Protein Pints

The scoop on protein.
proteinpints.com

Founded by childhood friends and Hudsonville, Michigan natives Paul Reiss and Michael Meadows, Protein Pints has redefined the frozen dessert market with a unique, health-conscious product. Their journey began in a home kitchen and evolved through a collaboration with Michigan State University’s dairy plant, where they leveraged advanced food science and innovative manufacturing techniques to perfect their formula.

The company’s product stands out by using a proprietary process to expertly blend all-natural, gluten-free ingredients, ensuring each pint delivers 30 grams of protein without compromising on the rich, indulgent taste of traditional ice cream. This technical innovation has earned the brand significant recognition and success, including winning the grand prize at the 2024 Rice Business Plan Competition.

Protein Pints’ strong ties to Michigan are a cornerstone of their story, from their development at MSU to early distribution in Michigan-based retailers like Meijer. The brand has since expanded to over 8,000 stores nationwide with major retailers like Kroger and Target, and is projected to be a $20M business in 2025, proving that their commitment to both flavor and function has made them a disruptive force in the industry.

testimonial-avatar

“The Michigan SBDC Tech Team has been a tremendous help to us since we started Protein Pints. We were connected with the Tech Team and Melanie de Vries back in 2022 when all we had was our idea. Melanie helped us take our idea and turn it into a product and into a brand. She helped us think through our manufacturing, marketing, product development, and overall strategy. She also helped us practice for all of our investor meetings and reviewed our business plans and pitch decks, which was crucial to getting early investment and funding. We would not be here without the Michigan SBDC and Melanie’s help.” Paul Reiss and Michael Meadows, Founders

Key Accomplishments

  • 8,000+ retail stores nationwide, including Meijer, Target, and Kroger

  • A $20M+ business in 2025

  • Won the largest student pitch competition in the world

  • Grand Prize winner of the 2024 Rice Business Plan Competition

  • 4 full-time Michigan employees

  • Hudsonville Ice Cream based in Holland is their third party logistics provider, creating additional jobs in Michigan

Michigan SBDC Assistance

Tech Team Consulting

  • Strategic Planning

  • Business Strategy

  • Business Plan Review

  • Partner and Investor Strategy

  • Elevator and Investor Pitch Preparation

  • Investor Pitch Preparation

  • Investor Pitch Deck Review

  • Marketing Strategy

Additional Support From

  • Michigan State University Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation – $25,000

  • Eastern Michigan University – $25,000

  • University of Michigan – $15,000

Published September 2025

Related Client Stories

Advanced Tech Companies

Sharp & Flat

Sharp & Flat’s mission is to pioneer musical innovations that make music and music...

Advanced Tech Companies

Side Door

Side Door is a real estate technology platform that empowers homebuyers and sellers to...

Advanced Tech Companies

Rasta

RASTA provides instant gunshot detection and location technology designed specifically for schools.

Advanced Tech Companies