Food Pharmer aka Revant Himatsingka launches health-focused brand ‘OWN’

Revant Himatsingka, popularly known online as Food Pharmer, is turning his mission for food transparency into a business. The social media influencer, known for dissecting food labels and exposing misleading claims, is launching a clean-label food brand called Only What’s Needed (OWN). His first product—whey protein—will go on soft launch in June, followed by a full release in July.

In an interview with Moneycontrol, Revant said, “One of the biggest concerns my followers point out is that my content is more problem-focused. Nine out of my 10 videos will probably say that a particular product has a problem or is being advertised incorrectly. I want to go from being problem-oriented to solution-oriented, giving more alternatives to people, telling what they can potentially eat.”

Community-Built Brand

Interestingly, OWN is not just Revant’s brainchild but a community-driven initiative. From the brand name to the product category and even the ingredients, much of the development has been shaped by feedback from his followers. “It was people who decided what product I should launch. They are also suggesting the ingredients,” he told Moneycontrol. He initially considered naming the brand Take Charge, but the final choice—Only What’s Needed—was suggested and voted in by his audience.

OWN aims to do exactly what the name suggests—strip products of unnecessary additives and deliver only the essentials. “Most companies add unnecessary and often harmful ingredients. We’re doing the opposite — including only what’s truly needed. That way, you’re taking ownership of your health because you’re making a conscious choice — it’s your product,” Revant said.

No Compromise on Quality

While the brand is focused on clean ingredients, it’s also clear that affordability won’t come at the cost of quality. Revant acknowledged that the product wouldn’t be cheap, but he aims to offset costs by slashing marketing expenses. “Most companies spend insane amounts on ads. If I can cut down the advertising budget by 20–30 per cent and pass that on to customers, then we can be cheaper,” he said.

The products will be sold online—through his own website, quick commerce platforms, Amazon, and Flipkart. As for offline retail, Revant admitted it’s not on the radar yet. “It needs a different kind of expertise, which we don’t have at the moment.”

Backed by a Manufacturing Partner

To get the brand off the ground, Revant has partnered with a manufacturing unit in Tirupati, which is also investing in the venture. According to him, this investment will sustain the brand for the first six months, after which they may look to raise further capital depending on consumer response.

Beyond Business: A Certification Movement

OWN isn’t Revant’s only new project. He’s also rolling out a new approval tag, ‘Food Pharmer Approved’, a certification that endorses brands and products he believes in. Initially, he had planned for a lab-tested model but decided against it due to high costs and time constraints. For now, the endorsement will be based on ingredient review, with a disclaimer clarifying that the product hasn’t been lab-tested.

“I will approve brands which I think are authentic. This can potentially expand beyond packaged foods, like approving a healthy restaurant,” he said.

Even as he steps into entrepreneurship, Revant remains grounded about the business side of things. “Monetisation from the food brand is a long-term thing. You don’t get money even in the first three years,” he noted. Most of his current income, he said, still comes from public talks.

(All quotes and key information in this report are sourced from Moneycontrol’s interview with Revant Himatsingka.)