008: Fun and Funky Blobs— A Tastier and Healthier Take on Candies with Mike Schanbacher and Nicholas Kheny

Essential Ingredients Podcast

"If we're not having fun, we need to stop doing it." —Nicholas Kheny

"Work with people only bigger than you and you become a company of giants." —Mike Schanbacher

When it comes to candy, the word "healthy" might not immediately come to mind. However, with the rise of vegan lifestyles, there is an increasing demand for plant-based alternatives, including vegan candy. Vegan candy delivers a guilt-free indulgence, without compromising on taste. These candies are often made with natural flavors and colors derived from fruits and vegetables, making them a more wholesome option that aligns with your healthy choices.

Blobs is a better-for-you candy brand founded in 2020 by childhood friends Mike Schanbacher and Nicholas Kheny. The company creates vegan, low-sugar gummy candies that aim to provide an accessible and fun candy option for health-conscious consumers. Blobs gummies contain only 2g of sugar per serving while still delivering bold fruit flavors. Their signature pectin-based recipe achieves a traditional gummy texture without the added sugar or guilt typically associated with candy.

This week's conversation offers inspiration and practical lessons for anyone interested in starting a CPG business. Listen in as Mike and Nick share their journey starting the company together as friends and co-founders; the challenges of developing the right vegan, low-sugar recipe and finding a manufacturer to partner with; Blobs' expansion into retail stores; their upcoming new product launches, and much more.

Meet Mike:

Mike Schanbacher is the Co-Founder and Marketing Lead at Blobs, a better-for-you candy brand. With over 10 years of experience in growth marketing and strategy, Mike oversees all marketing and sales efforts at Blobs. Prior to founding Blobs, Mike worked at several startups helping drive organic growth. At Blobs, Mike leverages his expertise to position the brand as a fun and accessible candy company while creating healthier products. When not working, Mike enjoys spending time with his family in New York.

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Meet Nick:

Nicholas Kheny is the Co-Founder and Operations Lead at Blobs. With a background in finance and biochemical engineering, Nick handles product strategy, operations, and business development. Prior to founding Blobs, Nick worked on growing several consumer brands through acquisitions and sales. At Blobs, Nick applies his analytical skills to ensure the business runs efficiently while creating great tasting yet healthy candy products. When not working, Nick enjoys spending time with his family in Philadelphia and coming up with new product ideas for Blobs.

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Connect with Blobs:

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Episode Highlights:

00:58 Meet Mike and Nick

05:19 Making Candy Healthy

08:25 Launching Business with Fun

12:32 Vegan Gummy Bears

16:37 What It's Like Being Co-Founders

20:24 Potential for Growth