In today’s fast-paced world, parents increasingly seek convenient yet healthy snack options for their children. Traditional hummus, known for its versatility and nutritional value, sometimes falls short for the family-focused consumer. With many store-bought varieties laden with preservatives, gums, and artificial flavors, the demand for organic and clean-label products is on the rise. Recognizing this void, Little Sesame—a Washington, D.C.-based startup—embarked on a mission to provide delicious, wholesome hummus options tailored specifically for kids. Their recent introduction of Little Sesame Kids Hummus Cups marks a significant milestone in addressing the needs of health-conscious parents.
The Founders’ Culinary Journey
Cofounders Nick Wiseman and Ronen Tenne are not just entrepreneurs; they are chefs with a rich history in the culinary world. Their paths first crossed on the prestigious New York fine dining scene, where they forged a strong friendship. Fast forward to 2016, Wiseman and Tenne reunited to create a popup restaurant in D.C., which would later blossom into a successful establishment known for its fresh hummus made from local ingredients. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, forcing them to pivot their business model. They began hand-packing their hummus into pint containers, setting the stage for their breakthrough partnership with Whole Foods.
Strategic Growth and Expansion
The journey of Little Sesame encapsulates the spirit of innovation and resilience. After being discovered by a Whole Foods forager, their product was launched in 14 stores—a pivotal moment that allowed them to reach more customers. Today, their hummus can be found in 3,000 locations across the country, including 500 Whole Foods Market stores and top retailers like Wegmans and Sprouts. To sustain this rapid growth, they established a 13,000 square foot manufacturing facility, signaling their commitment to meet rising consumer demand while maintaining quality.
The passionate co-founders have ambitious sales projections, expecting to hit $20 million by 2025. With a dedicated staff of 60 employees, Little Sesame has strategically grown its presence, employing brand ambassadors to spread the word in key markets.
Creating a Nutritional Take on a Classic
The primary inspiration for the Little Sesame Kids Hummus Cups stems from Wiseman and Tenne becoming parents. This life transition compelled them to rethink their culinary creations for a younger audience. Their research highlighted a significant demand among parents for convenient and healthy meals that appealed to children’s tastes. Consequently, the 2.5-ounce hummus cups were designed to fit seamlessly into school lunches or serve as a nutritious snack on the go.
Packaged in bright, engaging boxes of four, these hummus cups retail for $6.99. They provide parents with peace of mind, as Little Sesame products are not only certified organic but also made from chickpeas sourced from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture. The ingredient list reflects their clean-label promise: organic chickpeas, tahini, sunflower oil, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and Himalayan Pink sea salt—simple components that echo those found in homemade recipes.
One of the key advantages of Little Sesame Kids Hummus is its thoughtful formulation aimed at pleasing young palates. The hummus boasts a light, creamy texture with a refreshing lemony flavor, devoid of strong spices like cumin that may deter children. A two-tablespoon serving is low in calories—just 80 calories per serving—making it a guilt-free treat for kids and adults alike.
Little Sesame’s dedication to health extends beyond taste alone. Their products face stringent quality checks, being both USDA Organic and non-GMO Project Verified. Additionally, with Clean Label Project certification, parents can trust that Little Sesame hummus is free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals, emphasizing a commitment to robust health standards.
Beyond feeding children healthy foods, Little Sesame emphasizes its commitment to environmental stewardship. By sourcing chickpeas from farmers who eschew chemical fertilizers and pesticides, they aim to forge a connection between nutrition and sustainable practices. Their continued collaboration with Montana’s Casey Bailey and other local farmers highlights their dedication to supporting regenerative agriculture.
Technology and funding have played vital roles in Little Sesame’s growth. Recently, they were awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a sustainable supply chain for organic chickpeas. With the goal of expanding their network to ten farmers across 10,000 acres within three years, Little Sesame is poised to broaden its impact significantly.
The Future of Hummus in Children’s Diets
As Little Sesame champions its mission of connecting kids to the joys of nutritious eating, they are paving the way for a new generation of food consumers who understand the link between agriculture, sustainability, and health. Their innovative product line not only meets a considerable demand but also informs parents and children alike about making healthier food choices. Ultimately, as they expand their reach, more families will be encouraged to embrace hummus as a staple snack, cultivating a love for wholesome food in the next generation.