Dallas-based Kazoo Snacks found a way to save water in the making of its tortilla chips, and Good Housekeeping has honored the company as a winner of its 2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards in the ‘plant-based pioneers’ category.

It’s a solution for sustainability that keeps the crunch, the nutritional value, and the taste of the chips while lowering its water needs in the manufacturing process.

Good Housekeeping sustainable innovation awards honor excellent consumer products that conserve natural resources. [Image: Good Housekeeping]

“We’d like to thank the entire team at Good Housekeeping for this highly regarded recognition,” Kazoo Snacks founder Josh Death said in a statement. “We’re honored to have the work we’re doing in the food space independently validated by such a trusted and consistently reliable authority on consumer-packaged goods. We hope this distinction serves as proof that upcycled foods are not only incredibly tasty, but truly impactful for our planet as well!”

Upcycled ingredients with a water-saving twist 

A member of the Upcycled Food Association, Kazoo Snacks said its tortilla chips are made using upcycled corn germ and a short list of other clean ingredients such as salt and corn (or sunflower) oil.

Upcycling simply means figuring out a way to use an ingredient that otherwise would have been discarded or unused.

This sustainable food brand uses 40% less whole corn than conventional tortilla chips, while providing a richer corn flavor with more healthy fats, essential enzymes, and 67% more vitamin E, the company said.

As a result of being upcycled using the most nutrient-dense part of the corn kernel—which otherwise would have gone to a waste stream—Kazoo Snacks said it significantly reduces food and water-waste.

In fact, just a few months ago, the company said it reached the major milestone of having saved 1 million gallons of water since its launch in 2021. Kazoo’s goal is to save 1 billion gallons of water by 2025.

Where to find them

Kazoo Snacks Tortilla Chips are available in Restaurant and Lime Zest varieties, which can be found on Amazon, at Whole Foods, Central Market, and soon will launch nationwide at Sprouts Farmers Market.

Kazoo Snacks said it is on a mission to craft great-tasting, water-saving snacks for consumers to enjoy.

Using its proprietary and patent-pending manufacturing process, the company combines upcycled corn germ and whole corn into a tasty and nutrient-dense tortilla chip. As a result, the company said that every bag of Kazoo Tortilla Chips saves at least 20 gallons of water with 67% more vitamin E than competing tortilla chip brands.

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