In recent years, the snack food industry has experienced a surge of innovation, with numerous startups entering the market to cater to evolving consumer preferences. From health-conscious options to indulgent treats, these emerging companies are reshaping the way we think about snacking. These top snack food startups have taken the industry by storm through their unique product offerings, sustainable practices, and potential for growth.
Top Snack Food Companies to Follow
Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the most exciting snack food startups of 2024 that startup-lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow.
Disclaimer: With so many exciting startups launching and growing worldwide, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups that are listed below are not officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.
1. Siete Family Foods
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Founded In: 2014
- Founder(s): Aida Garza, Miguel Garza, Veronica Garza
- Funding: Private Equity, $90 Million
- Investors Include: AF Ventures, Stripes
Siete Family Foods is a family owned and operated food startup that produces Mexican-American, dairy- and gluten-free food products. The startup’s product line is extensive ranging from tortilla chips, tortillas, puff snacks, sauces, cookies, and churros. Each product is a health-conscious take on family recipes, developed to help one of the founders navigate health struggles and fight inflammation.
2. Once Upon a Farm
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Founded In: 2015
- Founder(s): Ari Raz, Cassandra Curtis, Jennifer Garner, John Foraker
- Funding: Series D, $116.8 Million
- Investors Include: CAVU Consumer Partners, Beechwood Capital, S2G Ventures
Once Upon a Farm is an organic baby food company founded in 2015. The company focuses on producing cold-pressed, organic baby food and children’s snacks using high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted farms. Their products are designed to provide fresh, nutritious options for young children, moving away from traditional shelf-stable baby foods. Once Upon a Farm has gained popularity for its commitment to organic, non-GMO ingredients and innovative approach to children’s nutrition.
3. Skinny Dipped Almonds
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Founded In: 2014
- Founder(s): Breezy Griffith, Chrissy Haller
- Funding: Series C, $133.1 Million
- Investors Include: AF Ventures, Pentas Ventures, Steve Aoki
Skinny Dipped Almonds is a Seattle-based snack company that specializes in producing thinly coated almonds with various flavors of chocolate and yogurt. Their signature product is almonds with a thin layer of dark chocolate and a dusting of cocoa powder, offering a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate-covered nuts.
Skinny Dipped focuses on using simple, high-quality ingredients and aims to provide a balanced snack that satisfies both sweet cravings and nutritional needs. The brand has expanded its product line to include other nut varieties and flavors, gaining popularity in the better-for-you snack market.
4. Mezcla
- Location: New York, New York
- Founded In: 2019
- Founder(s): Coco Sotelo, Griffin Spolansky
- Funding: Series A, $5.1 Million
- Investors Include: Dream Ventures, Santatera Capital, Seth Curry
Mezcla is a snack startup producing plant-based protein bars that are gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and soy free. The brand emphasizes clean ingredients, cultural representation, and social responsibility, with a portion of profits donated to fight hunger. Additionally, all of the brand’s packaging is designed by a featured artist that is promoted by the company on their website as well as on each bar’s packaging sleeve. Mezcla has quickly gained attention in the competitive protein bar market for its innovative approach to flavors and commitment to inclusivity.
5. Duffl
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded In: 2019
- Founder(s): Angel Herrera, Brian Le, David Lin, Graham Farrell, Rohun Vora
- Funding: Series A, $13.3 Million
- Investors Include: 1984 Ventures, Crosscut Ventures, Alumni Ventures
Duffl is an innovative startup that focuses on a very specific market — college students, specifically those that live on campus and do not have time to get their snack fixes. The startup says its mission is to be a one-stop shop for snacks, groceries, and toiletries delivered sustainably by students and for students. The company currently operates at UCLA but with its most recent funding, it has expansion plans to other universities.
6. Garten
- Location: Burlingame, California
- Founded In: 2014
- Founder(s): Michael Heinrich
- Funding: Series A, $20 Million
- Investors Include: UpHonest Capital, Duro Ventures, Company Ventures
Garten is a corporate wellness services company focused on food delivery for businesses. Recognized as a leading Corporate Wellness Services Company of 2022 and one of Y Combinator’s top startups, Garten partners with forward-thinking businesses to promote positive change and improve employee engagement.
