Sustainable protein snack brand founded by Princeton graduate combines underutilized seafood with zero-sugar, clean ingredient innovation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Montrose, CO – October 31, 2025 — The Hermit, a pioneering sustainable protein snack company, is introducing American consumers to a nutritious and environmentally responsible alternative in the jerky market: all-natural calamari jerky made exclusively with wild-caught California squid. Founded in June 2024 by entrepreneur Steven Shonts, The Hermit is the only brand offering calamari jerky with a completely natural ingredient list and zero added sugar.
“I wanted to combine my passions for sustainability, nutrition, and cuisine,” said Shonts, founder of The Hermit. “During my travels across East Asia, I kept encountering calamari and was surprised to learn it’s the largest catch of California fisheries. Yet Americans rarely consume it as a snack. I wanted to popularize this local, sustainable protein right here at home.”
The Hermit addresses a significant gap in the protein snack market by utilizing squid, an abundant and sustainable seafood resource that has been largely overlooked by American consumers. Unlike imported alternatives, The Hermit sources exclusively from American wild-caught fisheries, supporting local fishing communities while delivering a product with exceptional nutritional benefits and gourmet flavor profiles.
Shonts brings a unique background to the venture, including a BS in Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies from Princeton University and experience co-founding a data analytics company that was successfully sold in 2022. His personal health journey—achieving remission from an autoimmune digestive condition through clean eating—inspired his commitment to creating snacks with transparent, all-natural ingredients.
Product Innovation and Market Position
The Hermit’s calamari jerky stands apart from competitors including Epic Provisions, Lineage Provisions, and other specialty jerky brands through several key differentiators:
- Only brand using American wild-caught squid
- Zero added sugar formulation
- All-natural ingredients with no artificial additives
- Sustainable sourcing supporting California fisheries
- Gourmet appeal with unique texture and flavor
“We offer a unique protein with delectable texture and flavors that have gourmet appeal, combined with a compelling sustainability story,” Shonts added. “Our customers are nutritionally conscious consumers who need access to easy protein while on the go—hikers, road-trippers, busy parents—anyone who values both their health and the planet.”
Growth and Expansion Plans
Since launching in mid-2024, The Hermit has established a direct-to-consumer presence and is now executing an aggressive expansion strategy. The brand is launching on TikTok Shop in September 2025 and expanding to Amazon and wholesale marketplaces including Faire and Airgoods this fall. The company is currently pitching to independent retailers across the Mountain West and Pacific regions, targeting 25 retail locations by year-end and 100 doors throughout 2026.
The Hermit’s long-term vision extends beyond calamari to include other underutilized, hyper-sustainable small fish and shellfish sourced from American waters, positioning the brand as a leader in the emerging sustainable seafood snack category.
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About The Hermit
Founded in 2024 and based in Montrose, Colorado, The Hermit is dedicated to building a sustainable protein snack brand that highlights underutilized proteins from American waters. The company’s mission is to delight consumers by helping them discover new sustainable protein snacks that meet their demanding nutritional and flavor needs. Core values include transparency, sustainability, and providing a premium customer experience. For more information, visit thehermit.com or follow @thehermitsquid on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Media contact:
Heather Holmes
heather@publicityforgood.com
1+ 828-332-5307.
Last modified: November 5, 2025
