Catalina Crunch
Catalina Crunch is a better-for-you cereal and snack brand founded by Krishna Kaliannan after his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The Austin, Texas-based company specializes in high-protein, low-carb, keto-friendly cereals, cookies, and snack mixes.
The Story
Catalina Crunch was born from necessity. After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teenager, Krishna Kaliannan struggled to find tasty, low-sugar breakfast options that fit his dietary needs. So he started experimenting in his NYC apartment kitchen in 2017, baking low-carb cereal recipes using unconventional ingredients like pea protein and monk fruit.
What began as a personal project quickly turned into a business. In 2018, Kaliannan officially launched Catalina Crunch Dark Chocolate Cereal on CatalinaCrunch.com, offering a better-for-you alternative that did not compromise on taste. The brand's breakthrough came in 2020 when its Cinnamon Toast flavor landed at Costco, catapulting it from direct-to-consumer startup to household name in the better-for-you snack aisle.
By 2021, the company had expanded its lineup to eight cereal flavors, four cookie flavors, and four snack mix flavors, and moved operations to a larger facility in Lebanon, Indiana, to keep up with demand. The brand continued innovating with the launch of Chocolate Cookie Bars in 2023 and Xtreme Cheddar Snack Mix in 2024, the latter of which was named the #1 Best September Find at Costco.
Today, Catalina Crunch operates under the parent name Catalina Snacks and remains committed to its founding mission: uncompromised taste and quality in every bite, with protein and fiber, without the sugar.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products & Services
Cinnamon Toast Cereal
Fan-favorite cinnamon toast flavored cereal that landed at Costco in 2020. High in protein and fiber, with low net carbs and no added sugar.
Fruity Cereal
Fruity flavored high-protein, low-carb cereal made with pea protein and monk fruit. A colorful, better-for-you breakfast option from Catalina Crunch.
Dark Chocolate Cereal
High-protein, low-carb, keto-friendly dark chocolate cereal made with pea protein and monk fruit. A staple of the Catalina Crunch lineup since the brand's 2018 launch.
Company Timeline
2017 — Founded in NYC apartment
Krishna Kaliannan began baking low-carb cereal in his NYC apartment after his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis left him frustrated by the lack of tasty, low-sugar breakfast options.
2018 — Official launch of Catalina Crunch
Launched Catalina Crunch Dark Chocolate Cereal on CatalinaCrunch.com, marking the brand's debut as a direct-to-consumer business.
2020 — Costco placement
Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast became a fan favorite and secured a Costco placement, dramatically expanding retail reach.
2021 — Product expansion and facility move
Expanded to eight cereal flavors, four cookie flavors, and four snack mix flavors. Moved operations to a larger facility in Lebanon, Indiana.
2023 — Chocolate Cookie Bars launch
Introduced Chocolate Cookie Bars in Raspberry, Mint, and Peanut Butter flavors, marking the brand's entry into the cookie bar category.
2024 — CEO transition and new snacks
Doug Behrens, former KIND executive, joined as CEO while Kaliannan shifted to brand vision. Launched Xtreme Cheddar Snack Mix at Costco.
