A Fresh Take on Texture and Taste (Image Credits: Pexels)
New York – Plant-based snack innovator Mezcla secured $9.5 million in Series B funding to fuel its expansion in the competitive protein bar market.[1][2]
A Fresh Take on Texture and Taste
Mezcla disrupted the protein bar category with its puff-crispy bars that mimic the lightness of rice crispy treats while delivering solid nutrition. Founders Griffin Spolansky and Coco Sotelo developed the concept after meeting in a social entrepreneurship class at the University of Virginia.[2]
Each 40-gram bar packs 10 grams of plant-based protein from pea protein puffs, along with 170 calories, 4 to 5 grams of fiber, and 15 percent of the daily recommended iron intake. The recipe blends quinoa, nuts, seeds, coconut and palm kernel oils, and tapioca fiber for a satisfying crunch absent in dense, traditional bars.[2]
Flavors draw global inspiration:
- Pistachio Chocolate
- Japanese Matcha Vanilla
- Maple Blueberry
- Hazelnut Chocolate
- Mexican Chipotle Hot Chocolate
- Peanut Butter Chocolate
- Frosted Strawberry
Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, these bars target consumers tired of texture trade-offs.[3]
Strong Investor Backing Signals Confidence
Bluestein Ventures led the round, with participation from Santatera Capital, Grupo DMI, Lever VC, Habitat Partners, Tonic Ventures, and Steve Platt, former CEO of BrightFarms and Icelandic Provisions. SG Credit Partners supplied debt financing.[1][2]
The raise brings Mezcla’s total funding to approximately $17 million, following a $4 million Series A in late 2023. Lindsay Levin, venture partner at Bluestein Ventures and new board member, highlighted the brand’s appeal: “Most protein bars ask consumers to trade off taste, texture, or functionality – Mezcla delivers on all three.”[2]
Investors noted exceptional performance across channels after tracking the brand for years. Mezcla also counts Mondelēz CoLab among its early supporters.[2]
Retail Footprint and Growth Momentum
Since 2022, Mezcla achieved a 128 percent compound annual growth rate. The bars now reach over 9,000 U.S. retail doors, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Publix, H-E-B, and select Target, Albertsons, Kroger, and Costco locations.[1][2]
Online availability spans Amazon and Misfits Market. The company partners with The Hunger Project, donating a portion of sales to combat food insecurity in 22 countries since 2022.[2]
Scaling Up for Broader Reach
Proceeds will expand distribution in brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms. Mezcla plans new product development, enhanced marketing, and team growth in R&D, e-commerce, and marketing.[2][3]
This push positions the brand against crowded rivals like Aloha and No Cow in the plant-based segment. Levin added, “We’ve been tracking the brand for over three years and have seen exceptional performance across channels. We believe Mezcla is positioned to become a leading brand in the category as it continues to scale.”[2]
Mezcla’s evolution from niche player to national contender underscores resilient demand for innovative, clean-label snacks.
Key Takeaways:
- $9.5M Series B brings total funding to ~$17M, led by Bluestein Ventures.
- Puff-crispy bars offer 10g plant protein with treat-like texture in 7+ flavors.
- Available in 9,000+ stores; 128% CAGR since 2022 fuels next-phase growth.
Mezcla’s funding win highlights how texture innovation can carve space in a saturated market. What do you think about these crispy protein bars? Tell us in the comments.
