“A full meal in a bottle”: Meal replacement start-up Ample Foods launches equity crowdfunding campaign

24 Jan 2019 --- San Francisco-based meal replacements start-up Ample Foods has kick-started 2019 by reformulating its product range and launching an equity crowdfunding campaign on Republic, a platform connecting start-ups with angel investors. According to the company, the new formulas boast reduced amounts of carbs and are fortified with vitamin B12, calcium, potassium, magnesium and include an assortment of vegetable powders.

On-the-go meal solutions and snacking are increasingly gaining momentum. Even though Ample’s products are full meal replacements, they do tap on the fast and on-the-go snacking trend. Innova Market Insights reports that snacking is a central focus of innovation across all food & beverage categories, with 10 percent average annual growth of global launches with a snacking claim over the past five years (CAGR, 2013-2017).

Sixty-three percent of millennials are replacing meals with snacks because they are busy, the research specialist reports, according to a 2018 Consumer Lifestyle and Attitudes Survey. But it’s not only about addressing this demographic. With 50 percent of Gen X’ers “inclined to cut down on their sugar consumption” and 67 percent of baby boomers “making changes to their diet to become healthier,” there are numerous NPD avenues to follow for healthier snacking.

Ample’s equity crowdfunding campaign
The company’s equity crowdfunding campaign on Republic seeks to attract new investments so Ample Foods may further expand its capabilities and reach. The brand’s to-do list includes the addition of new flavors in their existing range, new products, lower costs and distribution expansion, as well as improving its marketing reach. 

“We're passionate about changing and improving the consumer packaged food industry, and the equity crowdfunding campaign will help us set the standard for our industry by allowing us to focus on ingredient quality, transparency, supply chain and environmental impact,” says Connor Young, Ample CEO.

“Investing boosts engagement and loyalty in a way that buying a product simply cannot. We’re thankful that Ample has the vision to share its journey and success with its customers by giving them a chance to be stakeholders,” says Kendrick Nguyen, Co-Founder of Republic.

Bottled on-the-go meals and their formulation
Ample’s bottled meals are easily consumed, with the simple addition of water to the mix. Each convenient, pre-portioned bottled meal replacement from Ample is packed with healthy fats, proteins, carbs, prebiotic fiber and probiotics, according to the company. The products are made without artificial sweeteners, flavors, GMOs, gluten or soy.

Responding to consumer demand, Ample updated the ingredients list of its Original, Ketogenic and Vegan formulas. The company reformulated its products, in an effort to improve the taste and nutritional value without compromising on the quality of ingredients. The new formulas have reduced amounts of net carbs, with 3gr per 400 calorie meals and 5gr per 600 calorie meals, making them suitable for those following ketogenic diets. Moreover, they have no added sugar alcohols. 

The Ample V formula was enhanced to include more fruit and vegetable powders including raspberry, carrot and kale, along with a boosted nutrient blend of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B12. The taste is now “a creamy blend of berries, nuts and toasted oatmeal with a hint of fresh lemon,” according to the company.