MassChallenge

Pezzy Pets specializes in creating healthy pet treats that are high in protein and low in calories, focusing on sustainability by using wild Mexican devil fish, an invasive species. The company aims to provide pet owners with delicious snack options that promote better nutrition for their pets while addressing environmental concerns associated with invasive fish populations. Through its innovative approach, Pezzy Pets offers a unique product that combines health benefits with flavorful variety, catering to the needs of both pets and their owners.

Provider of breast milk freeze-drying service intended to help moms overcome barriers to breast milk storage and transportation at home and at work. The company offers breast milk powder that can be stored for years without refrigeration and can be used by mixing with warm purified water, just like powdered formula, enabling nursing mothers to save their own breast milk as a safe and convenient powder.

Frankles has developed BLAST®, the first technological platform based on data science and clean technologies, applied to the extraction, preservation, and concentration of natural compounds. BLAST® allows the design, formulation, and production of new and natural ingredients for the beverage industry.

Little Bandits is a brand dedicated to providing dairy-free and soya-free food products specifically designed for children, addressing the growing concerns surrounding food allergies and the demand for plant-based diets. Founded with inspiration from the founder's son's food allergies, the company offers a range of coconut milk-based yogurts that are low in sugar and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals such as D2, B12, and iodine. These products aim to ensure that children have access to healthy, fun-tasting, and allergy-friendly options that align with vegan dietary preferences, filling a gap in the children's free-from food category.

Grain4Grain is a San Antonio-based food-tech startup focused on producing low-carb, high-protein flour from brewers spent grain, a significant byproduct of the brewing industry. The company has developed a patent-pending process that efficiently dries and mills this spent grain in under 20 minutes, a significant reduction from the conventional six-hour method. By upcycling this resource, Grain4Grain not only creates a nutritious ingredient but also promotes sustainability within the food supply chain. Since its launch 10 months ago, the company has upcycled 120,000 pounds of spent grain and introduced two consumer packaged goods in nearly 200 HEB stores. Additionally, Grain4Grain is actively pursuing contracts with various product makers, bakeries, and even a dog food manufacturer to expand its market reach and product offerings.

Paragon Flavors is a food company based in USA.

More Foods is a food-tech startup focused on producing high-protein meat alternative products by utilizing by-products from the food industry. The company distinguishes itself by incorporating innovative ingredients, resulting in clean-label products with a short list of components that do not include major allergens. More Foods aims to provide consumers with nutritious options that deliver both protein and fiber, effectively replacing animal meat in various meals.

FUL Foods BV, founded in 2020 and based in Delft, Netherlands, specializes in producing sustainable beverages that focus on natural nutrition and plant-based protein. The company aims to cater to environmentally conscious consumers by offering products designed to reduce carbon footprints while enhancing health. Its flagship product, "waterFUL," is a carbonated drink enriched with a trademarked carbon-negative ingredient derived from microalgae. This innovative formulation boasts key proteins and immune-boosting nutrients, leveraging advances in microalgae stability and digestibility. FUL Foods sells its products online, providing a convenient and refreshing option for those seeking nutritious and environmentally friendly beverage choices.

Bon AppéSweet, founded in 2019 and based in Arlington, Virginia, specializes in creating all-natural, plant-based desserts. The company produces oat milk gelato sweetened exclusively with fruit-based sweeteners, containing no cane sugar. In addition to gelato, Bon AppéSweet offers a range of organic chocolates that are sugar-free, vegan, and non-alcoholic. These chocolates utilize ingredients such as organic cocoa and dates, catering to consumers seeking healthier, dairy-free dessert options. Through its innovative product offerings, Bon AppéSweet aims to provide delicious alternatives for health-conscious individuals.

Manufacturer of tech-enabled packaging products designed to eliminate single-use food or beverage containers. The company manufactures stainless steel and silicone to-go cups, bowls and containers that allow a returnable, plastic-free takeout solution that is paired with a proprietary easy-to-use application, through which containers are as easy to check out and return, enabling organizations to save money, meet their sustainability goals and market their zero waste initiatives.

