AUSTIN, TX — BEEST Snacks, an Austin, Texas-based high-protein meat snack company, has been named a 2026 KeHE Distributors Trend Finder Golden Ticket Winner. The recognition secures fast-track access to all 12 KeHE distribution centers nationwide, positioning the brand for expanded retail placement across the United States.
The KeHE Trend Finder program is one of the most competitive validations in the natural and specialty food industry. Each year, the program identifies emerging brands that align with current consumer trends and demonstrate strong potential for retail growth. Being selected as a Golden Ticket Winner places BEEST Snacks among a small group of brands granted direct access to KeHE's nationwide distribution network.
Founded by Lucas Prado and Nicole Ruiz, a couple and engineers based in Austin, TX, BEEST Snacks produces high-protein, clean-ingredient meat snacks using a patent-pending process. The product line includes Crunchy Beef Jerky Chips, Crunchy Pork Jerky Chips, and Charcuterie Trail Mix. The Crunchy Jerky Chips contain zero sugar and are made with clean ingredients. The Charcuterie Trail Mix features 0g Added Sugar and combines cured meats with nuts and dried fruit for a portable charcuterie board in a bag.
With nationwide distribution through KeHE now on the horizon, BEEST Snacks joins a growing category of Texas-based food brands bringing high-protein, clean-ingredient snacks to retailers across the country. The brand's crunchy jerky chips and charcuterie trail mix fill a gap in the meat snack aisle, offering consumers a shelf-stable alternative to traditional jerky with a texture and format that stands apart.
As featured in AP News, KXAN Austin, CW39 Houston, and National Law Review.
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