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Celebrating Growth and Innovation: Actual Veggies on the Inc. 5000

Actual Veggies, a food brand committed to real vegetables and recognizable ingredients, has once again made its mark on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list. This marks the brand's second consecutive year of recognition, affirming its rapid growth in the food industry. Ranking at No. 614 overall and No. 30 in the Food & Beverage category, Actual Veggies demonstrated an impressive 561% revenue increase from 2022 to 2025.

Founded in 2020, Actual Veggies rapidly gained traction by focusing on products centered around real, vibrant vegetables rather than imitation meat. This strategic approach diverged from the broader trend at the time, where many plant-based brands concentrated on replicating meat textures and flavors. Co-Founder and Co-CEO Hailey Swartz emphasized their belief that consumers desired authentic food, stating, "When we entered retail, the category was focused on fake meat. We made the opposite bet. We believed consumers wanted real food and that vegetables could be the hero.”

The brand's rapid ascent can be attributed to its chef-crafted offerings, which include eye-catching veggie burgers and a new line of family-friendly foods like the recently launched Dinosaur Nuggets. These nuggets, made from real vegetables, debuted nationwide at Whole Foods Market, further expanding Actual Veggies' appeal to families searching for nutritious yet enjoyable meal options.

The company’s revenue exceeded $20 million in 2025, and it projects a substantial growth to $30 million by the end of 2026, thanks to its products' availability in more than 15,000 retail locations across the nation, including prominent chains like Kroger, Sprouts, and Albertsons.

Another significant milestone is the recent launch of the brand's first Organic Black Bean Veggie Burger, available as a Costco-exclusive product, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and health. Additionally, Actual Veggies has emerged as the No. 1 brand by dollar sales in the plant-based meat category, as supported by SPINS Natural Expanded data.

In a recent taste test conducted by Chowhound, Actual Veggies also clinched the top spot for their California Garden Veggie Burger, further validating their commitment to quality and flavor.

Swartz noted, “Consumers are not turning away from plant-based food—they are becoming more thoughtful about what they buy. People still want convenient meatless options, but increasingly want real food and recognizable ingredients. We built Actual Veggies for this moment.”

For those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diets without sacrificing taste, Actual Veggies offers products that transform vegetables into the centerpiece of meals, reimagining how consumers engage with plant-based foods. This approach not only fulfills a growing demand for healthful eating but also aligns with current trends toward sustainability and transparency in food sourcing.

With the recognition from the Inc. 5000 and the growing popularity of its products, Actual Veggies is poised for continued success and influence within the plant-based food landscape. For anyone seeking to make more informed dietary choices, Actual Veggies stands ready to offer delicious, veggie-centric options that don’t compromise on flavor or presentation.

Learn more about Actual Veggies and their innovative products at actualveggies.com.