How a Joke Turned Into a Crispy, Plant-Based Snack Empire

A vegan snack brand offering a crispy alternative to pork rinds has expanded rapidly across North America. SNACKLINS, founded by a former chef and radio host, now lines shelves in major retailers like Walmart. The plant-based crisps have also caught the attention of investors, including a deal on Shark Tank.

The idea for SNACKLINS began with a casual joke. Samy Kobrosly, a chef and ex-radio personality, chatted with a Muslim friend about missing out on pork rinds due to dietary restrictions. This conversation sparked the creation of a plant-based version—crispy, crunchy, and made without animal products.

Kobrosly's snack uses natural ingredients like yucca, mushrooms, and sunflower oil. The result is a low-calorie, gluten-free crisp that mimics the texture of traditional pork rinds. Four flavours—BBQ, Teriyaki, Chesapeake Bay, and Nacho—are currently available.

The brand gained wider recognition after Kobrosly pitched it on Shark Tank. He asked for $250,000 in exchange for 2.5% equity. Mark Cuban countered with the same investment but for 5% equity plus 5% advisory shares. The deal went through, helping SNACKLINS scale up.

Today, the crisps are sold in thousands of grocery stores across the USA and Canada. They cater to vegans, paleo dieters, and anyone avoiding dairy or gluten. The snacks also pack fewer calories than standard potato chips.

SNACKLINS has grown from a lighthearted idea into a widely stocked snack brand. Backed by Cuban's investment, the company now competes in the plant-based market with a product designed for diverse dietary needs. Its expansion into major retailers marks a shift in how consumers view vegan alternatives to classic snacks.