Taro Dream Inc. and BioNative Nutrition and Research Founder Pamela Noeau Day began her pursuit in 1988 for a hypoallergenic food out of necessity to save the life of her highly allergic infant daughter. This “staff of life” of the Hawaiian people not only saved her daughter’s life but has been the answer for thousands of people with digestive challenges, celiac disease and food allergies.
Poi, the fermented paste of the taro corm (from the taro plant) is an ancient and sacred life-giving food. Poi is hypoallergenic, naturally gluten-free, and contains plant-based microorganisms that have been validated by research to be safe and highly beneficial. Poi is also considered to be one of the most digestible foods on earth and has been recently shown in research to kill cancer cells in the colon.
The use of Poi is said to have led Captain James Cook and other early western visitors to Hawaii to describe native Hawaiians as being an exceptionally healthy people. More recent scientific studies have substantiated the observation that pre-western contact Hawaiians were among the healthiest races on earth.
Very few food staples exist anywhere in the world that can be considered hypoallergenic, rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, a good source of B vitamins, contain vitamins A and C, minerals, and a small measure of high-quality, easily digestible protein. Kalo, or Taro, as it is more commonly known, is not only nutritious but is considered to be a beneficial carbohydrate food that provides a high-fiber, slow-release energy food source that may be beneficial for the more than 100 million people worldwide who suffer from diabetes.
The following are just a few of the exceptional merits of Poi:
- High in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The nutrition in Poi is better utilized than other foods due to fermentation (similar to yogurt) and small starch granules
- High amounts of alkaline-forming elements in Poi reduce gastrointestinal disturbances and are better tolerated than other foods and reduce acidity in diseases such as cancer
- Helps prevent cavities and creates strong bones
- Provides valuable, easily digestible nutritional support for individuals who suffer from indigestion, malnourishment, special health challenges and those recovering from illness
- Poi, if contaminated by pathogenic organisms, may purify itself with naturally occurring lactic acid-producing bacteria
- Contains numerous and powerful health-supporting fermentation compounds
- Easily digestible, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic
The taro used by Taro Dream, Inc. is grown using Safe Food Farming methods and then after it is ground and naturally fermented until it is just the perfect pH. Here’s why:
As taro ferments, it produces precious and varied beneficial metabolites. Bacteriocins are one of these that exhibit powerful antibacterial properties. Some of the natural benefits of bacteriocins are: improved nutritional value of food, control of intestinal infections, improved digestion of lactose, control of some types of cancer and control of serum cholesterol levels.
After years of scientific research, Taro Dream Inc. has acquired a full range of cultured food science and manufacturing innovations based on the use of dehydrated Poi. Although these phenomenal products are not available for purchase on the mainland US yet, through the process of developing its first product line Taro Dream, a full line of Poi-based, gluten free foods is preparing to be launched nationally. Nutrient-dense, naturally fermented, dehydrated Poi that includes powerful plant-based beneficial microorganisms will also be offered. POI BABY�, a novel and delicious Poi-based food for children and elders, will also fill a gap in the health needs of many of the most vulnerable groups of the population.
Taro Dream, Inc. has funded years of feasibility studies, product research development, extensive test marketing and small-scale manufacturing operations through the founder’s personal funds and time, as well as funding of over $600,000 in federal grants.
Safe Food Farming methods meet or exceed organic standards.
I am so glad we can receive more. We love it! Both my son and I have sensitive stomachs – too much fruit (which isn’t a lot) can trigger gut problems for us, and that has not happened even though the summer fruits are upon us. Also, I recovered quickly from a bacterial stomach bug and I believe Poi was on great value. I am so grateful that we can get Poi from you and appreciate your generosity. Thank you! — Kathy
Update by Craig Walsh (August 2, 2026): We are finalizing an update of the old Poi Company website — moving it from early 2000’s Article Manager software to new WordPress software. This article was on the old site and has been migrated across. The only mention of Taro Dreams I can now find on the internet is a January 2014 video (very poor quality) on YouTube. I have re-published the article on the new website for its historic value.
You might want to do research on other companies who are in the Poi for baby food business. Sounds like you already got competition??? Or you can see how they do it and make yours better,
Does anyone know of any companies making taro-based baby food currently?
Hi, I would like to supply taro to Hawaii. i am originally from Fiji Islands and they produce one of the best taro in the world.
Thanks,
Have child with allergies to almost all foods.
My daughter has multiple food allergies, gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, oats, peanuts, tree nuts, bananas, soy….We find it hard for her to get nutrition. She is under weight and we are concerned. Please help. Where do I buy poi from?????????????????
Where do you sell TaroDream dried poi or any of your poi products in Honolulu ?
Is poi beneficial for the human liver…another words is it a remedy for liver disease as well. Please give me other helpful nutrional and remedy facts about poi.
I have numerous food sensitivities and allergies and drug allergies – also chronic pancreatitis is and bile reflux leading to stach erosion. Do you think This product could be of help?
Taro Dream has a new website: http://www.hawaiihealingfood.com
We are still donating our special nutrient dense dried poi to people with critical issues. Contact through the website or [email protected]
Last Sept.2013, I moved from Honolulu, HI to Tacoma, WA. I am really missing my poi. Do you recommend any place near here that might sell poi? Poi satisfies most of my nutrition needs and it also keeps my weight in control. Your info is excellent. Thank you for spreading the good news about POI.
Oct. 23, 2014 Please Help…..
We just received 2 bags of poi that was first frozen then mailed to us from Honolulu via U.S. Postal Service. We have had these packages shipped to us from our family often and without any problem.
However this time, the package was shipped on Oct. 13 and arrived today, Oct 23. A span of 10 days and, as one would expect, the poi is only a mash now.
Question:
Is the poi safe for us to eat?
We hope someone can help us with our dilemma.
Hope to hear from someone soon.
Aloha and Mahalo!
Les Henry
This is my second note to you. I do not remember if anyone responded to my first email:
I live in Tacoma, WA since Sept. 2013 and miss my Hawaiian food, especially fresh poi, etc. Where can I buy poi for a reasonable price?
Rochelle —
We no longer make poi, as explained on this website. The folks who respond to the comments posted here do so more by luck than science. I live on the East Coast, so am afraid I can’t help you. I think “poi for a reasonable price” on the West Coast in a big ask. Remember, it can only be shipped by overnight courier.
I’m impressed with the nutritional information of poi. Living in Kahaluu, I started to grow my own taro and make my own poi, using a Champion juicier. Since then, I have a true appreciation of poi, knowing the length of time it takes to grow the taro in an area needing lots of fresh running water, harvesting, cooking the taro and making poi. Back in the 1950’s a small bag of poi was 25 cents and a larger one for 50 cents, over the years I have seen the price rise, with the scarcity of agricultural land, increase in over-head cost and the lack of interested people to be farmer are some of the reasons that drives the prices of this precious food product. I am fortunate to see our local markets still sell poi in bags and hope it will continue to be our food staple here in Hawaii.