Company: Kakookies

Website: www.kakookies.com

Introduced: March 2018

Distribution: National

Suggested Retail Price: $2.99

Product Snapshot: Kakookies—a cookie re-imagined—is making its first appearance at the National Restaurant Association in conjunction with other local Minnesota companies in the American Food Hall – Minnesota Pavilion Booth #8262. Recently, the brand went through a packaging change, and the cookies are also now gluten-free.

Sue Kakuk, owner of Kakookies, is thrilled to take her four-year-old company to this event and to expose her product to companies such as Panera, Costco and the US Airforce. “Many companies don’t have a gluten free kitchen or have the ability to create deliciously flavorful vegan grab and go snacks. We fill a void for these companies by offering single serve grab and go cookies that are full of superfood ingredients like chia seeds, nuts, and gluten-free oats. Our products are certified gluten free and have 4-5 grams of plant-based proteins, so they provide sustained energy and are a good source of fiber. Kakookies are a perfect addition for box lunches, catering, healthy snack tracks, concessions and micro-marts because they appeal to all ages regardless of dietary restrictions.

Sue started her business when she discovered her daughter and college cycling teammates were stopping at fast-food for donuts & breakfast – so she created a handheld better-for-you cookie (not another over-processed snack bar) that was portable and contains simple yet functional ingredients. As a woman-owned business, Sue believes there are a lot of moms, athletes and busy people on the go that want an easy and simple snack that tastes delicious and satisfies hunger.

Kakookies is available in four different grab and go varieties: Almond Cranberry, Boundary Water Blueberry, Cashew Blonde and Dark Chocolate Cranberry. The MSRP is $2.99 and is currently available at retailers such as Whole Foods, local co-ops, Hy-Vee, state parks, and foodservice.