SnackFutures, Mondelēz International Inc.'s innovation and venture hub, has chosen nine finalists to participate in its CoLab accelerator program starting next month.
Class of 2021 finalists include low-sugar snack brand NuSkool, keto-friendly doughnut brand Elite Sweets and vitamin-infused candy brand Sourse.
"Working with them as part of the CoLab program is going to move the needle on their brands, support our innovation agenda, and ultimately help deliver on consumers' desire for people and planet-friendly snacking," said Brigette Wolf, global head of SnackFutures.
The 2021 CoLab class participants are:
Better Bites Bakery: An allergen-free bakery line founded by Leah Lopez to provide choices for her son who had life-threatening food allergies.
Chasin’ Dreams Farm: A popped-sorghum snack founded by Sydney Chasin who is reviving an ancient grain to bring more options and flavors to gluten-free snacking.
Elite Sweets: A keto donut brand run by founders Amir and Amin Bahari who each lost more than 100 pounds and wanted to keep the weight off with a healthy version of their favorite treat.
LOVE, CORN: A crunchy corn brand made with simple, non-GMO ingredients founded by family members Jamie, Gavin and Missy McCloskey.
Numa: Meaning daughter and mother in Chinese, “Numa” was created by Jane Xie and Joyce Zhu to honor heritage through healthier versions of their favorite childhood candies from Asia.
NuSkool: A low-sugar snacking platform co-founded by Joe Christensen and Kevin Healy after seeing friends and family members struggle with obesity and heart disease.
Snacklins: Founded by former radio personality and chef Samy Kobrosly, Snacklins are plant-based crisps are like a vegan take on pork rinds.
Sourse: With the goal of making supplements accessible, Jenne Moore and Andrew Remlinger came up with vitamin-infused candy, starting with dark chocolate.
12 Tides: A nutrient-dense, ocean-friendly snack founded by Pat Schnettler and Lindsey Palmer made from kelp sourced from regenerative ocean farms.
