Snack it Forward LLC, a maker of “better for you” snacks, announced it will acquire World Peas, a savory snack producer based in Austin, TX.

World Peas is an innovative producer of legume-based savory snacks. Their line of coated peas and fava beans bring delicious world flavors to low calorie, high protein, high fiber snacks that are all natural and responsibly sourced. World Peas’ distinctive offering combines unique international flavors with crispy green peas and fava beans for a healthy, irresistible snack that evokes adventure. Beloved by a highly engaged millennial base, the purpose-driven World Peas maintains brand practices social responsibility at its core by supporting international and local youth education initiatives.

World Peas’ green pea and fava crisp snacks together with Snack it Forward’s line of Sunkist® fruit & nut snacks creates a highly innovative, complementary and scalable portfolio that brings the hottest natural ingredient trends to the rapidly growing healthy snacking category. The addition of World Peas allows Snack it Forward to expand into the emerging category of legume based foods that are recognized by consumers as a healthy and delicious snacking choice.

“We have been thrilled by consumer and retail partner enthusiasm for our line of Sunkist Trail Mix Redefined™ and Sunkist Fruit Chips™, giving us a strong platform to launch deeper into the ‘better for you’ snacking space,” says Nick Desai, Chairman and CEO of Snack it Forward. “The addition of World Peas to our snacking portfolio strengthens our healthy snacking positioning, opens up exciting new ingredient sourcing channels and gives us stake in the rapidly growing legume snack segment. We are especially excited about the new distribution channels that the World Peas brand opens up for us to efficiently leverage for our existing and future brands.”

“As an innovator in the legume-based snack segment, World Peas has introduced flavored pea and favas to a loyal fan base of healthy minded snackers,” says Anish Sheth CEO and founder of World Peas Snacks. “Joining the Snack it Forward family will help us jointly achieve our vision of delighting consumers with deliciously healthier snacks.”

Following this acquisition, Mr. Sheth will join Snack it Forward as President of Pulse Snacks. World Peas will operate within the Snack it Forward headquarters in Los Angeles, California. The terms of deal were not disclosed.