Blake’s Seed Based Makes Snacking Like Paradise For All
There’s no denying the staying power of allergen-free food and beverage products across the globe. There are tons of allergen-free snack companies focused on delivering the needs of an allergy-conscious consumer, and the global market for allergen-free foods is expected to hit $108 billion by the end of this decade.
Blake’s Seed Based took a decidedly different approach. Founder Blake Sorensen, who grew up as an athlete with a deathly nut allergy, set out to create great-tasting snacks that everyone could eat and enjoy, not only allergy-conscious consumers. This idea turned into a mission of using seed nutrition to fuel life’s adventures and create a world of snacking freedom.
It turns out lots of snackers want to live the “Paradise Life” represented by the Jimmy Buffet-inspired parrot logo that adorns Blake’s Seed Based bars and treats. The brand has grown sales more than 225% in the last year as it continues to expand its domestic distribution, while it recently joined the Grovara global marketplace with 13 products available.
Blake’s Seed Based has also spent a good deal of resources on innovation, launching its better-for-you Rice Crispy Treats to rave reviews.
“We’ve had a tremendously positive response,” says Sorensen, whose snacks are nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free. “It’s a simple product everyone knows and can quickly understand how our Rice Crispy Treat is different.”
The Blake’s Seed Based take on the childhood cereal-based staple has half the number of ingredients of typical treats and nothing artificial. It has fast become the company’s No. 1 seller for the year, and its Birthday Cake flavor is the biggest fan favorite.
Blake’s Seed Based uses sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds in its products to pack a sustainable punch of nutrition, including protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals.
“By leveraging seeds instead of nuts, we create a safe environment for all consumers with and without allergies,” says Sorensen.
The next innovation for Blake’s Seed Based is a line of Roasted Sunflower Seeds, which were developed in response to consumers clamoring for a seed-based protein snack that wasn’t just another protein bar in a saturated market. The result is no-shell sunflower seeds in 1.2-oz on-the-go pouches that come in some exciting flavors: Himalayan Salt, Honey Roasted, and Hot and Spicy.
“It’s perfect for a quick protein snack on your next hike or simply sitting at your desk,” says Sorensen.
The spirit of Blake’s, though, is not at a desk. Sorensen is a former NCAA Division I linebacker at the University of Wisconsin after being named Mr. Football for the state of Minnesota as a high school senior. So it’s safe to say that Blake’s Seed Based snacks are battle-tested.
But with the colorful parrot watching closely, it’s definitely a work hard, play hard mentality for Blake’s.
“We try to make snacks that transport our consumers to their paradise spot,” says Sorensen. “Not only does the parrot represent paradise, but seeds are a key source of nutrients for parrots in the wild, so we wanted to really unlock the power of seed nutrition for all.”