Ep 44 - The Ex-Frito-Lay Executive Who Cracked the Code on Smoked Snacks
Fri Feb 06 2026
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Most snack startups look for a co-packer. Jared Drinkwater built a factory instead.
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In this episode of Recipe to Revenue, host Leah Messina talks with Jared Drinkwater, founder of Low and Slow Snacks and former Frito-Lay executive, about why he left the corporate world to launch a "real wood smoked" snack brand—and the massive operational risks he took to do it.
Watch to learn:
🔥 Why big snack brands use seasoning instead of real smoke
🏰 How to build a manufacturing "moat" big CPG can't cross
🥜 The real difference between liquid smoke and wood fire
🏭 Why Jared built a factory when co-packers said "no"
🛒 How to use Costco Roadshows to prove velocity
🧠 Why sampling beats paid media for taste-driven brands
🛠️ How to win distribution in non-traditional retail (Home Depot)
Whether you’re a CPG founder debating manufacturing options or a marketer looking to disrupt a crowded category, Jared offers a masterclass in building a defensive moat through operations.
Learn more about Low and Slow Snacks:
🌐 https://lowandslow.com/
🚀 Learn More About Our Sponsors:
Intercontinental Beverage Capital: https://inbevcapital.com/
Sinuate Media: https://sinuatemedia.com/
#recipetorevenue #cpg #snackindustry #manufacturing #businessstrategy #lowandslow #fritolay #entrepreneurship #foodbusiness #retailstrategy #costco #startuptips #selfmanufacturing #productinnovation
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Send us a text 🔔 Subscribe to this channel for exclusive content and updates! Most snack startups look for a co-packer. Jared Drinkwater built a factory instead. ------------------ In this episode of Recipe to Revenue, host Leah Messina talks with Jared Drinkwater, founder of Low and Slow Snacks and former Frito-Lay executive, about why he left the corporate world to launch a "real wood smoked" snack brand—and the massive operational risks he took to do it. Watch to learn: 🔥 Why big snack brands use seasoning instead of real smoke 🏰 How to build a manufacturing "moat" big CPG can't cross 🥜 The real difference between liquid smoke and wood fire 🏭 Why Jared built a factory when co-packers said "no" 🛒 How to use Costco Roadshows to prove velocity 🧠 Why sampling beats paid media for taste-driven brands 🛠️ How to win distribution in non-traditional retail (Home Depot) Whether you’re a CPG founder debating manufacturing options or a marketer looking to disrupt a crowded category, Jared offers a masterclass in building a defensive moat through operations. Learn more about Low and Slow Snacks: 🌐 https://lowandslow.com/ 🚀 Learn More About Our Sponsors: Intercontinental Beverage Capital: https://inbevcapital.com/ Sinuate Media: https://sinuatemedia.com/ #recipetorevenue #cpg #snackindustry #manufacturing #businessstrategy #lowandslow #fritolay #entrepreneurship #foodbusiness #retailstrategy #costco #startuptips #selfmanufacturing #productinnovation Support the show