Category: Food + Beverage
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Meet MSU alum: Mary Aipoalani, Founder PWR^UP
Tell us about your company: PWR^UP is the first collagen protein powder that turns functional nutrition into something people trust and crave. Forget boring snacks. Forget empty calories. No artificial ingredients/preservatives. Protein powered cocoa powder you can eat right out of the bag. PWR^UP is your delicious upgrade. Dip it, sprinkle it, blend it, and…
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Meet UCLA alum Alan Smith, Co-Founder of Good Candy
Tell us about your company: Good Candy is the candy that refuses to compromise—sour gummy bites that taste like your childhood favorites, with 70% less sugar, electrolytes, zero artificial anything, and eye-catching retro packaging that makes you smile before you even open the bag. Founded by three dads who saw a broken candy aisle and…
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Meet UC Berkeley student: Aditya Banerjee, Founder of Posana
Tell us about your company: Started Posana this as a high school project to make protein exciting; I am currently a sophomore at UC Berkeley, studying Nutrition. Our cinnavanilla, matcha latte, and mango turmeric are made in small batches, with premium ingredients, and made with love in LA. Cheers! What inspired you to start your…
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Meet NYU alum Tapasya Bali, Founder of 100 Cal Snacks
Tell us about your company: At 100 Cal Snacks, we focus on the most powerful driver of overall health—the gut–brain axis. When the gut is imbalanced, it sends stress signals to the brain, increasing cravings and disrupting mood and digestion. Our snacks are designed to restore that balance. Each bite is crafted with functional, clinically…
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Meet USC alum Houston Buehrle, Founder of Little Zing
Tell us about your company: Little Zing is a small batch condiment company built around a 100 year old Danish mustard recipe passed down from founder Houston Buehrle’s great grandmother, Helle Jorgensen. What started as a holiday tradition made by Houston’s father Peter has grown into something Houston felt was too good to keep within…
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Meet NYU alum Levent Tuysuzoglu, Founder of Hazelicious
Tell us about your company: Hazelicious is on a mission to break the hazelnut out of its shell and show the world how delicious and versatile it can be—a natural choice for non-dairy alternatives, nut butters, and much more. What inspired you to start your business? Passing of my grandparents who owned a small hazelnut…
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Meet UCSB alum Daphne Subar, Founder of Subarzsweets
Tell us about your company: Subarzsweets specializes in making gifting meaningful and intentional again. We ship a beautifully curated box of delicious Subarz (a cross between a cookie and biscotti) anywhere in the United States accompanied by a handwritten note. What inspired you to start your business? My three daughters inspired and challenged me to…
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Meet Northwestern alum Lynette Kruk, Founder of LIXMIX
Tell us about your company: LIXMIX is a premium ready-to-drink espresso brand inspired by global travel, petite desserts, and the joy of small indulgences. We create bold, dessert-inspired coffee flavors like Strawberry Kiss and Dulce de Leche in sleek petite cans designed to feel playful, elevated, and effortlessly chic. Our mission is to bring café-level…
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Meet Northwestern and U of Wisconsin alum Eli Mash, Founder of Mákor Coffee
Tell us about your company: Màkor Coffee is an organic coffee brand built around a simple idea: make your daily coffee do more. Our signature Moments Blend combines high-quality organic Arabica coffee with organic cacao and a small blend of whole-food ingredients like turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, chaga, and cayenne. It’s designed for people who…
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Meet UCLA alum Tanisha Pitts, Founder of Dreamy Vegan
Tell us about your company: Dreamy Vegan is where nostalgia meets plant-based indulgence. We create whimsical, dairy-free ice cream treats that bring back childhood memories with every bite. Our handcrafted, high-quality flavors are inspired by classic desserts, reimagined in a fun and ethical way. Dreamy Vegan isn’t just about ice cream—it’s about joy, playfulness, and…
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