- CPG Weekly News
This Week in CPG 10/19/2026
🛒 Retail Rollouts
🥜 Daily Crunch Brings “Ditch the Chip” Nationwide
Daily Crunch, co-founded by Laurel Orley and Diane Orley, is expanding its “Ditch the Chip” sprouted nut snack lineup nationwide at Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market, as well as Meijer, introducing chip-inspired flavors including Sea Salt + Vinegar, Mediterranean Medley, and Sweet House BBQ. The new lineup transforms familiar chip flavors into crunchy sprouted almonds, cashews, pecans, and seeds using the brand’s patented four-day soak-sprout-dehydrate process. Made without added oils, the snacks provide plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats while maintaining simple ingredient lists. Whole Foods expanded its assortment from three to five SKUs beginning October 12, while Sprouts introduced three new varieties in four-ounce bags on October 17. The products retail for approximately $7.99 per bag, strengthening the brand’s presence across natural and conventional grocery channels.
🫐 Nature’s Wild Berry Expands to Uncommon Goods
Nature’s Wild Berry, co-founded by Hank Watt and Juliano Bonanni, has launched its freeze-dried miracle berries at Uncommon Goods in a 30-piece Travel Jar, offering shoppers a flavor-changing snacking experience that temporarily transforms sour and bitter tastes. Featured on Shark Tank, the brand uses miracle berries containing miraculin, a naturally occurring protein that temporarily changes how the tongue perceives certain flavors. The product can make sour foods such as lemons taste sweet while reducing perceived bitterness in foods and beverages. Each resealable aluminum Travel Jar contains 15 whole freeze-dried miracle berries cut in half, with the flavor-changing effect typically lasting 20 to 40 minutes when two pieces are consumed together. The launch introduces the brand to Uncommon Goods shoppers seeking unusual and interactive food experiences.
🥤 Unwind Debuts in 1,000 Walmart Stores
Unwind, co-founded by Justin Tidwell and Anthony Puterman, has debuted its caffeine-free sparkling functional beverages in approximately 1,000 Walmart locations nationwide, featuring five flavors formulated with magnesium and L-theanine to support relaxation. Developed by the founders of Nowadays, the new beverage brand enters the growing functional drinks category with a focus on calm and relaxation. Each 12-ounce can contains 42mg of Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate and 100mg of L-theanine, alongside 25 calories and four grams of sugar. Available in Citrus, Cherry, Tropical, Berry, and Spicy Lime, the beverages launched as part of Walmart’s new “Mood & Mind” functional beverage assortment. The products retail for $2.79 per can or $10.99 per four-pack, with additional retail expansion planned for early 2027.
🍫 GoMacro Expands MacroSquares to 450+ Sprouts Stores
GoMacro, co-founded and led by CEO Jola Sonkin, is expanding its MacroSquares snack bar line into more than 450 Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide, introducing three flavors featuring layered nuts, nut butters, chocolate or caramel, and 7–8 grams of protein. Beginning October 5, the rollout marks the first major retail expansion for MacroSquares following its exclusive Whole Foods Market debut earlier in 2026. The line represents the company’s first new snack bar format since its founding in 2004 and took three years to develop. Launch flavors include Peanut Butter Chocolate + Sea Salt, Caramel Almond + Sea Salt, and Dark Chocolate Nuts + Sea Salt, with Berry White Chocolate + Sea Salt expected later in the year. Priced at $2.79 per square, the expansion builds on a decade-long relationship with Sprouts, where the brand already carries approximately 30 SKUs.
🌽 Hola Mija Foods Lands at Jimbo’s
Hola Mija Foods, founded by Jesse Suarez V, has launched its tortilla chips at Jimbo’s, marking another retail expansion milestone as the brand builds its presence among natural and specialty grocery shoppers. The new placement represents another step in the brand’s strategy of building relationships with retailers that value quality ingredients and differentiated products. The partnership developed through industry networking opportunities, including Expo West, where emerging brands can connect directly with retail buyers. By securing distribution at Jimbo’s, the company continues growing its retail footprint while emphasizing its roots and ingredient-focused approach to tortilla chips.
🍷 Juliet Wine Launches at 240 Walmart Stores
Juliet Wine, led by CEO Allison Luvera, is celebrating its largest retail launch to date, bringing Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon to 240 Walmart stores across Texas, Florida, and Arkansas. The October rollout marks a significant distribution milestone for the wine brand, introducing two of its offerings to Walmart shoppers across three states. The expansion represents the company’s largest retail placement to date and broadens its availability through one of the nation’s major mass-market retail channels.
