Funky Mello is a line of plant-based marshmallow creams founded by entrepreneurs Zach and Delisa Harper. Based in Austin, Texas, the company is on a mission to reinvent the nostalgic flavors of classic marshmallow creme with a focus on high-quality, allergen-friendly ingredients.
The Beginnings
Zach and Delisa met while attending a music festival six months into dating. They quickly bonded over their shared love of food, especially their struggles finding allergy-friendly sweets that didn’t compromise on flavor.
The couple began experimenting with vegan rice crispy treats in artisanal flavors to sell at local farmers markets. The positive feedback drove them to expand into vegan marshmallows and eventually plant-based marshmallow cremes under the Funky Mello brand.
Delisa brought her background in corporate marketing and business operations to her new role as CEO of Funky Mello. Zach serves as COO, overseeing operations and production.
Funky Mello Products
Funky Mello’s flagship product line consists of plant-based marshmallow cremes in flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate cookie. Seasonal options have included cherry, hazelnut, vanilla chai, and pumpkin spice cremes.
What sets Funky Mello apart is their use of chickpeas rather than gelatin for the light, fluffy texture. This makes the cremes vegan, soy-free, and allergen-friendly. They contain less sugar than traditional marshmallow cremes, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking better-for-you treats.
The cremes can be used as dip for fruit, stirred into coffee, melted for s’mores, and incorporated into everything from waffles to crispy treats. Funky Mello encourages customers to get creative with different flavor combinations and recipes.
In addition to the marshmallow cremes, Funky Mello offers pre-made dipping packs like Sweet N Salty with pretzels or Tropical with plantain chips. These provide grab-and-go snacking options for convenience.
National Expansion
From its beginnings at local markets, Funky Mello has expanded to retailers like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. Their products can now be found in specialty grocers across the country.
In 2022, the company completed two respected accelerator programs: SKU and Impact Ventures. This helped prepare Funky Mello for rapid growth and national distribution.
Delisa identifies graduating from these selective programs as a career highlight. It lent credibility as an entrepreneur and set the foundation for Funky Mello’s future success.
Looking Ahead
As a pioneering brand in allergy-friendly desserts, Funky Mello aims to continue leading the plant-based revolution. Zach and Delisa plan to expand their distributions and product offerings.
Their journey proves that with passion, grit, and chickpea magic, two music lovers can disrupt an entire food category. Funky Mello brings allergy-friendly indulgence to the masses, one marshmallow bite at a time.
