May 14th 2026, Providence, Rhode Island. A room full of natural products founders, investors, and industry veterans, and Sleet Pops was on that stage.
We are still riding the high.
Being selected as a finalist for the Naturally New England Pitch Slam was one of those moments that makes you stop, take a breath, and think — okay, we’re really doing this. I’ve had the opportunity to speak on behalf of brands and companies I’ve worked for, but when it’s your own, the intensity of the significance is amplified by 1000%.
The Storm We've Been Forecasting
When we stepped up to pitch, we didn't just talk about freeze pops. We talked about a perfect storm.
The protein snack market is tracking toward a $100 billion category. Fiber is finally having its moment, hello fiber maxing! Thirty million people are on GLP-1 medications, it’s the biggest dietary shift in generations. And the better-for-you frozen handheld category? $844 million and growing at 21% year over year. Of 5,000 SKUs in that space, only 11% have meaningful protein, and most of it incidental, not intentional.
That's the gap Sleet Pops was created for.
We are the first-ever shelf-stable protein freeze pop built for adults, and the whole family. With 10g protein, 10g fiber, zero sugar, 90 calories, and a smooth creamy texture that's easy and refreshing to eat when nothing else sounds good. Made with grass-fed whey protein isolate, soluble tapioca fiber, and sweeteners found naturally in fruit — with no glycemic impact. Produced in an NSF-certified, female-owned facility. We own our formulations. We own our IP. We're just getting started.
Our pitch closed the way we live: The forecast is clear. There is a 100% chance of Sleet.
Who Sleet Pops Are For
At the eye of the storm are woman who read the label, lead the grocery run, and refuse to settle. She's prioritizing protein and fiber — on a GLP-1 or not — and she's done with snacks that don't work as hard as she does. She shares them with her student athletes, her picky toddler, her partner, her aging parents, and yes — even her friend in cancer treatment. Sleet Pops were formulated for her. And her entire circle of friends and family.
Our mission is simple, to make nutrition easier to eat!
A Thank You From the Bottom of My (Frozen) Heart
None of this startup journey happens without the people who believed in us before the room did.
Jean Lizotte — you are the best. As my former boss at MegaFood, you taught me what it looks like to lead with both integrity and fire. Having you in my corner as a mentor and pitch coach for this moment meant everything. You helped me find my footing, sharpen my story, and walk into that room ready. I am so grateful for you. ❄️🧡
And to Wendi Nix —the other female on the stage… Thank you for bringing the energy, the warmth, and the professionalism that made the whole evening feel electric. You were the perfect Emcee for a night like this, so happy that we were able to meet you!
Ali Elliott - thank you for allllllll of the hard work that went into organizing an event to this scale! Hats off to you!
Congratulations to the Winners
A huge, heartfelt congratulations to American Vinegar Works on taking home the top prize — and to Hillside Harvest for winning the People's Choice Award. Sharing a stage with founders like you is an honor. The natural products community in New England is thriving — and nights like this prove it.
Congratulations to the other finalists: Honey Pop and Adlai Pearl
What's Next for Sleet Pops
The storm is building. D2C is live. Faire is launching this summer. Amazon is next. And by Spring 2027, we'll be on retail shelves, starting with the East Coast close to home.
We built Sleet Pops because nothing like it existed. A high-protein, high-fiber freeze pop that's actually craveable — for the GLP-1 community, for the weight loss journey, for the woman who is simply done compromising. We pitched because the forecast is clear - there is 100% chance of sleet! We are about to storm the market!
Stay cool out there.
— Sarah-Marie, Co-Founder & CEO, Sleet Pops
(thank you to Prospect Street Studio for the photos!!)