BFT focuses on innovative sugar beet processing to create products with distinctive properties that benefit both food producers and consumers. By offering artificial sweeteners that reduce the glycemic load of foods, BFT addresses the growing concerns related to high glycemic stress in modern diets. Their products are designed to support human metabolism, positively influencing glycemic response and providing metabolic support after sugar intake. This approach not only aids in the formulation of gluten-free and lactose-free foods but also plays a role in combating the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases linked to high sugar consumption, thereby promoting improved nutrition and overall well-being.

Uproot specializes in producing healthy and sustainable plant-based milk tailored for food services like college dining and cafeterias. The company addresses the increasing demand for diverse plant milk options by providing dispensers that streamline operations and minimize packaging waste. Uproot's plant-based milk offerings include alternatives such as oat milk, soymilk, and chocolate pea milk, designed for health-conscious consumers. By focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, packaging waste, and water use compared to traditional dairy and plant milks, Uproot presents a more environmentally friendly choice for those seeking alternatives to conventional beverages.

Healthy smoothie store in a box for B2B (convenience stores, gyms, offices, schools & universities, etc.)

Producer prebiotic teas intended to provide a healthy gut. The company's teas are packed with functional herbs and flowers have low to no sugar and have digestive benefits and better taste which contribute to the overall body's well-being through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, enabling customers to have an improved immune response and a proper digestive health.

Hempfy focuses on innovative food and beverages, based on proprietary cold infusion technology for harvesting and processing THC-free hemp plants, compliant with Swiss legislation. All their products are 100% Swiss made : they grow Hemp, produce and develop their products exclusively in Switzerland from bottom to top. Their production is based on bespoke quality, starting from selecting the best seeds, clearest spring water till final production by the very "Swiss way of doing things".

IQ Bar, Inc. is a Boston-based company that produces and sells nutrition bars designed to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health. Founded in 2016, the company offers a variety of flavors and emphasizes high-healthy-fat and low-net-carb ingredients, aligning with dietary principles that promote mental acuity. IQ Bar's products are distributed through various retailers and online platforms throughout the United States. The founder's personal journey, which involved overcoming mental fatigue and a lack of focus, inspired the creation of these bars as a form of "brain fuel." By focusing on nutrient-rich snacks, IQ Bar aims to provide consumers with convenient options to support their cognitive performance.

Operator of an ingredient and food technology company intended to focus on the repurposing of food waste. The company's services produce tasty and nutritious snacks from Brewers' Spent Grain which is typically sent to landfill or fed to livestock and also provide education on sustainability and make savory and sweet treats that positively impact the environment, enabling consumers to get sustainable food that has a significant impact on food waste while delivering quality and healthfulness.

Tiny House Coffee Roasters an Austin-based micro-roastery that specializes in direct-trade Nicaraguan coffees and cold brew.

Makomas is a food and beverage company that specializes in producing 100% natural juice drinks inspired by the flavors of West Africa. The company focuses on using fresh, sustainably grown ingredients sourced directly from small farmers in the region. Its products are crafted from a variety of organic fruits, flowers, leaves, and roots, all selected for their scientifically proven health benefits. Makomas aims to provide consumers with gourmet super juices that contain no added sugar, artificial colors, or preservatives, highlighting traditional African recipes while promoting health and sustainability.

Manufacturer of healthy beverages intended to provide coffee that gives the energy boost needed to get going in the morning or before a workout. The company's beverages are all-natural coffee that is free of unneeded sugar, carb and fat, enabling consumers to support their health and fitness.

Totolines specializes in producing healthy snacks made from grasshoppers, which are crafted to promote insect consumption as a sustainable food source. Each snack contains 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, offering a nutritious alternative that parallels the protein content found in a portion of tuna. The products are free from additives, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those concerned about environmental impacts. By focusing on quality and sustainability, Totolines aims to provide a unique snacking option that aligns with modern dietary preferences.

Better Juice Ltd, founded in 2017 and based in Rehovot, Israel, specializes in biotechnology aimed at reducing sugar content in fruit juices. The company’s innovative technology employs non-GMO processes to convert sugars present in juices, such as monosaccharides and disaccharides, into prebiotic and non-digestible fibers, all while preserving the flavor of the beverage. This solution enables industrial juice producers to lower or eliminate sugar in popular juices like orange, apple, and grape juice, which typically contain high sugar levels. Supported by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub, Better Juice addresses the growing consumer demand for healthier beverage options by offering a simple way to enjoy natural juices without excessive sugar.

