The sour candy market is poised for substantial growth, with industry projections indicating that it will exceed $2.73B by 2030. This anticipated expansion is driven by a combination of consumer demand for bold and tangy flavors, as well as innovative product offerings in the sour snack category. But what kind of innovation can be brought to the sour snack market? Final Boss Sour has reshaped the market with its retro-gaming themed sour snack brand. The Santa Monica-based company has not only provided a healthier alternative to the sugar-laden offerings currently available, but has also infused cultural relevance into the snacking experience. By leveraging limited-edition drops and collaborations with creators and platforms that resonate with a digitally savvy generation, Final Boss Sour has cultivated a holistic and immersive snacking experience. The brand has offers a range of unique flavor profiles, each of which utilizes only four to five real ingredients, skipping the artificial additives. Primarily operating on a direct-to-consumer model, leveraging a strong social following and interest among consumers, the company is exploring expansion into traditional retail distribution channels.
LA TechWatch caught up with Final Boss Sour Cofounder Tommy Riggs to learn more about the inspiration for the business, the company’s strategic plans, recent round of funding, and much, much more…
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
We closed a $3M seed round, led by Science Inc., and joined by investors including Steve Aoki’s venture fund Aoki Labs, F4 Fund, GFR Fund, Uncommon Denominator, and with participation by Jason Calacanis’ LAUNCH Fund and The Syndicate.
Tell us about your product or service.
Final Boss Sour is reimagining sour snacks with a gamified and all-natural twist. We mix real dried fruit with natural sour acids to create super-sour treats that add a little adventure to snacking. Each product has a ‘level’ of sourness, which lets our customers push their limits or challenge their friends to see how much they can handle. We’re all about real ingredients—our snacks use just four to five ingredients, all things you can pronounce, so it’s something you can feel good about eating or sharing with family. We offer a range from our classic sour cranberries and blueberries to monthly limited-edition drops, where we’re keeping things fresh and exciting, creating snacks that aren’t just delicious but also a bit of an experience.
What inspired the start of Final Boss Sour?
Final Boss Sour was born out of a love for sour candy and the realization that the category hadn’t really evolved in decades. We were very aware of the spicy snack world exploding with things like the Hot Ones Podcast and the One Chip Challenge, but sour snacks has mostly stayed the same—just sugar, gelatin, and some sour dust. We wanted to bring something fresh to the table, taking inspiration from naturally sour fruits like cranberries and blueberries and amplifying them with real sour acids for a fuller, more intense flavor. We thought, “What if sour could be as daring and exciting as spicy?” That idea grew into a whole experience, where different sour ‘levels’ let people challenge themselves and each other. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about creating something that’s fun, healthy, and unforgettable.
How is it different?
Final Boss Sour stands out because we’re not just a snack or a healthier snack—our sour snacks are also an experience. By adding varying levels of sourness, people can pick their level of intensity and challenge themselves or their friends. Plus, our monthly limited-edition drops keep things fresh, allowing fans to try new, inventive flavors that bring excitement and anticipation. We’re blending the thrill of gaming challenges with a better-for-you approach, making Final Boss Sour a totally new kind of sour snack.
What market you are targeting and how big is it?
Our brand’s target demographic spans a broad range but skews toward younger consumers who are adventurous and looking for something new in their snacking experience. This includes Gen Z and Millennials who enjoy challenges, social sharing, and unique experiences, which aligns with our gaming-inspired sour intensity levels. We also see interest from parents who appreciate our better-for-you ingredients and clean label approach, making our products something they’re comfortable giving to their kids. Overall, it’s about capturing the curiosity and health consciousness of a diverse group that values both fun and wellness in their snacks.
What’s your business model?
Our business model is primarily direct-to-consumer (DTC), selling through our website, Amazon, and social platforms like TikTok Shop.
How are you preparing for a potential economic slowdown?
We run a lean operation and prioritize streamlining efficiencies, our core products, and building a strong community that values our brand for both its quality and unique experience. By focusing on direct engagement with our customers and keeping our product lineup simple, we can adapt quickly to shifts in demand while staying efficient and resilient in uncertain economic conditions.
What was the funding process like?
The funding process was very focused, thanks to our strong product innovation and brand traction. With Science Inc. leading the round, we had strategic alignment from the start, and our growth story coupled with the high engagement with our social media strategy, unique product experience, and profitability goals resonated well with investors.
What are the biggest challenges that you faced while raising capital?
One of the challenges just about every CPG brand faces while raising capital is proving differentiation in an increasingly crowded market. Investors today are cautious, especially with consumer brands, and they’re looking for companies that can demonstrate both uniqueness and resilience. We needed to make a strong case for why Final Boss Sour was more than just another snack brand—that we were bringing something fresh to the market with our gaming-inspired sour levels, better-for-you ingredients, and strong cultural relevance – something that did more than attract customers, but also turned them into loyal fans.
What factors about your business led your investors to write the check?
Investors quickly resonated with our brand’s fast traction and the organic engagement we’ve seen online, especially on YouTube and TikTok. We showed how our limited-edition monthly drops and DTC focus allow us to be nimble and highly responsive to customer preferences, creating a loyal community around the brand. We have good numbers to point to regarding our profitability, showing investors that we’re not only positioned for scale but also able to adapt quickly to our customers preferences. We also have a solid pipeline of product innovation that will keep our fans engaged for the long term.
What are the milestones you plan to achieve in the next six months?
Over the next six months, we plan to expand our product line with new limited-edition monthly drops, exploring even more unique flavors and sour levels to keep our community engaged. We’re also working to increase our presence on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, aiming for significant growth in our online following and engagement metrics. Operationally, we’re scaling up production to meet rising demand and making key hires to strengthen our brand, marketing, and logistics teams. Additionally, we’ll be preparing for potential retail entry by building consumer awareness and recognition, ensuring we’re ready to hit critical mass when the time is right.
What advice can you offer companies in Los Angeles that do not have a fresh injection of capital in the bank?
We recommend doubling down on efficiency and community engagement – that’s been a real differentiator for us.. Focus on core products or services that drive the highest margin and deliver on customer loyalty. Be relentless about trimming unnecessary expenses. Invest time in fostering a strong, engaged community on social media —your most loyal customers can be your best marketers, especially if you give them a reason to share and stay connected. Also, explore partnerships with like-minded brands or local businesses to amplify reach without high costs – these really act as symbiotic relationships that benefit both parties.. In challenging times, agility, focus, and leveraging your existing network can make a huge difference too.
Where do you see the company going now over the near term?
Right now we’re focused on expanding Final Boss Sour’s audience, launching new flavors, growing our team, and working on some exciting monthly drops and partnerships with content creators.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity in LA?
It sounds basic but going to the beach! It never gets old and there is so much to do from Beach Volleyball, Swimming, or just chilling!
