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What’s Up with Snacks in NYC?

Imagine walking down the aisle and seeing snacks that aren’t just about taste but also oozing health benefits. That’s right, the snack game is changing in a big way. We’re not just talking protein bars anymore. It’s all about nutrient-packed goodies like oats, adaptogens, and collagen. Alyssa Williams over at Spate says these ingredients are the talk of the town with Google and TikTok buzzing more than ever.

The Trendy Ingredients Everyone’s Talking About

Look around, and you’ll see protein searches are shooting up by 97.6%. Oats? A wild 719.7% surge. But, wait for it—adaptogens like ashwagandha are up by more than 1,000%! And collagen isn’t just for your face creams; it’s a snack star too, with searches spiking 1,000%. Everyone’s craving snacks that offer health and a burst of energy.

Enter Day Out

Here’s a new name you might want to jot down—Day Out. A woman-owned marvel shaking up how we snack. This month, they made a splash in 54 Costco spots across the Northeast. Not small potatoes, huh? After a successful stint in ShopRite, they’re on the roll since winning the 2024 Wakefern Food Corp. Total Store Local Supplier Summit. What drives them? Clean, protein-rich, delicious snacks that make no compromises.

A Personal Revolution: How It All Started

Becky Dheri, founder of Day Out, was once juggling life as a busy pharmacist and snacking on the run. She wasn’t happy with the ultra-processed options out there. So, she went ahead and created nutrient-rich protein balls right in her own kitchen. The goal? Snacks that fuel energy and satisfy that sweet tooth without the junk.

Breaking onto Retail

Taking her act from the comfy zone of direct-to-consumer to bustling retail wasn’t a walk in Central Park. It was a five-year journey, building on direct consumer insight. Retail needed a brand refresh, and Becky found a production partner that could keep up with the ambition. Retail, though, has its own set of puzzles. Inventory management and demand forecasting were lessons learned on the go.

Community and Mentorship: Women’s Perspective

As a woman steering the ship in the food biz, Dheri noticed more doors opening for women-led brands. Retailers seem eager to give a lift up. She’s leaned on the camaraderie among female founders. Yet, the challenge of fundraising is still real. Networks like SCORE and events from Wakefern Food Corp. provide critical advice and connections.

What’s Next on the Horizon?

Day Out isn’t resting. They’ve got plans to jazz up their flavors, bringing limited editions and seasonal delights this fall. Looking forward, more shelf space and broader retail reach by 2026 are on the cards. As Becky puts it, keeping snacks portable, indulgent, and clean is their mantra. There’s excitement about exploring new categories too.

Here’s to stylish snacking in the city that never sleeps!