Scott Vandenbroekie
Scott Vandenbroekie is the founder of Upcycle Foods Co., a Minneapolis-based food company turning spent brewery grains into upcycled snack products.
Scott Vandenbroekie's Bio
Scott Vandenbroekie is the founder of Upcycle Foods Co., a Minneapolis-based food company turning spent brewery grains into upcycled snack products.
The company’s first product line centered on soft pretzels made from beer grains that would otherwise be discarded, combined with pure maple syrup and butter. Alongside the classic soft pretzel, Upcycle Foods introduced pretzel sticks, pretzel buns, and larger-format pretzels, selling through food trucks, brewery partners, and venue relationships such as Target Field.
By episode 698, Scott had paused the original pretzel line while he worked to bring the concept back through co-manufacturing relationships. His goal is to make upcycled grain snacks available more broadly by moving into a manufacturer-friendly model rather than direct production.
Career Timeline
2021 — Founded Upcycle Foods Co.
Started the company in the Minneapolis area to upcycle spent brewery grains into food products.
2022 — Launched Pretzel Product Line at Upcycle Foods Co.
Released spent-grain soft pretzels, pretzel sticks, pretzel buns, and one-pound pretzels; expanded distribution through breweries, food trucks, and venue partners.
2025 — Paused Original Product Line at Upcycle Foods Co.
Put the initial pretzel line on hold while seeking co-manufacturing relationships to revive the concept at scale.