The company adapts its services to the evolving nature of work, catering to both in-person and remote workplace environments. Garten’s mission is to help businesses invest in their employees’ wellbeing through food-related wellness services, recognizing the importance of nutrition in the workplace.
7. PopUp Bagels
- Location: Westport, Connecticut
- Founded In: 2020
- Founder(s): Adam Goldberg
- Funding: Series A, $8 Million
- Investors Include: Paul Rudd, Stripes, Tastemaker Capital
PopUp Bagels is a rapidly growing bakery business that originated as a humble backyard pickup window where the founder shared their newly created bagel recipe with friends. The company has since expanded to multiple popup and permanent locations across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, offering fresh bagels for weekend pickup. PopUp Bagels prides itself on crafting what they consider to be the perfect bagel: featuring a crispy crust and soft crumb center, with an ideal size and precise proportion of seeds.
8. Belliwelli
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded In: 2020
- Founder(s): Katie Wilson, Nick Wilson
- Funding: Series A, $16.4 Million
- Investors Include: Electric Feel Ventures, Rose Street Ventures, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss
Belliwelli is a specialized snack startup focused on creating Low FODMAP snack bars for people with sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Founded by individuals who personally struggled with IBS and other gut-related problems, the company offers a range of soft-baked bars that are free from common gut irritants.
Belliwelli’s products are certified Low FODMAP by Monash University and are designed to provide a safe, tasty snack option for those following a Low FODMAP diet or dealing with digestive sensitivities. Their mission is to make snacking enjoyable and worry-free for people with dietary restrictions.
9. Deux Foods
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded In: 2020
- Founder(s): Sabeena Ladha
- Funding: Seed, $1 Million
- Investors Include: Target Takeoff, New Money Ventures, Rose Street Capital
Deux Foods is a health-focused snack startup founded by Sabeena Ladha in 2020. The company specializes in creating vegan, gluten-free cookie doughs and spreads that are enhanced with functional ingredients and vitamins. Deux’s products are designed to satisfy sweet cravings while offering nutritional benefits, positioning themselves as a “good-for-you” alternative to traditional desserts.
Their range includes various flavors of edible cookie dough that can be eaten raw or baked into cookies. Deux Foods has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers and has expanded its distribution from direct-to-consumer sales to retail stores, appealing to those seeking indulgent treats with added health benefits.
10. IWON Organics
- Location: Corte Madera, California
- Founded In: 2016
- Founder(s): Mark A. Samuel
- Funding: Seed, $1 Million
- Investors Include: Undisclosed
IWON Organics was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast Mark Samuel. Samuel’s own love for high-protein snacks and shakes took a knock when he realized that he was becoming intolerant to milk-based products, so he started experimenting with switching out animal protein for plant protein. The resulting product and its positive impact on his health inspired him to start a company aimed at producing plant-based, high-protein snacks and shakes.
11. Tia Lupita Foods
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded In: 2016
- Founder(s): Hector Saldivar
- Funding: Seed, $3.1 Million
- Investors Include: Santatera Capital, GBM Ventures, Kevin O’Leary
Tia Lupita Foods is a California-based food startup founded by Hector Saldivar, who named the company after his mother’s nickname. The brand focuses on creating Mexican-inspired, better-for-you snacks and sauces using clean, simple ingredients.
Tia Lupita’s product line includes hot sauces, tortilla chips, and grain-free cactus tortillas, all made with natural ingredients and without artificial additives. The company is particularly known for its innovative use of nopales (cactus) as a key ingredient in many of its products, offering a unique, sustainable, and healthier alternative to traditional corn and wheat-based snacks.
