Unreal Snacks Company Profile

Background

Unreal Snacks is a Boston-based company founded in 2010 by brothers Nicky and Kristopher Bronner, along with their father, Michael Bronner. The company's mission is to "unjunk" traditional candy by creating chocolate snacks made with simple, non-GMO, and organic ingredients, free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Key Strategic Focus

Unreal Snacks focuses on producing healthier alternatives to conventional confectionery products. Their core objectives include:

Sugar Reduction: Offering products with up to 51% less sugar than leading brands, without using sugar alcohols, stevia, or artificial sweeteners.

Clean Ingredients: Utilizing fair-trade certified chocolate and organic components to ensure high-quality, ethical products.

Product Innovation: Expanding their product line to include items like chocolate-covered pretzels and almonds, catering to the growing demand for better-for-you snacks.

Financials and Funding

Unreal Snacks has experienced significant growth since its inception. As of 2024, the company has approximately 50 employees and has raised a total of $48.7 million in funding. Notable investors include Be-Cause Ventures, Breakaway Ventures, Jason Port, and Joshua Spear.

Product Line

Unreal Snacks offers a variety of products, including:

Peanut Butter Cups: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Bars: Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars, Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars

Almond Butter Cups: Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Gems: Milk Chocolate Gems, Dark Chocolate with Crispy Quinoa Gems, Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems

Almonds: Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, Dark Chocolate Coconut Covered Almonds

Pretzels: Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Technological Platform and Innovation

Unreal Snacks differentiates itself through:

Natural Coloring: Using real ingredients like beets and spirulina to color their products, avoiding artificial dyes.

Fair Trade and Ethical Sourcing: Ensuring that all chocolate used is fair-trade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair wages.

Leadership Team

Kevin McCarthy: CEO since 2016, McCarthy has been instrumental in the company's sustainable growth and product innovation.

Ann Bumpus: Director of Brand Marketing, contributing to the company's marketing strategies and brand development.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The better-for-you snack market has been experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier alternatives to traditional snacks. This trend is characterized by a preference for products with natural ingredients, reduced sugar content, and ethical sourcing practices.

Competitor Analysis

LesserEvil: Known for its organic, non-GMO popcorn and puffs, LesserEvil emphasizes clean ingredients and minimal processing.

Hu Kitchen: Offers a range of paleo-friendly chocolates and snacks, focusing on simple ingredients and avoiding refined sugars.

Justin's: Specializes in nut butter-based products, including peanut butter cups, with an emphasis on organic and sustainably sourced ingredients.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Unreal Snacks has established partnerships with major retailers, including Whole Foods Market, Costco, Sprouts, Kroger, and Publix, expanding their distribution network to over 35,000 locations.

Operational Insights

Unreal Snacks' commitment to clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, and product innovation positions the company as a leader in the better-for-you confectionery market. Their strategic partnerships and expanding product line contribute to a strong market presence and competitive advantage.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Unreal Snacks aims to continue expanding its product offerings and distribution channels. The company's focus on innovation and commitment to quality ingredients align with evolving consumer preferences, positioning them for sustained growth in the health-conscious snack market.