How Dr. Praeger’s Started in a Hospital and Is Now Leading a Vegan Snack Revolution

More than thirty years ago, two cardiac surgeons in New Jersey had a problem: Their patients struggled to find healthy foods that tasted good. The doctors set their sights on a sensible remedy and launched a line of healthy foods known today as Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods. Today, while the company continues producing game-changing products that don’t contain animal flesh, it also finds itself at the forefront of an evolution in vegan snacking.

The Doctors Behind Dr. Praeger’s

The story of Dr. Praeger’s fittingly starts in a hospital. In 1988, Drs. Peter Praeger and Eric Somberg performed surgery to save the life of a man who a drunk driver hit. The patient’s brother-in-law happened to own a struggling food company. A few years later, the surgeons bought it and transformed it, combining their medical expertise with a love of food to create a line of convenient and delicious meals.

They figured their plan would save the company and solve their patients’ problem of finding tasty, easy, and healthy food. Vegetables—not animal flesh—would be the star of the show in the brand’s products, from burgers—including the OG fan favorite California Veggie Burger—to fun and flavorful frozen snacks like its Veggie Fries and Crunchy Stars.

How Dr. Praeger’s Became a Vegan Frozen Snack Frontrunner

Today, vegan snacks are having a serious moment. Supermarket shelves are proof that the vegan snack world is booming now more than ever, as people are choosing not to eat animals as the best way to rise up against cruelty to animals, environmental destruction, and negative health effects. As companies race to create the next big hit in the global vegan snack market valued at $44 billion, Dr. Praeger’s is rolling out innovative vegan products like we’ve never seen before.

As Kateryna Villanueva, Dr. Praeger’s Associate Brand Manager, says, the bar is higher than ever:

“Plant-based snacks used to get by on just being vegan … But that’s no longer enough. Today’s consumers want more: bold flavors, crave-worthy textures, and an indulgent snack experience—without sacrificing on clean, recognizable ingredients. At Dr. Praeger’s, we’ve always believed that eating your veggies should be a joy, not a chore.”

The Next Generation of Vegan Snacks

In May, the company will roll out its next two vegan innovations at Target and other retailers nationwide in the coming months, and true to its roots, vegetables are the #1 ingredient:

• Taco Stars – Black beans, corn, red peppers, and mild taco seasoning wrapped in a gluten-free coating.

• Ranch Crunchy Veggie Fries – Made with ten vegetables and a zesty ranch crunch.

I don’t know about you, but “Taco Stars” sounds like something I’d crave as a late-night snack or a super easy pick-me-up after a long workday, which is precisely the point. We all grab for snacks throughout the day, but are we grabbing for broccoli, peas, or carrots? I wish I were, but I’m not.

This also makes Dr. Praeger’s vegan snack line-up so popular with parents. The brand has learned a thing or two about delivering real vegetable servings in fun, bite-size shapes that please picky eaters and feed my inner child. I wanted to know how the company created such fun ideas for vegan snacks. Villanueva said:

“Coming up with the next big hits in frozen snacking is all about staying ahead of trends, knowing your consumers, and blending creativity with research and data. We dive deep into what people are craving, like global flavors and nostalgic experiences, while paying close attention to Gen Z, millennials and emerging markets. Gen Z might love bold flavors and fun, unexpected snacks, while moms might prefer clean ingredients, family-friendly portions, and nutritional value. The next big hit isn’t just tasty—it’s crave-worthy, culture-aware, and tailored to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.“

While Dr. Praeger’s is ahead of other companies with its vegan products, it is also ahead in other ways: It was among the first brands to sign on to PETA’s revolutionary “Eat Without Experiments” program, pledging never to test on animals.

Lucky for us, the New Jersey-based company’s products are also innovating restaurant menus. Last year, Barnes & Noble rolled out Dr. Praeger’s Chick’n Fries to all its in-store cafés nationwide. That’s not just a win for book fans like me but for chickens who form complex social structures, dream when they sleep, and even worry about the future—just like you and I do.

What Does the Future Hold for Vegan Snacks?

According to Villanueva,

“The future [of vegan snacking] is what we call ‘engaged snacking’—products that are more satisfying, more indulgent, and capable of replacing traditional snacks without the trade-offs. It’s not about compromise; it’s about enjoying food that makes you feel good in every way. Dr. Praeger’s has spent over 30 years making vegetables accessible, and with these new snacks, we’re continuing to lead with innovation that meets the moment—and the appetite—of today’s more adventurous, wellness-minded consumer.”

The company isn’t stopping with Taco Stars and Ranch Crunchy Veggie Fries—it’s already working on its next biggest hits. Villanueva told us to stay tuned because the freezer aisle is about to get a lot more exciting with a new line of frozen snacks—hint: think melt-in-your-mouth flavor, just-right crunch, and crave-able combos that hit every tastebud.

And if you’re wondering what Villaneuva’s favorite is in Dr. Praeger’s line-up, her answer was literally perfect:

“The Perfect Burger has always been a staple in my household. It makes mealtime so much easier – quick to prep, super satisfying, and endlessly customizable. I love that it’s vegan and still packs 20g of protein per serving. Whether we’re loading it up with avocado and spicy aioli or keeping it classic with lettuce and tomato, it pairs perfectly with any toppings. It’s our go-to for busy weeknights, weekend BBQs, or anytime we want something that feels good and tastes even better.”

Until the new snacks roll out at Target, you can find me munching on a few orders of Chick’n Fries at my local Barnes & Noble.

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