Concord Spirits reduces the environmental footprint of the spirits industry.

PROTEAS is the right alternative to dairy. With a subscription based e-commerce business model, PROTEAS is building a network of partners to address this €1+bn market opportunity. Founded by 2 seasoned and purpose-driven food industry executives. PROTEAS: a Fair, Sustainable, Plant-based Food & Beverages company, targeting active Millennials, a €3.5+ billion global market.

Direct Coffee is dedicated to creating a lasting social impact in Africa by adopting a direct trade approach to specialty coffee. The company imports coffee from smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and sells it in Europe through biodegradable Nespresso-compatible capsules, as well as whole beans and ground coffee. Each purchase supports educational projects for the children of coffee farmers, allowing customers to contribute directly to their communities. Direct Coffee also offers a flexible subscription model for individual customers, ensuring they have a consistent supply of coffee. By streamlining the coffee supply chain and focusing on sustainability, Direct Coffee enables consumers to enjoy high-quality, authentic coffee while making a positive difference in the lives of farmers and their families.

We all enjoy a good wine, but choosing a bottle we really like in a shop or restaurant is always a confusing task. Here's the thing: You don't need to be a sommelier to figure out the right wine for you. That's why we are here. With Pulp, you get the most diverse selection of wines from independent producers. You rate the wines in our app and we send you the most accurate personalized wine recommendations tailored to your taste.

Buttery is an alcohol delivery application based in Boston, Massachusetts, that allows consumers to discover, order, and receive a wide range of wines, spirits, and beers from local stores. Users can conveniently browse the extensive catalogs of nearby liquor stores through their smartphones or the web, placing orders with just a few taps. Buttery ensures that customers pay the same prices as in-store, without any markups. The platform serves various neighborhoods in the Boston area, including Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Back Bay, and many others, facilitating easy delivery or in-store pickup of preferred beverages.

Superb Smoothies provides delicious, healthy and convenient foods that help to reduce this food waste. Their products are packed with delicious, healthy, fruit and vegetables, super seeds and superfoods with no added sugar, salt or preservatives. These Superb mixes are stored in a cupboard for up to 2 years and are much less likely to be wasted. Not that They will need 2 years to use them. They are confident that they are so delicious and easy to use that they won't last in your cupboard for long.

They have developed a chocolate bar the wins every blind tasting test - and this is what they offer. They have launched with a crowd funding campaign in Israel that broke records, and now officially opening their factory.

Brave Foods is a producer of plant-based snacks focused on delivering nutritious and sustainable dietary options. The company offers products made from natural ingredients that are rich in protein and fiber, ensuring they are both vegan and energizing. By emphasizing sustainable nutrition, Brave Foods aims to make healthy eating appealing and accessible for consumers.

Farmer Willie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer based on the secret, homemade recipe of Farmer Willie Fenichel.

Biluu is a company focused on addressing the environmental and economic challenges associated with bottled water consumption in Mexico, which is the highest per capita consumer of bottled water in the world. The company has developed a water purifier that offers an unlimited supply of clean water. This innovative product effectively removes sediment, protects against harmful microbes such as bacteria and viruses, and eliminates contaminants, bad odors, and flavors. By providing consumers with fresh and safe drinking water, Biluu aims to reduce reliance on bottled water, ultimately saving money for consumers while promoting sustainability.

Archer Roose is a producer of canned wine and beverages focused on providing affordable and sustainable options for modern consumers. The company emphasizes transparency in its winemaking process and uses eco-friendly packaging, such as cans and kegs, to cater to a lifestyle that values convenience without compromising quality. By reimagining traditional supply chains, Archer Roose aims to deliver a delightful wine experience that is accessible for various dining occasions, making it easier for customers to enjoy well-crafted wines.

Eat Your Coffee as coffee-deprived college students at Boston’s Northeastern University. Now we’re on a mission to energize lives with nutritious, caffeinated snacks. Every Eat Your Coffee Bar is caffeinated with a full cup of organic, Fair Trade coffee and is packed with real ingredients, so you can feel good with every energizing bite.

