Catalina Snacks Expands with High-Protein, Low-Sugar Innovations

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 25, 2026 – Catalina Snacks®, a prominent innovator in the better-for-you food space, today announced a strategic expansion of its product portfolio with the launch of two new items: a Peanut Butter Protein Cereal and a Parmesan Garlic Protein Snack Mix. The new products, now available on the company's website, are designed to meet growing consumer demand for snacks that deliver both bold flavor and purposeful nutrition, reinforcing the brand's core philosophy to “Snack Like It Matters™”.

Founded in 2018 on a personal mission to reinvent favorite snacks with healthier profiles, Catalina Snacks has rapidly carved out a significant space in the competitive consumer packaged goods market. These latest additions underscore the company's commitment to disrupting traditional food categories by offering products high in protein and fiber but exceptionally low in sugar.

Redefining Indulgence with Purposeful Nutrition

The two new flavors directly challenge the long-held compromise between taste and health. The Catalina Crunch Peanut Butter Protein Cereal enters a market saturated with high-sugar options, offering a robust peanut butter taste with a satisfying crunch. Each serving packs 11 grams of protein and an excellent source of fiber (9 grams), all with zero grams of sugar. This nutritional profile positions it not just as a breakfast option but as a versatile, guilt-free snack for any time of day.

Meanwhile, the Parmesan Garlic Protein Snack Mix makes its return as a permanent offering following a successful run as a limited-edition flavor, a direct response to vocal consumer demand. The savory mix combines Catalina Crunch cereal squares, almonds, cashews, and gluten-free pretzels, seasoned with sharp parmesan and bold garlic. A single serving contains 10 grams of protein, a good source of fiber (5 grams), and only one gram of sugar, a stark contrast to the high-sugar content often found in conventional salty snacks. This move highlights the brand's agility and focus on consumer feedback as a driver for innovation.

"Today's consumers expect more from their snacks," said Sam Martin, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer of Catalina Snacks, in the official announcement. "They want bold flavor and great nutrition in the same bite. With these new flavors, we're continuing to provide our signature benefits of protein, fiber and lower sugar that consumers demand, while delivering just as much satisfaction as traditional options without compromise."

Tapping into Key Consumer Health Trends

This product launch is strategically timed to align with powerful shifts in consumer behavior and dietary guidelines. The market for high-protein, low-sugar foods continues to surge as shoppers become more educated about the impact of their food choices on overall wellness. Recent recommendations, such as those in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030), have placed a stronger emphasis on limiting added sugars, creating a favorable environment for brands that prioritize sugar reduction.

Catalina Snacks' offerings cater directly to several key demographics, including individuals following ketogenic or low-carb lifestyles, diabetics, and the growing segment of health-conscious consumers seeking to increase their protein and fiber intake for better satiety and metabolic health. The reintroduction of a savory option like Parmesan Garlic also acknowledges the market's desire for healthy snack alternatives beyond the traditionally sweet-dominated space.

The company’s impact on dietary habits is significant. In 2025 alone, Catalina Snacks reported that its products helped remove more than 4.9 million pounds of sugar from consumers' diets by providing a direct alternative to legacy high-sugar cereals. This statistic powerfully illustrates the cumulative public health benefit of making accessible, appealing, and healthier choices mainstream.

A Business Model Built on Growth and Disruption

Since its founding, Catalina Snacks has demonstrated a remarkable growth trajectory. Evolving from a direct-to-consumer startup into a national brand, its presence in over 30,000 retailers nationwide signifies a successful transition into the competitive brick-and-mortar landscape. This extensive distribution network is crucial for a 'better-for-you' brand aiming to move from a niche audience to mass-market adoption.

In the high-protein cereal category, Catalina Crunch competes with other health-focused brands like Magic Spoon and Kashi GO. While competitors also offer high-protein options, Catalina distinguishes itself with a consistent formula that balances high protein with high fiber and near-zero sugar across its entire product line. For instance, its new Peanut Butter cereal's 11g protein and 9g fiber profile stands strong against competitors, some of which contain higher sugar levels or lower fiber content.

The company’s expansion from cereal into snack mixes, cookie bars, and granola showcases a clear strategy to own multiple snacking occasions throughout the day. By systematically developing products that fill nutritional gaps in the modern pantry, Catalina Snacks is not just selling snacks; it is building a comprehensive ecosystem of healthier eating solutions.

An Authentic Mission at the Core

The driving force behind Catalina Snacks' innovation is the authentic story of its founder, Krishna Kaliannan. As a type 1 diabetic, Kaliannan experienced firsthand the frustration of searching for satisfying foods that wouldn't negatively impact his blood sugar. His personal journey from kitchen-based experimentation to building a national brand infuses the company with a deep-seated purpose.

This mission-driven approach is evident in the brand’s meticulous product development, which prioritizes non-GMO ingredients and natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. The philosophy to “Snack Like It Matters” is more than a marketing slogan; it is the foundational principle that guides the company's every move. It resonates with consumers who are increasingly looking for transparency and authenticity from the brands they support.

By continuing to innovate and expand its reach, Catalina Snacks is solidifying its role as a leader in the movement toward a healthier food system. The launch of its Peanut Butter Protein Cereal and Parmesan Garlic Protein Snack Mix is another deliberate step in fulfilling its promise to make nutritious, delicious, and accessible food for a wide variety of lifestyles, with more innovations promised throughout the year.