Company Overview
About Daring Foods
Daring Foods is a plant-based chicken company founded in 2018 by Ross Mackay and Eliott Kessas that produces non-GMO, high-protein plant-based chicken alternatives designed to mimic the taste, texture, and versatility of conventional chicken. The company''s product lineup includes plain, lemon & herb, southern fried, buffalo, and breaded plant-based chicken pieces, available in grocery retail and foodservice channels. Daring''s products are free from artificial ingredients, high in protein, and certified non-GMO, positioning the brand at the intersection of convenience and clean-label plant-based nutrition.
Business Model & Competitive Advantage
Daring has raised over $120 million in total venture funding, including a $65M Series C in 2021, from investors including First Round Capital, D1 Capital Partners, and Maveron. The company became one of the fastest-growing plant-based chicken brands in the US, distributing through more than 15,000 retail doors including Walmart, Target, Albertsons, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and specialty grocery channels, as well as restaurant partnerships that expanded foodservice availability. In July 2025 Daring was acquired by v2food, one of Australia''s largest plant-based meat producers (backed by a strategic partnership with Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), for an undisclosed amount. Daring continues to operate independently under its own brand in the US market, serving as v2food''s platform for US market entry.
Competitive Landscape 2025–2026
The acquisition provides Daring with v2food''s proprietary manufacturing technology and the backing of Ajinomoto''s global food science capabilities. In 2026 the combined entity plans to introduce methylcellulose-free plant-based products based on v2food''s newer formulation technology — a significant consumer benefit as methylcellulose (a common plant-based meat binder) has faced increasing scrutiny from clean-label consumers. Daring competes with Gardein (Conagra), MorningStar Farms (Kellogg), and Impossible Foods in the plant-based protein retail category.
Key Differentiators
Strong Challenger
Daring Foods is an established challenger with significant market presence and competitive offerings in Food, Beverage & AgTech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated Visibility Trend (Beta)
Simulated 8-week rolling score
Based on estimated brand signals. Historical tracking coming soon.
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