Better-for-you snack manufacturer Outstanding Foods has raised $10m in a Series A financing round to expand its retail footprint and direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing efforts.

The funding round was led by SternAegis Ventures. Enjoy Life Foods Board former chairman Kenneth Harris and El Dorado Foods CEO Javier Valéz-Bautista also participated in the financing round.

SternAegis Ventures partner and CFA Cassel Shapiro said: “We are committed to supporting the Outstanding Foods team in its mission to develop a plant-based snack products global brand.

“Outstanding Foods is led by passionate serial entrepreneurs seeking to push the boundaries of what’s possible with plant-based ingredients.”

The company intends to use the investment for strengthening its research and development team, which is led by Outstanding Foods co-founder chef Dave Anderson.

With this Series A financing, Outstanding Foods said it will focus on the retail expansion of its first product, PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds, and its most recent innovation, TakeOut Meal-In-A-Bag Puffs, in national and global markets.

Outstanding Foods co-founder and CEO Bill Glaser said: “We’ve experienced explosive growth in 2020 in both our DTC and retailer channels, and feedback on our Addictively Delicious™ and nutritious products has been outstandingly positive.

“This Series A financing will enable us to accelerate our mission of making it easier for anyone to eat healthier plant-based foods. Look for more Outstanding Foods tasty innovative products to come!”

Outstanding Foods products are currently available at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods and south-west 7-11 locations.