BEST PLANT-BASED

STARTUP CPG SHELFIES AWARDS

BEST PLANT-BASED

FINALISTS

RENEGADE

FOODS

Renegade Foods makes premium charcuterie salami — entirely from plants. Using old-world techniques like smoking and fermentation, Renegade created a whole food product that perfectly mimics salami made from meat. Their Sweet Toscana plant-based salami is a Tuscan-style salami flavored with sweet Italian herbs and roasted red peppers, and pairs beautifully with a creamy plant-based cheese for a next-level vegan charcuterie experience.

RIND

CHEESE

RIND Cheese’s Carrot Cheese Slices are plant-based cheese slices that flawlessly replace your go-to sandwich cheese. Made with real carrots, potato starch, mung bean and chickpea, these vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and soy-free cheese slices have a creamy, robust and cheesy flavor. The best part? These slices melt beautifully into the perfect cheese pull for all of your plant-based creations.

BEST PLANT-BASED

FUNKY MELLO

Delisa and Zach Harper created Funky Mello in 2018 after noticing a lack of clean desserts. The co-founders consistently found that they had limited dessert options because of their many dietary restrictions — and knew there had to be a better solution. Inspired by the simplicity of a crispy treat, the two decided to create their own new, fun yet clean version of this dessert. After much experimentation, they finally created the perfect answer to their sweet toothed desires, and Funky Mello was born. Funky Mello makes flavorful and airy marshmallow cremes using only clean, plant-based ingredients for everyone to enjoy. Plant-based, dairyfree, gluten-free, top 8 allergen free; the minimal ingredient list offers a healthier approach to a nostalgic sweet treat. With a base of aquafaba (the liquid found in cans of chickpeas), Funky Mello mimics the gelatinous texture of marshmallow fluff sans the animal-based gelatin. Perfect for s’mores, crispy treats, coffee, and even a sweet cream to top off your coffee, Funky Mello is incredibly versatile yet tummy-friendly for all food sensitivities.

Since creating their first Funky Mello recipe, the team had to pivot to a different product several times before they were deemed "retail-ready". Though they were

ready to drive full-steam ahead, the need for shelf stability forced them to briefly pause their business and focus on researching, testing, and purchasing new equipment — on top of learning how to properly scale. “It was important for our product to maintain great quality while sitting on the shelf or in the fridge,” says Delisa. They worked with multiple food scientists over several months to test the stability of their marshmallow creme. “Today we're proud to say it lasts for 6-months, even if opened.” This has helped the team secure 60+ stores across the US and Canada within the first year of launching. They are also gearing up for their largest rollout this holiday season with a major retailer — boosting their store count to nearly 300. You can find Funky Mello in these stores, or explore even more of their funky flavors on http://funkymello.com/.