12. Biena Snacks
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Founded In: 2012
- Founder(s): Poorvi Patodia
- Funding: Series B, $10.5 Million
- Investors Include: Tastemaker Capital, Blueberry Ventures, New Ground Ventures
Biena Snacks is a Boston-based health food company founded by Poorvi Patodia in 2012. The startup specializes in creating nutritious snacks centered around chickpeas, offering both savory roasted chickpeas and sweet chickpea puffs. Biena’s products are known for being high in protein and fiber while remaining gluten-free and non-GMO. The company offers a variety of flavors ranging from classic options like Sea Salt to more innovative choices like Rockin’ Ranch and Habanero.
13. Mason Dixie Foods
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Founded In: 2014
- Founder(s): Ayeshah Abuelhiga
- Funding: Series A, $11.1 Million
- Investors Include: Chobani Food Incubator, Valor Siren Ventures, Bob Shirey
Mason Dixie Foods specializes in creating clean-label, better-for-you versions of frozen breakfast foods. Mason Dixie’s products are made with real, simple ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives. Their line includes ready-to-bake frozen biscuits, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches.
The brand stands out for its commitment to using real dairy and unbleached flour, appealing to consumers seeking healthier alternatives to traditional frozen breakfast foods. Mason Dixie Foods has grown from a restaurant to a national brand, available in major retailers across the United States, and continues to expand its product offerings while maintaining its focus on quality ingredients.
14. Quinn Snacks
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Founded In: 2010
- Founder(s): Kristy Lewis
- Funding: Series B, $13.5 Million
- Investors Include: Echo Capital, The Hershey Company, NewRoad Capital Partners
Quinn Snacks is known for its commitment to transparency and clean ingredients, pioneering the concept of “farm-to-bag” in the snack industry. The startup prioritizes soil health and sustainable agricultural practices while sourcing ingredients and creating their snack products. Quinn Snacks’ product line is centered around pretzels including pretzel sticks, filled pretzel nuggets, and classic pretzel twists.
15. Alec’s Ice Cream
- Location: Petaluma, California
- Founded In: 2018
- Founder(s): Alec Jaffe
- Funding: Debt Financing, $2.1 MIllion
- Investors Include: Undisclosed
Alec’s Ice Cream specializes in producing organic ice cream with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Alec’s Ice Cream stands out for its commitment to using A2 protein dairy from pasture-raised cows on regenerative organic dairy farms, which helps to reduce carbon emissions and improve soil health. The brand offers a range of classic and innovative flavors, all made with high-quality, organic ingredients and without artificial additives.
16. Urban Remedy
- Location: Richmond, California
- Founded In: 2009
- Founder(s): Neka Pasquale
- Funding: Series D, $46 Million
- Investors Include: Manna Tree, Obvious Ventures, The Builders Fund
Urban Remedy is a California-based health food company founded by licensed acupuncturist Neka Pasquale. The startup specializes in producing organic, ready-to-eat meals, juices, and snacks that align with a plant-centric, whole food philosophy.
Urban Remedy’s product line includes cold-pressed juices, nutrient-dense salads, wraps, and plant-based desserts, all made with fresh, organic ingredients and free from refined sugars, gluten, and dairy. The company emphasizes the use of food as medicine, incorporating principles from Eastern healing philosophy into its product development.
17. Partake Foods
- Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
- Founded In: 2016
- Founder(s): Denise Woodard
- Funding: Series B, $30.5 Million
- Investors Include: Precursor Ventures, Fearless Fund, Pentas Ventures
Partake Foods is an allergy-friendly snack company founded by Denise Woodard in 2016, inspired by her daughter’s food allergies. The startup specializes in creating delicious, nutritious cookies and baking mixes that are free from the top 9 allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, milk, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame. Partake’s products are also gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
18. Clio Snacks
- Location: Roselle, New Jersey
- Founded In: 2015
- Founder(s): Sergey Konchakovskiy
- Funding: Series Unknown, $35.9 Million
- Investors Include: Alliance Consumer Growth, AF Ventures, Maria Sharapova
Clio Snacks is a New Jersey-based food startup founded by Sergey Konchakovskiy in 2015. The company has gained popularity for its innovative approach to yogurt snacks, specifically its flagship product: chocolate-covered Greek yogurt bars. These refrigerated bars combine the nutritional benefits of Greek yogurt with the indulgence of chocolate, offering a high-protein, probiotic-rich snack that appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for a satisfying treat.
