Episode 80: Grit, Hydration & Youth Sport with Sonia and Jaspaul, GRINTA

Grinta began on the sidelines. As parents of four active children competing across multiple sports, Sonia and Jaspaul saw firsthand how long games, tournaments, travel, heat, and physical exertion could affect young athletes. They recognized a gap in the market: parents were looking for hydration products they could feel confident giving their active children.Named after the Italian word for “grit,” Grinta reflects the determination of young athletes, the families supporting them, and the founders building a new brand while balancing full-time careers and family life.Sonia brings extensive experience in regulatory affairs and the natural health products industry, while Jaspaul has a background in government, IT, operations, and project management. Their combined expertise has shaped every part of the business, from formulation and compliance to logistics and community activation.The product was also developed with direct input from young athletes. Soccer teams helped test five initial flavours, narrowing the lineup to Peach Mango, Strawberry Splash, and Blue Raspberry. The formulations include electrolytes, 10 grams of sugar, and a small amount of stevia to support taste and carbohydrate replenishment while avoiding front-of-package warnings for high sugar and sodium.We also explore what it means to build a brand at the grassroots level. From sampling at soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee tournaments to listening directly to parents and athletes, Sonia and Jaspaul are growing Grinta through education, trust, and community involvement.In this episode, we chat about: -Developing a hydration product with young athletes -Balancing electrolytes, carbohydrates, sweetness, and taste -Regulatory considerations for products intended for youth -The realities of entrepreneurship, family life, and founder resilience- Giving back to the volunteers, coaches, clubs, and families powering youth sportsTune in to hear Sonia and Jaspaul’s insights on building Grinta, developing a sports drink for young athletes, navigating the founder journey, and why grit matters both on the field and behind the scenes.Resources:Grinta: https://grinta.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grinta.ca