Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At Varofoods, we love sharing the joy of authentic Nigerian flavours in a way that’s quick, convenient, affordable, and absolutely delicious! Got questions? We’ve got answers! If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help.
ABOUT VARO FOODS
What does VARO mean?
VARO is short for Oghene (Varo) dovwe, which means "God is merciful" in Urhobo, a language from the Delta State of Nigeria. Our name reflects our deep connection to Nigerian heritage and the passion we bring to every bite.
How did VARO Foods start?
VARO was founded in 2011 by British-Nigerian husband and wife duo Omamo and Elizabeth Binitie. We saw a gap in the market—authentic Nigerian food was underrepresented in convenient, ready-to-eat formats. So, we set out to change that! In 2014, we launched the world’s first microwaveable Jollof Rice, bringing the rich, bold flavours of Nigeria to food lovers everywhere.
Our journey started with VARO Moinmoin in 2013, followed by VARO Jollof Rice in 2014, and by 2016, our products had made their way onto Tesco and Asda shelves. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always working on exciting new products to share with you!
ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS
What is Jollof Rice?
Jollof Rice is the undisputed king of West African dishes! 🍛 It’s rice cooked in a rich, spicy tomato sauce, packed with flavour. Every country puts its own twist on it:
🇳🇬 Nigerian Jollof is smoky and bold (and let’s be honest, the best 😉).
🇸🇳 Senegalese Jollof (Thieboudienne) is often cooked with meat.
🇬🇭 Ghanaian Jollof features chunky tomatoes instead of blended sauce.
One thing remains true—no Nigerian party (Owambe!) is complete without Jollof Rice!
How is VARO Jollof Rice made?
Pretty much the same way you’d make it at home, just on a larger scale! We parboil the rice, make our signature spicy tomato sauce, and then cook them together in individual pouches at high temperatures. This locks in the flavour and kills any naturally occurring bacteria, giving our rice its long shelf life—without preservatives!
Is VARO Jollof Rice spicy?
Our Original Jollof Rice has a warming kick, but it's not overpowering. If you love spice, pair it with our Hot Jollof Sauce for an extra fiery touch! 🔥
Is VARO Jollof Rice suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Absolutely! Our Jollof Rice contains no meat, dairy, or eggs—it’s 100% vegan and gluten-free.
Is VARO Jollof Rice high in calories?
Each 250g pouch typically serves two people, with:
- 301 calories per serving for the Original Jollof.
- 330 calories per serving for the Coconut Jollof (thanks to that delicious coconut extract!).
Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a balanced meal!
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY & PURCHASING
Where can I buy VARO Jollof Rice and Jollof Sauces?
You can find us in:
✅ Tesco (Afro-Caribbean section)
✅ Asda (Afro-Caribbean section)
✅ Amazon UK
✅ Our website: varofoods.com (best deals + exclusive bundles!)
I checked Tesco’s website, but it says out of stock. Where can I find your products?
Stock varies by store, so if you can’t find us at your local Tesco or Asda, your best bet is to order directly from varofoods.com—we offer exclusive discounts and bundles with delivery straight to your door!
Is VARO Jollof Rice cheaper on Amazon?
Nope! We’re the official seller on Amazon, but our best deals are always on varofoods.com. If you want the best value, shop with us directly!
STORAGE & PREPARATION
How long does VARO Jollof Rice last?
Our Jollof Rice has a shelf life of 18 months, thanks to our high-temperature cooking method—no preservatives needed! Just make sure the pouch stays sealed, and you’re good to go.
Can I freeze VARO Jollof Rice?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to store it in the freezer, just defrost it before heating as usual.
How do I prepare VARO Jollof Rice?
Couldn’t be easier! Choose your method:
🔥 Microwave: Heat for 2 minutes in the pouch.
🔥 Stovetop: Pour into a pan, add a splash of water, and heat for 3-5 minutes.
Enjoy it solo, or pair it with grilled meats, fish, or a fresh salad!
SHIPPING & RETURNS
Do you offer returns?
Due to the nature of our food products, we cannot accept returns for health and safety reasons. However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours at sales@varofoods.com, and we’ll make it right!
What if my order is delayed or missing?
If your order hasn’t arrived within the estimated delivery time, check your tracking details. Still need help? Contact us at sales@varofoods.com and we’ll sort it out for you.
FUN CUSTOMER QUESTIONS!
Is Jollof really better than Guyanese cook-up rice or Trini rice?
We love a good food debate! Jollof is king, but we’ve got love for Guyanese cook-up rice & Trini rice too. Have you ever tried mixing Jollof with either of the two? 😉
Is this sauce very spicy?
Our Medium Jollof Sauce has a good kick, but for non-Nigerian palates, it might feel hotter than expected. If you love bold flavours, go for Medium. If you want serious fire, Hot is the way to go! 🔥
CONTACT US
Still have questions? No problem! Drop us a message at sales@varofoods.com and we’ll be happy to help.
