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LAPLACE — Pelican Nutrition LLC, St. John the Baptist Parish’s newest stop for energizing teas, meal replacement shakes, immune boosters and more, is now open at 3025 Highway 51 Ste. C/D in LaPlace.

The family-run business is helmed by LaDonna Wall, Nathan Wall, Don Wall and Mackenzie Porter. LaDonna and Nathan’s daughter and son-in-law operate Black & Gold Nutrition in Reserve.

LaDonna said the Herbalife brand used in local nutrition shops has created quality health products for the past 40 years. The Wall family opened their first store in early 2020 in Livingston. Business continued to thrive despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the family had the opportunity to bring new locations to St. John the Baptist Parish.

“I visited one in Hammond, and I really liked the product. I believe in the brand. We also like to build things to hand down to our children, so that was part of the motivation,” LaDonna said.

Owning nutrition shops has presented a new way to bond and spend time together as a family. The sporty design of the Pelican Nutrition location was inspired by Don’s love for the New Orleans Pelicans. Basketball opened doors to a lot of friendships throughout his life, and it will now serve as a backdrop to forming new relationships in the River Parishes community.

Mackenzie said opening in a new community has been a rewarding experience.

“In Livingston, we know everyone. On our grand opening day, we had grandparents, aunts and uncles, but here it’s different,” she said. “We didn’t know a lot of people, but we have genuinely made connections with the people we’ve met. Everyone here has been very welcoming. People want us to do well and stay around.”

LaDonna said the Pelican Nutrition products help people choose healthy alternatives to fast food and energy drinks.

“Because our loaded teas have natural caffeine, it’s a healthy alternative to Red Bulls and other drinks,” LaDonna said. “It seems like everyone is always on the go and depending on something to give them a little bit of energy.”

Packing only 24 calories without any added sugar, loaded teas offer 200 mg of natural caffeine and are a great source of vitamins C and B. Loaded teas are known to boost metabolism, energy and focus. While “happy camper” and “Miami vice” are among the most popular flavors thus far, the sweet, fruity and tart flavor combinations are seemingly endless.

Other teas offered at Pelican Nutrition are known as “beauties,” “specialties” and “boosts.”

Beauties promote healthy skin, hair and nails with biotin and collagen, in addition to vitamins A, B, C and E. These sugar-free teas have six grams of carbs, two grams of protein and only 35 calories.

Sugar-free Specialties are perfect for hunger control with 115 mg of caffeine, just over 100 calories, nine carbs and 17 grams of protein. These drinks also contain vitamins A, B, C and E.

Boosts are both caffeine-free and sugar-free. At only 65 calories, these drinks increase energy and support immunity with probiotics, L-arginine and L-citrulline and vitamins C and zinc.

Mackenzie said meal replacement shakes have been a popular option at Pelican Nutrition in LaPlace. The praline pecan flavor has been especially popular. Each meal replacement shake has 200 to 250 calories, 24 grams of protein and 24 vitamins and minerals.

LaDonna said the Pelican Nutrition team is eager to form new relationships in the community. At the Livingston location, the family has donated drinks to local high school teams heading to state tournaments. Meanwhile, Pelican Nutrition in LaPlace recently created the “Sweet 16” drink in honor of Aimee’s Dance Academy’s Sweet 16 recital.

Hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Orders may also be called in at 985-359-8302 or texted in at 504-539-4248.

For more information, find Pelican Nutrition on Facebook and Instagram.