BANZ breadbox began in 2021 with a simple craving.
After visiting a well-known Filipino bakery in Jersey City — and finding their ube pandesals completely sold out — our founder decided to try making her own. What started as a personal project quickly turned into something more. Friends and family tried them, shared them, and soon new customers followed.
But at the time, BANZ breadbox was running without systems, strategy, or balance — all while juggling a full-time corporate job. The result? Burnout.
So BANZ paused.
Fast forward to 2025 — BANZ Breadbox 2.0 was born.
This time, the approach is different. With years of corporate marketing experience, a clearer vision, and a deeper respect for energy and sustainability, BANZ breadbox is being built slowly and intentionally. The goal is simple but ambitious: to make ube pandesals a familiar, beloved staple in American households.
As ube continues to grow globally, BANZ breadbox aims to honor its Filipino roots while introducing it through thoughtfully crafted baked goods — starting with pop-ups and farmers markets, all while still balancing a full-time corporate career.
BANZ breadbox is a creative asset, a passion project, and a long-term dream — with hopes of becoming a brick-and-mortar bakery within the next five years.
For now, we bake in small batches, by pre-order only, with care, patience, and purpose.
And this is just the beginning.
FAQs About BANZ Breadbox
What is ube?
What is ube?
Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a purple yam traditionally used in Filipino desserts. It has a naturally vibrant purple color and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor — often described as a cross between vanilla and pistachio (there is no nuts in this product). At BANZ breadbox, we use ube to create baked goods that feel nostalgic, comforting, and just a little unexpected.
What is pandesal?
What is pandesal?
Pandesal is a classic Filipino milk bread — soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet. It’s traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or merienda (snack time). Our ube pandesals are a BANZ breadbox twist on the classic: infused with ube and filled generously with either sweet cream cheese, homemade ube halaya, or both.
Are your products available for shipping?
Are your products available for shipping?
Not at this time. All BANZ breadbox orders are pre-order only and available for local pickup. Pickup details are shared after checkout.
Where is pickup located?
Where is pickup located?
Pickup is located in Jersey City, NJ (Journal Square area). Exact pickup details, including address and time window, will be provided in your confirmation email.
Do you accept same-day orders?
Do you accept same-day orders?
No. All items are pre-order only and baked fresh for scheduled pickup dates. This allows us to maintain quality and avoid waste.
Do you offer substitutions or custom flavors?
Do you offer substitutions or custom flavors?
At this time, we do not offer substitutions or customizations. This helps us keep production consistent and ensures every order meets our quality standards.