19. Craize
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Founded In: 2017
- Founder(s): Leonardo Cotter
- Funding: Series Unknown, $5.3 Million
- Investors Include: Melitas Ventures
Craize is a Miami-based food startup founded by Leonardo Cotter, drawing inspiration from his Venezuelan heritage. The company specializes in producing thin, crispy corn crackers known as “arepa chips,” which are based on the traditional South American arepa. Craize offers a unique twist on conventional snack options by creating a gluten-free, non-GMO product that’s both versatile and flavorful.
Their product line includes various flavors such as original, sweet corn, guava, and plantain, catering to different taste preferences while maintaining a health-conscious profile. Craize Snacks has gained popularity for its simple ingredient list, cultural authenticity, and ability to pair well with dips or be enjoyed on their own.
20. Dream Pops
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded In: 2016
- Founder(s): David Cohen, David Greenfeld
- Funding: Grant, $6 Million
- Investors Include: SnackFutures, AE Ventures, Talent Resources Ventures
Dream Pops is known for its innovative approach to ice cream alternatives, offering uniquely shaped, low-calorie popsicles made from coconut milk, agave, and other plant-based ingredients. Dream Pops stands out for its eye-catching, geometric designs created using 3D-printed molds and unique flavors. The brand has expanded its product line to include shelf-stable, bite-sized versions called Dream Bites, ice cream pints, and syrups.
21. Dang Foods
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Founded In: 2011
- Founder(s): Vincent Kitirattragarn
- Funding: Series Unknown, $8 Million
- Investors Include: Sonoma Brands Capital
Dang Foods is an Asian-American snack company founded by brothers Vincent and Andrew Kitirattragarn in 2012. The company’s name comes from their mother’s name, Dang. Inspired by Thai cuisine and culture, Dang Foods started with coconut chips and has since expanded its product line to include Thai rice chips and keto-friendly bars.
The company has gained popularity for its innovative products and commitment to cultural representation in the snack industry. Dang Foods’ products are now widely available in major retailers across the United States, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for flavorful, nutritious snack options.
22. Every Body Eat
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Founded In: 2018
- Founder(s): Nichole Wilson, Trish Thomas
- Funding: Grant, $6 Million
- Investors Include: Emerging Brands Alliance, The StarTUP, SnackFutures
Every Body Eat is a Chicago-based food startup founded by Nichole Wilson and Trish Thomas in 2019. The company specializes in creating allergy-friendly, gluten-free snacks that are designed to be inclusive for people with various dietary restrictions and food sensitivities.
Every Body Eat’s product line includes crisps and crispbreads made from simple, whole food ingredients, free from common allergens, as well as corn and sugar. The brand’s mission is to bring people together through food, regardless of their dietary needs, by offering snacks that everyone can enjoy.
23. Mooala
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Founded In: 2013
- Founder(s): Jeff Richards
- Funding: Series A, $16.4 Million
- Investors Include: Fort Ventures, Sweat Equities, M3 Ventures
Mooala is a plant-based beverage company based in Dallas, Texas. The startup specializes in creating organic, dairy-free milk alternatives and creamers made from nuts and fruits. Mooala’s flagship product is its banana milk, an innovative alternative to traditional plant-based milks, made from bananas, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon.
The company has since expanded its product line to include almond milk, oat milk, and various flavored creamers, all of which are organic, non-GMO, and free from carrageenan and artificial ingredients.
24. Petit Pot
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded In: 2015
- Founder(s): Maxime Poureau
- Funding: Series Unknown, $6.3 Million
- Investors Include: Undisclosed
Petit Pot is a San Francisco-based food startup founded by French pastry chef Maxime Pouvreau in 2014. The company specializes in creating authentic French-style desserts, particularly pot de crème, a rich and creamy custard traditionally served in small pots. Petit Pot’s products are made with high-quality, organic ingredients and come in a variety of flavors including chocolate, vanilla, crème brûlée, and pistachio.
