Magic Spoon & Exo: Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz

How I Built This · 12 Feb 2024 · 1h 11m

What this episode covers

Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz, co-founders of Magic Spoon, recount their journey from launching Exo, a failed cricket protein bar startup, to building Magic Spoon into a major cereal brand. They detail the supply chain failures of the cricket industry and the technical challenges of formulating a high-protein, sugar-free cereal using ingredients like allulose and dairy protein. The founders explain their strategic decision to raise significant venture capital to compete with incumbents like Kellogg's and General Mills, leveraging influencer equity pools and direct-to-consumer sales before expanding into major retail chains like Target and Walmart.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 23m

    #249 - Expo Pitch Slam Recap with ChiChi Foods

    Chiara Munzi, co-founder of ChiChi Foods, explains how she and co-founder Izzy launched the world's first chickpea hot cereal after realizing traditional oatmeal caused energy crashes due to high sugar and low protein. They won Startup CPG's Expo West Pitch Slam, beating competitors like Crafty Ramen, by applying to multiple pitch competitions instead of paying for a booth. The win secured a $150,000 prize package from Advantage FDM Sales, which they plan to use for in-store demos to support regional retail launches. Chiara emphasizes that founder-led demos create a unique consumer connection and that applying to every opportunity is crucial for early-stage brands.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 31m

    Founder Feature: Elan Halpern & Kiki Couchman of Sourmilk

    Elan Halpern and Kiki Couchman, co-founders of Sourmilk, explain how they combined Stanford education and tech/PE backgrounds to create a Greek yogurt cultured with targeted probiotics for gut health. They detail their unconventional 'drug deal' pickup model in New York City, delivering over 5,000 units in brown paper bags to build a loyal community before retail. The founders also recount their rapid rebranding from a cease-and-desist letter to the name 'Sourmilk' in 14 days, and their strategy for scaling production and launching into NYC grocery stores in early 2026.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 23m

    Founder Feature: Taylor Espinoza of Unicorn Bites

    Taylor Espinoza, founder of Unicorn Bites, explains how she transitioned from practicing law to building a 100% date-sweetened, allergen-free mini cookie brand. She details the product development process, which involved hundreds of recipe iterations at farmer's markets to find the right sweetener and texture, and discusses the specific challenge of keeping the soft-baked cookies durable during warm-weather shipping. Espinoza outlines her retail strategy, focusing on local expansion in New Jersey and New York before targeting major natural retailers like Whole Foods, while navigating the financial constraints of high ingredient costs.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 32m

    Founder Feature: Maxi Heidenblut of Häppy Candy

    Maxi Heidenblut, founder of Häppy Candy, explains how she bootstrapped a better-for-you gummy brand with 70% less sugar and no artificial sweeteners while working a full-time finance job in New York City. She details the year-long formula development with a co-packer, the high minimum order quantities (MOQs) that forced heavy upfront investment, and her strategy of using free samples and influencer barter deals to launch. Heidenblut discusses expanding from independent retailers like Gourmet Garage to national chains via trade shows like Fancy Food Show and Expo West, while managing DTC channels on Amazon and Shopify with a focus on organic growth and reviews.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 21m

    Dip Into Paradise with Founder Emily Edwards

    Emily Edwards, founder of Paradise Icing (Emily's Foods), explains how she transitioned from social work to developing a plant-based icing using pea protein. She details her 18-month product development process at the Purdue Food Science Lab, where she overcame initial taste failures to create a shelf-stable, allergen-free product. Edwards discusses her strategy of bootstrapping the business due to difficulties securing venture capital, while leveraging her social work skills for consumer research and transparent brand storytelling. She outlines her current focus on expanding flavor lines, securing retail placements in boutique grocers and schools, and managing early-stage operations with a small team.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by How I Built This. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.