🥣 18 Chestnuts Expands into Yoke’s Foods
18 Chestnuts, founded by Ilona Kossoff, has secured shelf space at Yoke’s Foods in the Pacific Northwest, expanding regional availability of its plant-based, gluten-free soups alongside existing retail partners including New Seasons and Metropolitan Market. The new retail partnership builds on the brand’s growing presence in the region, where its soups are also available at Huckleberries and Super 1 Foods. Made without seed oils, gums, thickeners, or added sugar, the products align with Yoke’s focus on natural foods and options for specialized diets. The placement followed conversations with retail buyers at two separate trade shows, highlighting the role of industry relationships in expanding distribution for emerging food brands.
🍪 Sweet Logic Launches Cookies Nationwide at Whole Foods
Sweet Logic, founded by Allison Escovedo Owen, has launched all three of its fiber-first cookie varieties at Whole Foods Market nationwide, marking a major retail milestone following its initial seasonal Pumpkin Chai Cookies introduction. The nationwide rollout represents one of the brand’s most significant distribution opportunities, bringing its fiber-focused cookies to Whole Foods shoppers across the country. The expansion follows an initial seasonal strategy centered on Pumpkin Chai Cookies, which helped establish the retail relationship. Developed with a focus on fiber-forward formulations, the cookie lineup is supported by an upcoming marketing campaign designed to build awareness and drive trial.
🥤 Tulua Brings Organic Sea Moss Shots to Harmons
Tulua, founded by Zeyad M., has launched its Certified Organic Sea Moss Shots at Harmons Grocery, expanding its product assortment with an existing retail partner. The rollout introduces the brand’s latest innovation to Harmons shelves while building on an established relationship with the grocery retailer. The launch was supported by the Harmons team and Burst Management, reflecting the company’s continued efforts to translate product innovation into additional retail opportunities. The placement represents another step in expanding consumer access to its organic wellness shots.
🚀 New Product Launch
☕ Mingle Mocktails Introduces Alcohol-Free Espresso Martini
Mingle Mocktails, founded by Laura Taylor, has introduced a limited-edition, alcohol-free Espresso Martini featuring bold espresso, dark chocolate notes, 75mg of caffeine, and 85 calories, available through January 2027 at major retailers and online. Designed to replicate the richness and smooth texture of a traditional Espresso Martini without alcohol, the new ready-to-drink beverage features a velvety, noncarbonated finish and 0% ABV. Available in 12-ounce cans priced at $44.95 per 12-pack, the seasonal offering is distributed through Whole Foods Market, Total Wine, Sprouts, Amazon, and the brand’s website. The launch comes amid continued company growth, including more than 50% year-over-year revenue growth from 2024 to 2025 and retail distribution expanding from approximately 10,000 to more than 13,000 locations nationwide.
🧀 Unbothered Foods Launches Parmesan & Black Pepper Crackers
Unbothered Foods, founded by Morgan Murdock, has introduced Parmesan & Black Pepper, its first new SKU in two years, featuring a cacio e pepe-inspired fermented sourdough cracker now available through its website and Amazon. The new flavor pairs the tangy character of fermented sourdough with savory Parmesan and a finishing touch of black pepper, drawing inspiration from the classic Italian pasta dish. Designed for everyday snacking and holiday entertaining, the launch expands the brand’s cracker portfolio after a two-year period without a new product introduction. Currently available exclusively through direct-to-consumer channels and Amazon, the release also features refreshed packaging with a darker visual identity.
🍫 Doich Protein Cups Sell Out in 35 Minutes
Doich, co-founded and led by CEO Anthony Scialdone, has launched Protein Cups containing 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, selling out its October 12 presale in just over 35 minutes following a 10-city taste-test tour where 87% of participants preferred the product over competing protein offerings. Previously known for its snacking dough, the brand is expanding into a new protein-focused format designed as an alternative to traditional protein bars. The cups contain no sugar alcohols and were introduced following the company’s Taste Decides Tour, where thousands of consumers sampled the product alongside competing protein snacks. The October 12 presale sold out in 35 minutes and 23 seconds, with a restock and additional flavors expected in mid-November. The brand also plans to bring the product to national retailers.
🤝 Brand Partnerships
🍵 CHUH Matcha Joins UNFI’s UpNext Program
CHUH Matcha, co-founded by Andrew Schundler, has been accepted into UNFI’s UpNext Program, gaining support from the natural products distributor as the emerging matcha brand builds on its growth to more than 500 retail doors since launching in July 2025. The selective program supports emerging brands identified as having the potential to scale nationally within UNFI’s distribution network. Since launching in a handful of local Maine stores, the company has expanded to more than 500 retail locations in just over a year. The opportunity developed following introductions at the Summer Fancy Food Show through Startup CPG’s one-on-one networking sessions. Participation in the program provides another pathway for expanding the brand’s distribution and national retail presence.