Asarasi, Inc. is a beverage processing company that produces organic bottled water sourced from sugar maple trees, making it the world's only USDA Certified Organic Water. Incorporated in 2014 and based in Cos Cob, Connecticut, Asarasi offers tree-filtered water as a sustainable alternative to depleting groundwater resources. The company's innovative approach utilizes a renewable plant-based source, allowing it to provide a unique product that is both eco-friendly and sugar-free. Asarasi serves its customers through various restaurants and retailers located in Connecticut and New York, including Bethel, Ridgefield, Albany, Portville, and Ellicottville.

PMS Bites are delicious and healthy bite-sized desserts specifically designed for women when we need them most.

Real Food Solutions is launching a line of food products for everyday discomforts like nausea and heartburn. Their 1st product, Anchor Bar, is a nutrition bar that prevents and relieves nausea including motion sickness and morning sickness. The patent-pending bar was formulated by a Harvard-MD based on scientific research that links protein, ginger, and vitamins to nausea relief. Anchor Bar is a practical solution for nausea – healthy, no side-effects, convenient, and easy to eat. It’s just food.

Ajiri Tea is a company dedicated to producing high-quality black tea sourced from small-scale farmers in the Kisii District of western Kenya. The name "Ajiri," which means "to employ" in Swahili, reflects the company's mission to create job opportunities for local women, who also handcraft the product labels. Ajiri Tea specializes in flavored black tea and roasted coffee, incorporating unique ingredients such as dried banana bark. Profits from sales are directed to the Ajiri Foundation, which supports the education of orphans by covering their school fees. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also contributes to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of the local community.

Balance can be hard to find in today’s fast–paced world. At Positivitea they believe in the three Ps – being PRESENT, believing everything is POSSIBLE and remaining POSITIVE. They also believe in the chakras, the energy centres of the body. For thousand of years they have been used as spiritual guidelines for wellbeing and are said to be directly connected to the health of the physical body and mind. When they are balanced you feel positive, healthy and happy. By harnessing the healing power of herbs each tea within the Positivitea range has been specifically blended to help the smooth running of the organs associated with a particular chakra or counteract the ailments associated with its imbalance.

Oto Water is a unique reusable beverage-making bottle with healthy flavor pods stored right on board. With Oto you can now make fresh drinks quickly on-the-go. No more remembering those messy packets to make water interesting. Oto pods add great tasting natural flavor. And by using local water and reducing waste, Oto makes it easy to do something good for yourself and the planet.

ZOOS is a Boston-based company founded in 2012, specializing in the food and beverage sector. The company focuses on offering all-natural, low-calorie beverages that are both healthy and flavorful. One of its key products is a caffeine-free herbal iced tea made from Sideritis, a flowering plant known for its refreshing properties and antioxidants. ZOOS aims to provide consumers with delicious alternatives that promote wellness without compromising taste.

Drinkwell is a company focused on providing clean drinking water solutions in Colorado, West Bengal, and Dhaka. Established in 2013, it offers a range of products and services including Hybrid Ion Exchange (HIX) Resins, designed to remove arsenic and fluoride from water, and water ATMs that facilitate safe water access through RFID-enabled money management and metered dispensing. In addition to these technologies, Drinkwell provides system design services and maintains water assets. The company aims to address the global water crisis by implementing effective water filtration technologies and leveraging a micro-franchise business model to ensure affordable access to clean water for rural and peri-urban communities. Headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Drinkwell also has offices in Kolkata, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

88 Acres is an artisan food startup focused on creating healthy snack foods that are free from the top eight food allergens. The company specializes in producing a variety of products, including pumpkin seed butter, protein bars, and seed bars, all made from simple ingredients. Aimed at fitness enthusiasts and individuals with dietary restrictions, 88 Acres offers a range of diet-friendly options designed for widespread enjoyment.

DrinkSavvy is a Boston-based company that manufactures and distributes drinkware such as plastic cups, straws, and stirrers. Its products feature a proprietary, patented technology, integrating indicators into barware in order to provide consumers with a colorimetric indication of the presence of illicit drugs such as GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol in their drink. DrinkSavvy was founded in 2009 and is based in Boston, M.A.

Onthebar for Brands is a direct and measurable on-premise marketing tool that turns bar staff into an army of brand advocates. It is currently used by some of the largest brands in the industry including Grey Goose, Bacardi, & Drambuie.

