Laurel Orley – CEO of Daily Crunch and Innovator in Better-for-You Snacking

Laurel Orley is the founder and CEO of Daily Crunch Snacks and a mission-driven entrepreneur with a background in advertising. After more than a decade building major brands like Dove at Unilever, she transitioned to launch her own company focused on health, flavor, and impact.

Daily Crunch Snacks is a women-owned snack brand offering sprouted, air-dried almonds and other nut blends with bold, innovative flavors. Rooted in a family recipe and a mission to support mental health, the brand emphasizes clean ingredients, sustainability, and crave-worthy crunch.

Laurel launched Daily Crunch with her aunt Diane, who developed the unique sprouting process after studying brain health in India.

The brand debuted in March 2020—days before the COVID-19 shutdown—and adapted its launch strategy for a digital-first world.

Daily Crunch has since expanded into 6,000+ stores and was named the 13th fastest-growing food and beverage company by Inc.

Laurel is a board member of the Upcycled Food Association and a member of EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women Class of 2024.

The brand’s mental health mission is personal: Laurel’s cousin lost his life to bipolar disorder, inspiring her family to create The Support Network, which Daily Crunch supports financially and publicly.

Laurel’s experience on Dove’s Real Beauty campaign taught her the power of mission-driven marketing and authenticity.

The sprouting process transforms the texture of almonds, making them crisp and chip-like while improving digestibility.

Product innovation stems from a blend of trend reports, consumer feedback, and Laurel’s own flavor instincts—like turmeric & sea salt or Nashville Hot.

Collaborations, like their Fly By Jing partnership, are a strategic focus for driving awareness and reaching new audiences.

Upcycling ingredients—such as pickle ends from Cleveland Kitchen—helps reduce waste and differentiate flavor profiles.

Daily Crunch doesn’t lead with its mission, but invites consumers to discover its mental health advocacy as they dig deeper into the brand.

 

QUOTES

“I wanted to launch a brand with a mission that I believed in. Our mission is actually mental health awareness.” (Laurel)

“Soaking nuts removes phytic acid, an anti-nutrient, making them more bioavailable, easier to digest and more nutrient dense.” (Laurel)

“The crunch is what gets people in. It’s lighter, airier, crunchier. Honestly, it’s like a chip.” (Laurel)

“You’re always going to have setbacks. My motto is always two steps forward, one step back.” (Laurel)

“We had to throw out 20,000 pounds of almonds and I didn’t have the right insurance for it. I almost threw in the towel.” (Laurel)

“There’s a fine balance between mental and physical health. It all ladders back up to brain health.” (Laurel)

“When you see someone in the wild buying your product, it’s the best feeling. I was hiding behind a pillar at the airport.” (Laurel)

“The savory-sweet combo is really resonating right now. Our last two launches were savory, but you can definitely do both.” (Laurel)