🍫 B.T.R. NATION Partners with Prospeq for Retail Growth
B.T.R. NATION, founded by Ashley Nickelsen, has partnered with Prospeq to support its next phase of growth, including multiple upcoming nationwide retail launches and expansion beyond 5,000 retail doors while scaling its e-commerce business. The partnership comes as the better-for-you snack brand prepares for several major retail launches in the coming months. With more than 5,000 retail doors in its growing distribution network, the company is focused on strengthening its omnichannel business through grocery retail, airport distribution, e-commerce, and its Brand Ambassador program. Prospeq will support the brand as it navigates its next phase of expansion across multiple sales channels.
🥥 Califia Farms Hosts Coconut-Themed Influencer Dinner
Califia Farms partnered with plant-based chef and content creator Samah Dada to host a coconut-themed influencer dinner in New York City, showcasing its expanding coconut milk portfolio to prominent food and lifestyle creators. Held October 6 in Greenwich Village, the event featured a coconut-focused menu highlighting products from the company’s growing plant-based milk assortment. Hosted alongside Dada, known for her food content and On The Menu series, the evening brought together creators including Zachary Newman, Kylie Sakaida, and Ewa and Jeromy Ko. The gathering offered an opportunity to showcase the brand’s coconut milk products through culinary experiences and influencer engagement.
💸 Acquisitions and Investments
🥛 Three Trees Foods Joins Next In Natural
Three Trees Foods, founded by Jenny Eu, is joining Next In Natural, a group of natural brands, in a move aimed at expanding the reach of its organic nut milks while maintaining its original clean-ingredient formulations and certifications. The announcement marks a new chapter for the company, which began in Eu’s kitchen in 2012 with a commitment to making nut milks using simple ingredients. As part of Next In Natural, the brand plans to continue its existing organic formulations without gums, oils, or added flavors while retaining its USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified certifications. The move is intended to provide additional resources to make its products available to more consumers while preserving the product principles that helped build its national presence.
🎉 News to Celebrate
🍧 Lofty Pops Reports 33% Growth Ahead of 2027 Expansion
Lofty Pops, co-founded by Natalie Heiter and Philip Stakich, reported 33% year-over-year growth across 24 zoo, family attraction, and retail partners in four states, positioning the USDA Organic frozen treat brand for expanded distribution and partnerships in 2027. The Michigan-based company recorded its strongest season to date, with sales increasing 33% between April and Labor Day compared with the same period in 2025. Its five core flavors, including Strawberry Lemon, Blue Razzberry, Chocolate Fudge, Orange Dreamsicle, and Piña Colada, accounted for 88% of sales, while Watermelon Bliss emerged as a standout new flavor. With updated shelf-ready packaging, distribution capabilities through Lipari Foods, and an established model for serving zoos and family attractions, the brand is preparing to expand into additional geographic markets and retail channels in 2027.
🍚 Boostcous Surpasses 20,000 Orders
Boostcous, co-founded by Bar Bruhis, has surpassed 20,000 customer orders just three months after reaching 10,000, marking a significant growth milestone for the better-for-you couscous brand as it strengthens its leadership team. The milestone comes less than a year after the company sold its first box in December 2025, following nearly two years of product development that began in a home kitchen. After taking approximately six months to reach its first 10,000 orders, the brand doubled that total in just three additional months. It has also accumulated more than 600 five-star reviews across Shopify and Amazon. Alongside the sales achievement, the company brought in a new head of growth, allowing its co-founder to focus on broader business opportunities.
🍗 The New Primal Tops Chicken Stick Sales Rankings
The New Primal, founded by Jason Burke, announced that its Snack Mates Chicken & Maple product ranked as the #1 chicken stick by dollar sales in U.S. grocery over the past 24 weeks, while also becoming the best-selling chicken stick on Amazon. Originally launched in 2016 as a kid-friendly protein snack, Snack Mates Chicken & Maple has grown into a leading product within the increasingly competitive meat snack category. According to the brand, it also recently entered Amazon’s top 10 meat snacks overall, competing alongside beef products from much larger manufacturers. The achievement represents a significant milestone for a product initially developed to offer families a convenient protein-focused alternative to sugary snacks.
🍿 Better Together Foods Reaches #2 at Erewhon
Better Together Foods, founded by Jiashu Du, has reached the #2 best-selling snack position at Erewhon over the past four weeks with its MaplePop! product, achieving the milestone without marketing or promotional campaigns. The emerging snack brand reported that MaplePop! surpassed several established competitors, including MASA Chips, to become one of Erewhon’s top-performing snack products during the four-week period. According to the founder, the achievement was driven by customer support rather than paid marketing or promotional activity. The milestone highlights the product’s early retail traction as the company continues building awareness and growing its presence in the better-for-you snack category.
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