Cape Commons Brewing Co. is a B-Corp craft brewery that addresses global water challenges by connecting beer production to community empowerment. For every batch of beer brewed, the company funds a water project in collaboration with its partner, Rainwater for Humanity, which employs microfinance strategies to help communities gain access to clean drinking water. This initiative is encapsulated in the motto "One Batch, One Project. Beer for Water." The brewery is currently establishing its production facility and taproom in Brooklyn, aiming to provide crafted and flavored beers while reducing environmental impact and supporting global clean water initiatives.

Zimba is an international and multidisciplinary group aiming to improve access to safe drinking water for those millions around the world who currently lack this basic need.

Pintley is a developer of a beer recommendation application that connects drinkers, brewers, and bars. The platform offers personalized beer recommendations through its free apps available for iOS, Android, and the web. By learning users' tastes, Pintley enables them to discover a wide variety of beers, participate in local beer tastings, and engage with the community by rating and reviewing the beers they try. The application aims to enhance the beer-drinking experience by fostering connections between consumers and breweries while promoting local beer culture.

Biba Beverages specializes in producing all-natural hydration beverages aimed at supporting healthy, active lifestyles. The company's product line features caffeine-free, low-sugar drinks that incorporate a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, all delivered with a crisp, refreshing lime flavor. By focusing on natural ingredients, Biba Beverages caters to consumers seeking effective hydration solutions without compromising on health.

CocoMama Foods Inc. specializes in producing and selling ready-to-eat quinoa cereals, offering a variety of flavors including fruit quinoa, banana cinnamon, honey almond, wild blueberry, fudgy chocolate crunched out, vanilla cinnamon crunched out, and orange cranberry. Founded in 2010 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company emphasizes healthy, tasty, and convenient breakfast options that cater to snack and cereal lovers. Its products are gluten-free and incorporate ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth, ensuring nutritious and enjoyable meals for consumers on the go. CocoMama Foods distributes its offerings through retail stores and online platforms, reflecting its commitment to modern, health-focused food solutions.

Drync Wine has been the top downloaded mobile app for wine in the world. Drync has received accolades from the New York Times, Mashable, Macworld, and others. Today, Drync manages 600,000 bottles of virtual wine for 300,000 affluent wine enthusiasts and has served over 2 million wine searches.

Greenbean unlocks consumer data by incentivizing beverage recycling. We make software for ‘reverse vending machines’, or RVMs, that allows consumers to return beverage containers for a small sum (often 5 cents each). We connect RVMs to the internet, and allow these payments to travel directly to your bank account, PayPal, or charitable cause. Users can create an account online to start recycling, making money, and view stats on their positive environmental impact. We strengthen user engagement by added social and gaming layers, as well as various marketing promotions. Greenbean works great with retail loyalty programs. For our corporate partners we create rich data analytics – individualized and locationary. We even scan UPC (aka bar) codes on every beverage container, which tells us things like the exact brand of drink recycled. Our vision is to bring consumer beverage recycling into the 21st century. Every year more than 100 billion bottle and cans end up in a landfill. Greenbean’s payment, social, and analytics platform incentivizes consumers to recycle their beverage containers so that the harmful (yet valuable) plastic and metal can be salvaged. We are working towards a GB-enabled RVM for everywhere beverage containers congregate – from condos to convenience stores.

CocoMama Foods Inc. specializes in producing and selling ready-to-eat quinoa cereals, offering a variety of flavors including fruit quinoa, banana cinnamon, honey almond, wild blueberry, fudgy chocolate crunched out, vanilla cinnamon crunched out, and orange cranberry. Founded in 2010 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company emphasizes healthy, tasty, and convenient breakfast options that cater to snack and cereal lovers. Its products are gluten-free and incorporate ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth, ensuring nutritious and enjoyable meals for consumers on the go. CocoMama Foods distributes its offerings through retail stores and online platforms, reflecting its commitment to modern, health-focused food solutions.

Clean water is difficult to come by; plastic soda bottles are not. Today, they clutter our planet, but they could become invaluable life savers in the very near future. OsmoPure’s bottle top filtration device screws into used soda bottles filled with dirty water and turns them into simple and effective water filtration systems. These systems are designed to be accessible in an emergency and to operate as easily as squeezing a bottle. Simply put, they give you clean water in a pinch.