In the competitive realm of healthier snack options, Chomps has experienced remarkable growth that is hard to match. Over the past year, the company reported a staggering 206% increase in sales, with expectations to exceed that figure this year. Chomps specializes in meat sticks made from venison, beef, turkey, and chicken, offering flavors like Italian, Taco, Pepperoni, and Smokey BBQ. Each stick contains 10 to 12 grams of protein and no sugar.
Co-founder Pete Maldonado launched the brand in 2012 as a side project while working as a personal trainer. Along with co-founder Rashid Ali, he aimed to create an on-the-go protein snack that was free from sugar and preservatives. The concept emerged during a poker game at a friend’s apartment in Chicago, where they reminisced about guilty pleasures. Growing up in Long Island, Maldonado recalled the jerky sticks he used to grab at gas stations, which were loaded with added sugars and high saturated fat content. Chomps has successfully transformed that narrative by using quality ingredients like grass-fed beef and spices, making it the fastest-growing snack food brand in the U.S., as reported by Numerator.
Recently, Chomps announced plans for a manufacturing facility in Mexico, Missouri, set to open in 2025. This development is part of a long-term partnership with Western Smokehouse Partners, who initially assisted in crafting the brand’s recipes. Newly appointed CFO Tim Bosslet emphasized that the company is focused on encouraging trial of its products during this next growth phase, aiming to attract more consumers to both Chomps and the healthier snacking category. As demand for high-protein and low-sugar foods rises, Bosslet noted that many brands fail to communicate their authenticity effectively. “We have always been sugar-free and Whole30 and keto-friendly,” he stated in a Food Dive interview. “This isn’t a trend for us; it’s simply who we are.”
Having recently transitioned from Senior Director of Finance to CFO, Bosslet believes this role will enhance consumer trust in the brand. As healthier snack choices gain traction, larger food companies are also expanding their portfolios to include these products. For instance, PepsiCo recently agreed to acquire Siete Foods, a maker of healthier tortilla chips, for $1.2 billion, aiming to offer consumers better snack options with cleaner ingredients. However, some fans are concerned about the potential impact on Siete’s brand integrity.
Bosslet reassured that Chomps remains committed to being a high-quality protein source while keeping sugar content low. “Consumers are really drawn to the simplicity of who we are, which has established our reputation and trust,” he remarked. The new CFO position is designed to bolster the company’s infrastructure and facilitate its growth. “As we continue to expand, we need more formal systems for financing, planning, and reporting,” he added.
Looking ahead, Bosslet plans to concentrate on the brand’s core consumers, products, and channels. There is ample opportunity for growth, particularly in international markets and convenience store expansions. Currently, the brand’s primary demographic skews female, but this also means many families are purchasing Chomps, as mothers often pack the snacks in their children’s lunchboxes. “We are not just a single-use product; we serve as a meal replacement, supplement, and snack,” he explained.
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