Category: Food + Beverage
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Meet USC alum: Ashley Whalen, Founder of Chara Greek Frozen Yogurt
Tell us about your company: Chara is a better-for-you Greek frozen yogurt brand reimagining indulgence with clean, high-protein, probiotic-rich pints made from real ingredients. What inspired you to start your business? During my senior year at USC, I noticed my roommates making Greek yogurt bowls for dessert and saw the frozen aisle wasn’t meeting the…
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Meet UC Berkeley alum Rosetta Wang, Founder Laurelate
Tell us about your company: Laurelate is a California-grown chocolate alternative made from the native bay laurel tree—an abundant, climate-resilient species that has nourished Indigenous communities for generations. We transform California bay nuts into a rich, aromatic chocolate-like food that requires no cacao and supports local ecosystems. Our mission is to restore native forests through…
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Meet UCLA alum: Kian Nikzad, Founder Ancient Sun
Tell us about your company: Ancient Sun sells balanced beverages called date shakes at natural food retailers. They are made with simple ingredients: dates, nuts, and spices. Each of the three flavors is inspired from a different region of the world. What inspired you to start your business? I’ve always had an interest in ‘going…
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Meet USC alum: Loren Castle, Founder Sweet Loren’s
Tell us about your company: Sweet Loren’s exists to challenge the status quo and transform the way people enjoy food, by crafting delicious, clean, and allergen-free treats that make everyone feel good inside and out. Infused with a trailblazing spirit, Sweet Loren’s transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, blending time-honored techniques with daring new and…
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Meet UC Berkeley alum: Luiza Villela, Founder unClassic
Tell us about your company: unClassic makes whole-food, mushrooms that are craveable, nutrient-dense, and scalable — like oyster mushroom nuggets and fillets of lion’s mane. Think: tofu, but mushrooms instead of soy. What inspired you to start your business? I grew up in Brazil, where meat was a way of life but I also saw…
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Meet UCSB alum: Nicole Slone, Founder Above Board Liqueurs
Tell us about your company: Above Board Liqueurs is a plant based low to no sugar liqueur line created to redefine what is possible behind the bar and at home. Made with plant-based sweeteners Monk fruit and Allulose, our liqueurs deliver the flavor and experience of traditional favorites without the heavy sugar load, offering a…
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Meet USC alum Zac Coughlin, Founder of Zac’s Sweet Shop
Tell us about your company: Zac’s Sweet Shop is a chocolate company making gourmet, innovative, and delicious bite-sized chocolate confections including truffles, cookies, pretzels, and chocolate bark. Zac is on the mission to reinvent the box of chocolates experience through purpose, passion, and innovative products. What inspired you to start your business? Ever since I…
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Meet USC alum Annie Wiener, Co-Founder Hyli Drops
Tell us about your company: Hyli is the first ever electrolyte and vitamin infused cocktail mixer drop, with 0 calories, 0 sugar, and all natural ingredients. Designed to replace sugary, hangover-inducing mixers, Hyli transforms any spirit into a clean, functional cocktail that supports your wellness goals – without sacrificing fun or flavor. Available in Margarita,…
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Meet USC alum Isabel Washington, Founder Laurel’s Coffee
Tell us about your company: Laurel’s is the first 100% A2 dairy ready-to-drink latte company. What inspired you to start your business? Looking at the canned coffee category and didn’t feel like anyone was speaking to the gen z female consumer, the largest consumer of coffee. What are your proudest achievements so far? We’re launching…
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Meet MSU alum: Lindsey Fredrick, Founder of Tart
Tell us about your company: Tart is an organic healthy lifestyle beverage focused around tart cherry and mineral water, prioritizing organic ingredients. Packed with vitamins & antioxidants, Tart may help reduce inflammation & support muscle recovery. Enjoy Tart daily for a refreshing boost on your overall health! What inspired you to start your business? Growing…
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