Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Turner.
Hi Audrey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In early 2020, I set out to make a plant-based snack dip that was equal parts delicious and nutritious. My dad was recovering from an unexpected bout with cancer, and I was keen to help introduce more whole, plant-based foods into his diet.
After weeks of experimentation, I stumbled onto an almond-based recipe that was tangy, creamy, and amazingly good. The secret? Toasting the almonds gave the dips an unmistakably rich and bold flavor.
When my family and friends tried it, they couldn’t stop dipping! Encouraged by my dad (now in remission), I decided to turn my recipes into a real business. And thus, Toasty was born!
We launched publicly at Farmer’s Markets in the fall of 2021 and were immediately humbled by the positive consumer reception and loyal following that developed in a short period of time. Toasty is now available at boutique grocers and online with local delivery in the Austin area.
And, while still early days, Toasty is growing rapidly! Our team is on a hungry mission to make plant-based snacks more nourishing, delicious, and accessible, and I’m excited to bring our tasty and wholesome dips to a growing consumer audience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The journey to roasty toasty perfection (as I like to call it) has definitely been a series of ups and downs. As many entrepreneurs will understand, growing and scaling a business isn’t a linear process. I try to take the mindset of accepting small wins as big wins – celebrating every little thing. And on the other side of that coin, taking setbacks and difficulties in stride.
Some of the biggest hurdles have been related to scaling and growing into the retail space. As a first-time founder with no experience in the CPG or food space, there’s been a huge learning curve throughout this journey. In particular, the challenges of distributing a refrigerated product have been quite difficult to navigate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Toasty Dips?
Toasty offers a line of tangy, creamy, and boldly flavored snack dips made from toasted almonds, fresh herbs, and local spices. Our dips – available in six flavors – are made with simple, intentional plant-based ingredients free of major allergens (e.g., dairy, gluten, soy, and peanuts) and supportive of leading dietary preferences (e.g., vegan, keto-friendly, and paleo-friendly).
I believe the market lacks plant-based snack options that are simultaneously nourishing, delicious, and branded in a way that is accessible to the average consumer. There has been a growing shift towards plant-based eating that is extremely exciting, but many of foods out there tout “plant-based” but lack real nutritional value or quality. That’s definitely one of the key areas that Toasty stands out. Toasty Dips have out of this world taste with down to earth ingredients.
In terms of what I’m most proud of brand-wise, I would say the packaging and design system. I’m a digital designer by trade but had never done a packaging design of any kind. It took me about a year (and probably 10-20 versions left on the cutting room floor) but I couldn’t be happier with how the packaging turned out. Seeing the package (and product) that I created on the shelves — seeing how excited people are when they try it for the first time — is absolutely the most rewarding thing about building this business.
What’s next?
In the near term, my biggest goal for Toasty is gaining regional distribution. I’m super excited to spread the Toasty love and have more people try it! Looking longer-term, I’m excited to build out more product lines and concepts that make healthy food more delicious and more accessible.
Contact Info:
- Email: audrey@toastydips.com
- Website: https://www.toastydips.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toastydips/
Image Credits
Fresh Take Studios
