For consumers dealing with diabetes or looking to reduce their sugar intake, finding delicious eats for breakfast or snack time can be challenging. Catalina Snacks Founder Krishna Kaliannan (dealing with Type 1 diabetes himself) is well familiar with the struggle, which is why he founded the company, known for Catalina Crunch cereals, cookies, and other treats. We connected with him to find out about the company’s mission to provide low-sugar, high-protein items that taste good, and to hear more about its recent Protein Granola line.

Jenni Spinner: As a diabetic, I know how hard it can be to find foods that meet your nutritional and dietary needs while still tasting great. Could you please talk a bit about how living with T1D helped inspire the founding of the company?

Krishna Kaliannan: As someone living with Type 1 Diabetes, I can say firsthand that finding savory snacks that don’t spike your blood sugar is very challenging. Many snacks on the market, even many positioned as “healthier”, contain hidden sugars and empty carbs that cause blood sugar spikes. When I was first diagnosed, I felt like I had to choose between eating delicious food and my health. That challenge is what led me to start Catalina Crunch; I wanted to create snacks that are both truly nutritious and actually satisfying.

JS: Please tell us how the company has grown and expanded its portfolio of tasty cereals and snacks since those early days.

KK: Catalina Snacks’ growth has exploded in recent years, cementing its place as a leader in the better-for-you snacking space. In 2025, the brand surpassed a $200 million retail sales run rate and expanded its presence in over 28,000 retail locations nationwide, including major retailers like Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, Walmart, Sprouts, and Costco.

We’ve also grown our buy rate over 25% by expanding consumption occasions for our Cereal. Our consumers tell us that the combination of the stand-up pouch and the large squares makes it easy for them to eat our cereal not just for breakfast, but as a snack in the morning, afternoon and evening. Now, greater than 65% of all consumption occasions for our cereal are in a snacking daypart.

JS: What qualities does a Catalina Crunch product need to possess in order to make it from the idea/concept stage, to pilot, all the way to retail?

KK: For a Catalina Crunch product to make it past the concept phase, it has to deliver on taste first and foremost. Even if the macros are perfect, people won't want to eat something that doesn't taste incredible. We test our concept products with our DTC consumers and only move forward with those that score best on taste. Of course--all products we concept are packed with protein/fiber, and are lower in sugar (with no artificial flavors or sweeteners)!

Courtesy of Catalina Snacks

JS: Your latest innovation, Protein Granola, is at a ton of retailers. Please tell us about that line—flavors, ingredients, and what makes the granolas stand out in the category.

KK: Catalina Crunch Protein Granola is debuting in three craveable flavors, including Honey Cashew, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Almond. Each serving packs 13g of Protein, only 1–2g of Sugar, and is an excellent source of Fiber. Made with nuts, oats, protein, and rice crisps, and Catalina’s signature cereal, it delivers indulgent flavor and strong nutrition, without the sugar crash.

JS: What’s next for Catalina Crunch? Anything you can tell us about new products in the works, new retail locations for your current offerings, production expansion, etc., I would love to hear

KK: We're constantly scouring the globe for new ingredients which can help us deliver great nutrition (protein/fiber), less sugar and the best taste/texture possible. Exciting new protein-packed additions are on the horizon. As demand grows for high-protein, low-sugar snacks, the brand continues to lead in better-for-you innovation.

JS: Finally, do you have a favorite product?

KK: My favorite is our Cinnamon Toast Cereal. I eat it both as an afternoon snack and as a Greek yogurt topper for breakfast. Since it comes in a stand-up pouch, I take it with me when traveling and eat it straight out of the bag, too.

Related: Catalina Snacks unveils brand refresh