Startup CPG Newswire:
Nebula Snacks Hits 140+ Hy-Vee Shelves Following Grand Prize Win at Opportunity Summit
PRESS RELEASE — NEWS PROVIDED BY David Jacobowitz for Nebula Snacks
AUSTIN, TX (FEBRUARY 2026) — Nebula Snacks, the Austin-based brand creating blood sugar–conscious indulgence, today announced its official launch into 140+ Hy-Vee stores across the Midwest. The rollout marks the culmination of a high-stakes victory at the Hy-Vee Opportunity Summit, where Nebula was hand-picked as one of only three brands selected to pitch on the main stage from a total of 73 participating businesses.
After securing the first-place grand prize, which included $15,000 and fast-tracked product approval, Nebula has spent the last five months scaling operations to support its largest retail expansion to date. The move brings the brand’s total retail distribution to over 250 doors nationwide.
While all 73 brands at the Summit pitched to individual category buyers, Nebula was elevated to the main stage to present directly to Hy-Vee’s executive leadership. This rare selection signaled the retailer’s confidence in Nebula’s ability to disrupt the “better-for-you” confectionery category.
“Being invited to the main stage was the moment we knew we had something special,” said David Jacobowitz, Founder of Nebula Snacks. “Hy-Vee’s leadership saw that we aren’t just another ‘sugar-free’ chocolate—we’re a functional food brand. Since that win, we’ve doubled our production capacity and refined our packaging to ensure we hit these 140 stores with a product that stands out the second a shopper sees it.”
The Packaging Pivot: Spotlight on Fiber Coinciding with the Midwest expansion, Nebula is debuting a strategic packaging refresh. While the brand remains rooted in its zero-sugar, non-glycemic formula, the new design spotlights Fiber-Forward messaging on the front-of-pack. This shift addresses the growing demand for “Functional Indulgence,” where consumers seek snacks that provide satiety and metabolic benefits without the typical blood sugar spike.
“Zero sugar is the entry fee for the health aisle, but fiber is the value-add,” added Jacobowitz. “By moving fiber to the front-of-pack, we’re speaking directly to the modern shopper who wants their snacks to work harder for them.”
Retail Availability: Nebula Snacks’ bites, available in fan-favorite flavors like P’Nut Butta and Cosmic Caramel, are dairy free and also free from sugar alcohols (like erythritol) and artificial sweeteners. The updated packaging is hitting Hy-Vee shelves this week, marking Nebula’s largest retail expansion to date. For more information, visit nebulasnacks.com
About Nebula Snacks
Built for super snackers, who refuse to restrict their cravings, Nebula crafts non-glycemic chocolates that pack a good source of fiber. Made with rich dark chocolate and filled with outta-this-world delicious flavors that boost taste buds, not blood sugar. Free of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, dairy & gluten!
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