Forbes has unveiled its 2026 30 Under 30 Food & Drink list, highlighting exceptional emerging talent. This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 cohort includes exciting entrepreneurs, many hailing from the West Coast. A viral pasta sauce brand is a major highlight within the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Food & Drink selections. Sauz, founded by Troy Bonde and Winston Alfieri, is leading the charge, a testament to the innovative spirit celebrated by Forbes 30 Under 30. This news marks a significant moment for the food industry and the future of food entrepreneurship.
Sauz’s Flavorful Ascent: A Forbes 30 Under 30 Success
West Coast entrepreneurs Troy Bonde and Winston Alfieri launched Sauz in 2023 with a vision to revolutionize the pasta sauce aisle. Their unique flavors, including hot honey marinara and miso-garlic, are a key driver of their rapid growth. Sauz is experiencing impressive expansion, with projections showing over 300% growth and annual revenue set to exceed $15 million by the end of 2025. Millennial and Gen Z shoppers are particularly drawn to their offerings. Bonde draws inspiration from fast-food chains, applying this strategy to create appealing sauces. Sauz’s creamy Calabrian vodka sauce is a standout, reportedly outselling all other brands weekly at Erewhon, a California-based grocery chain. Bonde, 26, and Alfieri, 25, are making significant waves, aiming for broad consumer appeal. Bonde, CEO, desires flavors for everyone, noting inspiration from familiar trends seen at places like Wingstop to avoid confusing consumers. Sauz isn’t attempting to be a legacy brand, recognizing that such an approach wouldn’t be effective in today’s market. The opportunity in the pasta sauce market is immense, making their inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list well-deserved.
Diverse Innovations Emerge: Beyond the Forbes 30 Under 30 Spotlight
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Food & Drink list includes more than just innovative sauces. It features AI startups and Gen Z restaurateurs, showcasing diverse innovation in food. The duo behind Seeq, Ben Zaver and Hannah Perez, are also celebrated. They founded this protein powder brand in 2022 with a focus on clean ingredients, offering an alternative to traditional powders. Seeq has been profitable from day one and expects $30 million in revenue this year. Other honorees include restaurateurs like Kara Rosenblum, who leads Bar Next Door, and Miguel Guerra, behind the restaurant Mita. Young entrepreneurs also run Utopia Bagels, with Jesse Spellman, Angelo Tsoulos, and Jimmy Tsoulos named. Content creators Tini Younger and Jack Goldberg are also recognized, representing varied aspects of the food world highlighted by Forbes 30 Under 30.
Trends Shaping the Future of Food, As Seen in Forbes 30 Under 30
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Food & Drink list reflects broader food industry trends. The sector is evolving rapidly, with health and functionality remaining important, but flavors and experiences also proving crucial. Brands are adeptly balancing tradition with novelty, a strategy evident in the success of Sauz and their unique flavor profiles that appeal to modern palates. The market is also witnessing a rise in functional foods, with ingredients for mental wellbeing gaining traction, such as adaptogens and nootropics. Investors are increasingly focusing on profitability, with scalability and market alignment being key metrics, signaling a more mature phase for food tech. Hybrid proteins, which combine animal and plant sources, are another area of growing interest, offering both sustainability and cost benefits, further underscoring the innovative landscape recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30.
A New Era of Food Entrepreneurship: Honored by Forbes 30 Under 30
Forbes’ annual list highlights emerging leaders and recognizes their impact and potential. The selection process for the Forbes 30 Under 30 involves rigorous evaluation by judges and reporters who assess candidates based on innovation, impact, and scale. This recognition provides significant visibility, attracting investors and partners to promising ventures. The 2026 class exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and a drive for change. These young leaders are redefining what’s possible and shaping how America eats, confirming a vibrant future for the industry. The West Coast continues to be a significant hub for such innovation, with exciting food concepts trending nationwide, indicating remarkable advancements ahead, many of which are proudly featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30.
