For Antonella Mundo, founder of FaBene, food has always been personal.
What began as a journey to heal her own body has transformed into a full-fledged movement redefining what Italian cuisine can be — healthy, convenient, deeply nourishing, and uncompromisingly authentic.
“I struggled for years with chronic pain, digestive issues and autoimmune symptoms,” Mundo shared.
“Even simple meals became challenges. Everything fast and convenient was either processed or tasteless.”
Frustrated and determined, she pursued a master’s degree in culinary medicine and began to rethink the fundamentals of traditional Italian food through the lens of health and functionality.
FaBene was born from this mission: to create ready-to-eat Italian meals that are as beneficial as they are delicious.
The brand’s name literally means “it does good,” and every dish is crafted with that philosophy in mind.
“It’s not just about food for people with dietary needs,” Mundo explained. “It’s for anyone who wants to feel good after a meal.”
From grass-fed beef lasagna to a gluten-free, lactose-free tiramisù that somehow tastes better than the original, FaBene’s offerings never sacrifice flavor.
“Our customers deserve to know exactly what they’re eating — and why it’s good for them.”
AnTonella Mundo
In fact, they’re rooted in the very essence of Italian tradition — but with smarter, cleaner ingredients.
“We don’t try to Americanize our food,” Mundo said. “We honor the real thing.
“That means no garlic in our lasagna — because it doesn’t belong there — and sourcing authentic ingredients directly from Italy.”
Every element is intentional: Italian flours with low glycemic indexes, organic tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, natural sweeteners like monk fruit, and inulin for fiber. There are no additives or preservatives — just the power of proper technique.
Dishes are blast-chilled immediately after cooking to lock in flavor, then packaged for easy reheating at home.
For those curious to try FaBene before ordering online, there’s a chance to experience the food and meet the team in person at one of its regularly scheduled pop-ups hosted at the Taste Makers Market, at 10 E Yanonali St. in Santa Barbara.
It’s a great opportunity to taste the dishes, ask questions and connect with the brand’s passionate team. To stay updated on pop-up dates and featured items, follow @tastemakersmarketsb on Instagram.
FaBene’s commitment to quality goes beyond the food. The company is fully certified organic, with rigorous standards that ensure transparency from field to fork.
“Our customers deserve to know exactly what they’re eating — and why it’s good for them,” Mundo said.
Looking ahead, FaBene is preparing to launch FaBene Points — elegant, modern grab-and-go spaces designed to make healthy Italian meals as accessible as a coffee run.
There’s also a network of “smart” vending machines coming to airports, gyms, clinics and co-working spaces, along with new product innovations like Dragona (a creamy almond, coconut and dragon fruit spread), dairy-free pestos and low-glycemic Italian pastas.
For Mundo, it all comes down to a simple belief: mindful eating is an act of love.
“I want people to enjoy food again — without guilt, without compromise,” she said. “That’s what FaBene is all about.”
Click here for more information about FaBene, or to shop meals or find your nearest pop-up.