Slate Milk

High-Level Overview

Slate Milk is a food and beverage company producing high-protein, lactose-free milkshakes, iced coffees, and related products like drink mixes and cookies, all made with natural ingredients via ultrafiltration to remove lactose while concentrating protein to 20g per serving with 0g added sugar.[1][2][3] It serves health-conscious consumers, athletes, and those with lactose intolerance, solving the problem of indulgent-tasting drinks that support recovery and nutrition without sugar spikes or digestive issues.[1][3] Founded in 2018 and headquartered in the Boston area, Slate has shown strong growth momentum, raising $23 million in recent funding, achieving $22.2 million in revenue, employing around 50 people, and expanding retail presence in chains like Walmart, Whole Foods, and 7-Eleven, with plans for nationwide U.S. distribution.[3][4][5]

Origin Story

Slate Milk was co-founded in 2018 by Northeastern University alumni Manny Lubin and Josh Belinsky, who aimed to create a healthier version of chocolate milk they could enjoy daily.[1][3] The idea emerged from their desire for a clean, protein-packed alternative to traditional sugary drinks; after a successful Kickstarter campaign, an appearance on ABC's Shark Tank, and hundreds of recipe iterations, they launched in late 2019 with three chocolate milk flavors using ultrafiltration—a natural process that filters out lactose like a Brita filter while boosting protein naturally.[1][3] Early traction came from university support via Northeastern's IDEA accelerator and Scout design studio, leading to millions in retail sales and expansion into iced coffees, drink mixes, and more.[3] Key team members include investor Sean Clifford, with the company now at about 50 employees focused on in-store execution.[2][3]

Core Differentiators

• Product Innovation: Uses ultrafiltration on real milk for 20g protein per can, 0g added sugar, lactose-free, shelf-stable (no refrigeration needed), and all-natural without added powders—available in chocolate milks, iced coffees, cookies, and mixes.[1][3]
• Taste and Accessibility: Delivers indulgent flavors (e.g., classic chocolate, mocha latte) that appeal to adults and athletes for recovery, as endorsed by Team USA gymnast Josh Dixon, with portable cans and powders sold on Amazon and in stores.[1][3]
• Retail and Operations Focus: 50 employees prioritize daily grocery interactions to drive top sales performance, starting from two retailers and scaling to East Coast chains like Whole Foods and Walmart.[3]
• Sustainability and Health Edge: 100% plastic neutral, lower sugar than competitors, targeting protein/caffeine wellness trends in ready-to-drink beverages.[1][2][5]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

While not a pure technology company, Slate Milk leverages food tech processes like ultrafiltration for scalable, clean-label production, riding the wave of wellness-driven beverages amid rising demand for high-protein, low-sugar, functional drinks—evident in 2025 press on protein/caffeine startups.[2][5] Timing aligns with post-pandemic health shifts, lactose intolerance affecting ~65% of adults globally, and retail expansion fueled by e-commerce (Amazon) and omnichannel grocery, positioning Slate to influence the $50B+ ready-to-drink protein market.[1][3][5] Its alumni-backed model and $28M+ total funding demonstrate how food tech startups disrupt CPG via direct retailer partnerships and data-driven stocking.[3][4][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Slate Milk is poised for national dominance with its recent $23M raise funding U.S. chain expansions in the next 6-8 months, potentially hitting multi-state retail velocity while innovating in plant-based or caffeinated lines.[3][5] Trends like protein personalization, shelf-stable wellness, and European-style investments (mirroring plant-based funding surges) will propel growth, evolving Slate from niche shaker to CPG powerhouse amid consumer shifts to functional foods.[2][5] This builds on its Shark Tank-honed traction, turning everyday indulgence into optimized nutrition.