Vegan Protein Bars Make $10 Million in Revenue

Vegan protein bar and nut butter startup D’s Naturals made $10 million in revenue in 2016—up from just $1 million in 2015. 20-year-old entrepreneur Daniel Katz founded the company in 2015 using samples from plant-based protein companies and pea protein, in lieu of dairy found in traditional energy bars. “We are something very unique,” Katz said. “Our offering of high-protein, dairy-free, low-sugar is something nobody else has necessarily been able to figure out.” The company is undergoing a rebranding—swapping “D’s Naturals” for “No Cow” labeling—after receiving a sizeable investment from food corporation General Mills. Katz’ products are currently available in 12,000 stores nationwide, and the young businessman plans to hike revenue to $100 million by 2019.