Meet Erica, The Dietitian Behind Nicer Foods
Our mission started with a simple question: what if snacks could help kids feel more energized, think sharper and include everyone at the table?
To bring that vision to life, we teamed up with Erica, our incredible in-house registered dietitian. With over a decade spent feeding K–12 students, she’s been instrumental in making sure every bar we create isn’t just school-approved, but kid-approved too. Because let’s be honest - if it doesn’t taste good, it’s a no-go.
Erica, what pulled you into the world of school nutrition - and eventually, Nicer Foods?
I’ve spent more than ten years working in school nutrition, and I’ve seen it all — the picky eaters, the allergy struggles, the tight budgets. It’s hard to find snacks that check all the boxes: safe, nutritious, and something kids actually want to eat. When I met the Nicer team and heard their mission, it felt like coming home. We’re creating snacks that are inclusive, joyful, and genuinely better for you without compromise. That’s rare.
What makes the Nicer Foods bars stand out nutritionally, especially for kids?
We designed these bars with a very clear goal: to support energy, focus and mood in a way that’s rooted in natural ingredients. Each bar is built with:
- Whole grains for steady energy
- Sunflower seed butter for protein
- Chia and pumpkin seeds for cognitive support
Plus, they're free of the top 14 allergens, vegan and kosher. That alone sets us apart, but what really matters is how good they taste. Kids don’t care about the nutrient panel if it doesn’t taste amazing!
What was your biggest challenge during formulation?
Balancing nutrition with accessible pricing and delicious taste was NOT easy to pull off, but after many, many interactions, we did it! We wanted something a school dietitian could feel great about offering and something a parent could toss in a backpack without a second thought. It also had to meet the school meal patterns and be Smart Snack compliant so it could easily fit into any school meal or snack served.
What’s your favorite flavor?
I’m team Caramel Crunch all the way (though my boys would argue for Cocoa Crunch)! It’s got this rich caramel taste with a hint of salt, but it’s made with whole grain oats and sunflower seed butter, so it’s secretly packed with nutrition. Win-win.
If you could tell parents and schools one thing about food today, what would it be?
Kids deserve better options that fuel their brains and bodies, but those options don’t have to be boring. With Nicer Foods, we’re proving food can be both nourishing and fun.
