B-SIDES: Transforming Food Waste into Delicious Snacks
What if the ingredients discarded daily in food production could become the foundation of a more sustainable food future? This is the vision of Yousuf Ahmed, founder of B-SIDES, a Brooklyn-based startup that is proving that upcycled snacks can be delicious and environmentally responsible.
Inspired by tasting a single slice of spent grain bread in 2014, Yousuf transitioned from finance and music to food innovation, launching B-SIDES to bring upcycled, plant-based snacks into the mainstream. The company’s flagship product, Crunch Puffs, transforms oat pulp—typically discarded during oat milk production—into protein-rich, allergen-friendly snacks packaged in home-compostable materials.
From sourcing pulp from small Midwest oat milk makers to manufacturing in Canada and selling through Amazon and New York indie grocers, B-SIDES is creating a playbook for how small brands can lead on both climate action and culinary creativity. Yousuf shares the technical challenges of working with oat pulp as a primary ingredient and the complexities of achieving a moisture seal with home-compostable packaging.
His background in finance and music has influenced his approach to food startups, including the trade-offs between local production and proximity to raw materials, as well as strategies for positioning upcycled food to sustainability-conscious consumers. As Yousuf emphasizes, sustainable products must deliver on taste and price to succeed in the market—environmental benefits alone aren’t enough.
His pragmatic approach offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs: real market-winning products that can change manufacturing’s negative impacts while sustaining profitable companies must compete on quality first, with sustainability as an added benefit rather than an excuse for inferior performance. B-SIDES Crunch Puffs can be found on Amazon and at select retailers. Learn more about the company at enjoybsides.com.
In conclusion, B-SIDES is leading the way in transforming food waste into delicious snacks that are not only good for the environment but also for your taste buds. With a focus on quality, taste, and sustainability, Yousuf Ahmed is paving the way for a more sustainable food future.
