meli was born from our founder's dream to create a delicious beer that also felt better.

During her travels in South America, she was introduced to a beer made from quinoa and barley. The taste was crisp and refreshing, enjoyed by her beer-loving companions and by those who, like her, usually preferred other beverages.

This quinoa beer was unlike anything she had had, and she began to wonder if a similar beer could be brewed using only quinoa, making it gluten free.

"meli is the drink I always wanted but could never find. And it’s the product of an incredible team that tirelessly pushed the boundaries of what a beer can be. I’m so excited to share it with you."

Samara Oster, Founder

While pursuing her graduate studies at MIT, she teamed up with two food scientists to create the better beer she had in her head.

As someone who usually found beer too malty and bitter, she aimed for a taste that was better: crisp and refreshing, with a fruity aroma and just a hint of sweetness.

Because she had treated some health challenges through functional nutrition, she insisted on ingredients that were better: gluten free, organic, and sugar free.

And having worked at the cult skincare brand, Aesop, she envisioned a brand that was better: sleek, minimalist, and something that she would be proud to have at home and in hand.

After three years of tireless development, meli became the first beer in the US brewed solely with quinoa as the grain base.

our values

  • ORIGINALITY

    we bring a fresh perspective

  • BETTERMENT

    we strive for progress, not perfection

  • INTENTION

    we stay true to our vision