific quantity of ashwagandha that they harvest just for us. Once it is harvested, it’s dried and powdered before we extract it to get the exact amount we need for our formulations.”

Soorya adds, “The process doesn’t stop there. After the extraction, we combine the ashwagandha with other key ingredients like jeera and fenugreek, creating a custom blend based on our specific formulations. Then, every batch of this blend is tested for purity, identity, and composition. We work with a third-party FSSAI-approved (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India-approved), NABL-accredited (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories-accredited) lab to ensure that our products are free of heavy metals and microbes. Our priority is always to provide the cleanest and most effective solution for our customers’ health needs.”

He continues, “We do all of this without using any chemicals or additives. Our products are as natural as they can be, and the only sweetener we use is monk fruit, which is a completely natural option.”

This diligent approach extends to their plant-based protein supplements as well. “The coffee we use in our protein supplements comes from Chikmagalur,” he says. “We work closely with farmers there to get the finest coffee beans. After we receive the beans, we roast and powder them ourselves to ensure the highest quality. We then combine this with pea protein isolate, rice protein isolate, coconut milk powder, and our proprietary digestive herb blend, which includes ingredients like ginger, fennel, cumin, and fenugreek. Additionally, we use an Arabica coffee blend, Indonesian cacao, Kerala vanilla bean powder, and monk fruit. It’s a very custom process, designed to offer a unique protein supplement.”

Vibha adds, “The same attention to detail goes into our strawberry-based plant protein. We have partnered with farmers in Mahabaleshwar to source the strawberries, which we carefully wash, dry, and powder ourselves. Then, we mix the strawberry powder with our protein base – pea protein isolate, rice protein isolate, and coconut milk powder. We also add our digestive herb blend, Kerala vanilla bean powder, and monk fruit to make sure it’s not only tasty but also beneficial for digestion and overall health.”

Biodegradable scoops reduce the plastic problem

Packaging produces 40 percent of the world’s plastic waste, and the couple wanted to commit not only to wellness but also to being mindful of what they were doing to preserve the planet’s life. As they began building Cosmix, they realised that sustainability had to be a core part of their ethos. In an industry where plastic packaging and waste were rampant, they wanted to challenge the status quo by offering an environmentally conscious alternative. The solution came in the form of biodegradable scoops.

“Plastic scoops are one of the most wasteful parts of protein packaging,” says Soorya. “We wanted to do something different. From the beginning, we chose glass jars for our packaging, even though plastic was cheaper and more common. Despite the higher cost, we were committed to sustainability and refused to compromise on it.”

“Instead of contributing to the growing plastic problem, we created biodegradable scoops that would break down naturally into the soil, reducing waste and supporting sustainability,” he adds.

Cosmix is also one of the first companies in the wellness industry to embrace this innovative packaging solution. The biodegradable scoops became a talking point for the brand, and they differentiated themselves from other protein supplement brands in India.

“We always listen to our customers,” says Vibha. “Many of them asked us not to send scoops with our products, while others preferred having them. We had to find a solution that worked for everyone.” After much consideration, they decided to develop scoops made from biodegradable material, which uses husks and starch. These scoops are specifically designed for food products and are made from plant-based materials that naturally break down into nutrient-rich soil.

Soorya adds, “We wanted to ensure that our packaging was in line with our sustainability values, so we spent time sourcing the right material. It was available in its raw form, but it had to be shaped into scoops, which meant collaborating with a local manufacturer.” 

How the company reached its overall growth

Dr Samrakshini G, a Bengaluru-based gynaecologist and fertility specialist, highlights that while plant protein alone may lack all essential amino acids, combining different sources can make it complete. She recommends a balanced diet with both plant and animal proteins for optimal nutrition, adding that plant protein is high in fibre, low in saturated fat, and helps lower the risk of lifestyle diseases.

And this factor played a vital role in Cosmix’s journey to becoming a Rs 6 crore business. “We didn’t want to scale too quickly,” Vibha says. “We focused on understanding our customers and building trust with them. It wasn’t until we saw that our products were truly making a difference that we decided to expand our range. We are also a completely bootstrapped company till now and plan to stay like this.”

Jude Gonsalves, a customer for the past eight months, shares, “I have been using Cosmix for the past couple of months, and it has been a game-changer. Unlike other protein powders I have tried, there is no bloating or chalky aftertaste, which used to be a real issue with whey proteins. The seasonal flavours are a fantastic touch as they are delicious and keep things exciting, so I never get tired of the same old chocolate or plain flavours.”

The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in accelerating Cosmix’s growth. As people began prioritising their health, wellness products, especially plant-based alternatives, became more sought after. 

“The pandemic made people realise how important health is, and that’s where we stepped in,” Soorya reflects. “Our products cater to that shift. With plant-based proteins that are gentle on the gut, people found an alternative that was both effective and sustainable.”

Their best-selling products, like the plant-based protein powders, My Happy Gut (a digestion-supporting blend), and Sleep Like a Baby (a herbal sleep aid), quickly garnered a loyal customer base. 

Neha Sapru, a customer for the past 12 months, says, “‘My Happy Gut’ has been a true companion for quite some time now, and it has helped keep my gut in great condition. It effectively controls my bloating, and I don’t have to worry about this problem while travelling. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to regulate their gut health and maintain overall well-being.”

“We aim to expand our business globally in the near future”

“Our My Happy Gut supplement has become one of our star products. It features a blend of mulethi, fermented papaya, guava, triphala, jeera (cumin), ginger, and Ashoka bark,” says Soorya.

With a steady and organic growth model, Cosmix has built a strong foundation, and its revenue for the financial year, Financial Year 2024-25, reached an impressive Rs 60 crore, with monthly earnings of around Rs 6 crore. 

Today, the couple continues to expand its product range, which includes everything from protein powders to gut health supplements. They have built a team of 95 people across various departments, including operations, logistics, social media, manufacturing, and more. 

This diverse team works together to ensure the smooth functioning of the business, from sourcing high-quality ingredients to managing the logistics of delivering products to customers. “We aim to expand our business globally in the near future, but only after fully understanding and catering to the unique needs of our customers,” concludes the couple.

Edited by Saumya Singh; All pictures courtesy Cosmix

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