What sets Petit Pot apart is its commitment to bringing a gourmet French dessert experience to the American market in a convenient, ready-to-eat format. The company has expanded its product line to include riz au lait (French rice pudding) and more recently, plant-based options to cater to vegan consumers.
25. Spudsy
- Location: Costa Mesa, California
- Founded In: 2017
- Founder(s): Ashley Rogers
- Funding: Series A, $3.3 Million
- Investors Include: Stage 1 Fund, KarpReilly Growth Investors
Spudsy specializes in creating innovative, plant-based snacks using sweet potatoes as their primary ingredient. Spudsy’s flagship product is their line of Sweet Potato Puffs, which are gluten-free, vegan, and made with upcycled sweet potatoes to reduce food waste. The puffs come in various flavors such as Vegan Cheesy Cheddar, Cinnamon Churro, and Bangin’ Bar-B-Q. Spudsy stands out in the snack market for its commitment to sustainability, using imperfect sweet potatoes that would otherwise go to waste, and for offering a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional cheese puffs.
26. Pip & Nut
- Location: London, England
- Founded In: 2013
- Founder(s): Pippa Murray
- Funding: Debt Financing, $5.2 Million
- Investors Include: Crowdcube, Monday Capital, Great London Investment Group
Pip & Nut is a London-based nut butter company. The startup specializes in creating all-natural, healthy nut butters and nut-based snacks without any added palm oil, refined sugars, or artificial ingredients. Pip & Nut’s product range includes various nut butters such as peanut and almond and nut butter cups in a variety of flavors such as Dark Chocolate peanut and Milk Chocolate Almond.
27. Zack’s Mighty
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Founded In: 2019
- Founder(s): Zack Gazzaniga
- Funding: Series A, $9.2 Million
- Investors Include: Collaborative Fund
Zack’s Mighty is a food company specializing in producing organic, non-GMO, tortilla chips with a unique twist — they’re made from regeneratively farmed corn. Zack’s Mighty stands out in the crowded snack market by focusing on the farming practices used to grow and harvest their ingredients. Plus, their tortilla chips are made from actual tortillas, giving them a restaurant-like quality in flavor and texture.
28. GoNanas
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Founded In: 2016
- Founder(s): Annie Slabotsky, Morgan Lerner
- Funding: Grant, $700,000
- Investors Include: SnackFutures, Naturally Chicago
GoNanas specializes in creating better-for-you banana bread mixes that are allergen-friendly and vegan. GoNanas offers a range of flavors including original, chocolate chip, pumpkin spice, and seasonal varieties, all of which are free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, eggs, and gluten.
The mixes are designed to be easy to prepare, requiring only the addition of bananas and a plant-based milk. What sets GoNanas apart is its focus on making a traditionally indulgent treat more accessible to those with dietary restrictions while maintaining a delicious taste. The company has grown from a business started in a two-bedroom apartment to a seven-figure business during the pandemic.
29. Urban Legend
- Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
- Founded In: 2021
- Founder(s): Anthony Fletcher
- Funding: Seed, £3 Million
- Investors Include: Perfect Redd
Urban Legend is a UK-based food startup specializing in low-fat donuts with high nutrient value, minus the high calories of traditional donuts. The startup was founded by an Oxford scientist dedicated to the mission of making indulgent foods healthier. Urban Legend boasts a variety of creative flavors such as bubblegum burst, banoffee pie, and belgian biccie.
30. LesserEvil
- Location: Danbury, Connecticut
- Founded In: 2004
- Founder(s): Charles Coristine
- Funding: Series Unknown, $14.3 Million
- Investors Include: Valor Equity Partners, Touch Capital, Aria Growth Partners
LesserEvil is best known for its organic popcorn and grain-free paleo puffs, which come in a variety of flavors. They’ve also expanded their product line to include casa flour-based Power Curls, corn puffs, and paleo snack alternatives. What sets LesserEvil apart is their commitment to using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients like organic coconut oil and Himalayan pink salt, while avoiding artificial additives and preservatives. The brand can be found in stores nationwide such as Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods Market.