What if your favorite snack could do more than satisfy your cravings? What if it could also make a meaningful impact on communities in need? In a world where convenience often trumps purpose, is it time to rethink how we snack and the role our choices play in the bigger picture?

Matthew and Jasmine von Teichman believe it is. With years of experience in the food industry, they set out to create more than just a great snack. Driven by a mission to support local communities and help children start their days with nutritious meals, they put purpose before product. As Matthew shares, the mission came first, followed by the discovery of purple corn, which made the snack both healthier and uniquely delicious. This approach reflects their commitment to making a meaningful difference while delivering a product that exceeds expectations.

In this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is joined by Matthew and Jasmine von Teichman, Founders of Purplesful Snacking Popcorn, to discuss the mission behind their brand and the power of combining purpose with taste. The episode covers their journey of starting with a vision before a product, how purple corn became the cornerstone of their popcorn, and the incredible impact of supporting children’s breakfast programs.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [2:19] What inspired Matthew and Jasmine von Teichman to launch Purplesful Popcorn?
• [3:53] The health benefits of purple corn over yellow corn
• [6:41] How 25% of profits fuel children’s breakfast programs
• [8:22] What the national Kroger rollout means for this growing brand 
• [11:33] Insider tips for successfully working as a husband-wife team
• [13:39] What keeps customers loyal beyond the brand’s big mission
• [17:34] The couple’s hard-won advice on grit, balance, and startup resilience

About Matthew and Jasmine Von Teichman:

Matthew and Jasmine von Teichman are the Founders of Purplesful Snacking Popcorn, a company dedicated to creating healthy, antioxidant-rich purple corn popcorn while donating 25% of profits to children’s nutrition charities. Purplesful has achieved widespread growth in both Canada and the US, including a significant launch into 400 Kroger stores, and is on a mission to donate $5 million over the next five years. Matthew is an accomplished ethical investor and three-time Profit 100 and Hot 50 CEO, while Jasmine brings her passion for philanthropy, healthy living, and hands-on leadership to the brand.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Duncan Alney on LinkedIn
• Firebelly Marketing
• Matthew von Teichman on LinkedIn
• Purplesful Snacking Popcorn
• Breakfast Club of Canada
• Feedmore New York

Quotable Moments:

• “Mission first, product second. And then it’s been awesome. It’s been three years of growth.”
• “We want to make good taste good by supporting local breakfast programs and community initiatives.”
• “You have to do three things really well: taste awesome, nutritionally more dense, and have a conscience.”
• “To get people to try it, it’s how great it tastes, and then they stay for the conscience.”
• “Grit is key. You get knocked down so many times that it becomes hard to get up.”

Action Steps: 

1. Prioritize mission-driven goals in your business strategy: Focusing on a clear mission can guide your decisions and attract like-minded consumers who value purpose alongside products.
2. Invest in high-quality, nutritionally better-for-you products: Offering superior products, such as purple corn popcorn, ensures customer satisfaction while supporting your brand’s core values.
3. Build meaningful partnerships with local community initiatives: Supporting local charities and programs, like children’s breakfast clubs, creates a stronger community impact and brand loyalty.
4. Ensure your product stands out with unique features: Focusing on a product’s distinct qualities, like purple corn, differentiates your brand and drives consumer interest.
5. Foster resilience and grit within your team: Encouraging persistence in the face of challenges helps sustain long-term growth and innovation, especially in mission-driven businesses.