18 Chestnuts

18 Chestnuts was created from a deeply personal experience with health and healing. After years of unexplained digestive struggles, founder Ilona Kossoff returned to the principles she studied through Cornell’s Nutrition and Healthy Living Program—food as medicine. As she researched further, she discovered she was far from alone: millions of Americans, especially women, live with chronic digestive discomfort and few clear solutions.

Soup became the foundation. Gentle, nourishing, and familiar, it recalled the comfort of being cared for and fed simply and well. Ilona began developing soups made with real vegetables, thoughtfully prepared to be easy on digestion while delivering nutrients the body can readily absorb. Over time, these soups helped restore her relationship with food—and her wellbeing.

Today, 18 Chestnuts exists to share that same care with others. Every soup is made with intention for people who feel overwhelmed by food choices, seek nourishment without complication, or want reliable, everyday support for their bodies. 18 Chestnuts offers simple, steady comfort—food that nourishes, soothes, and supports healing, one bowl at a time.