FoodNerd’s clean-label, SNAP-eligible Mega Puffs now available in 50 Tops locations across New York State
Buffalo, NY – [May 18th, 2025] – FoodNerd, a Buffalo-based food startup founded by local entrepreneur Sharon Cryan, is proud to announce the launch of its Clean Label Project-certified Mega Puffs in 50 Tops Friendly Markets across New York State. The nutrient-dense, toddler-friendly snacks are now available in stores and, for the first time, accessible via SNAP benefits.
For Sharon Cryan, founder and CEO of FoodNerd, this launch is more than a milestone—it’s a full-circle moment.
“I grew up shopping at Tops with my mom,” Cryan shares. “It was our local store, the one we could walk to. Back then, we relied on food stamps and donations from food banks that were often stocked with Tops products. I never imagined I’d one day be on their shelves. To now have my company’s products in those same stores—and to give kids who grew up like me access to healthy, nourishing options—is incredibly meaningful.”
Raised in the Seneca Babcock neighborhood of Buffalo, Cryan and her family experienced food insecurity firsthand. Her family benefited from community support, and her mother, despite living with multiple sclerosis, volunteered regularly at food pantries and delivered meals to neighbors, often repackaging donated Tops baked goods so others could access them with dignity.
Now, as a founder, Cryan’s mission with FoodNerd is to redefine what kids eat and ensure that all families, regardless of income, have access to clean, nutrient-dense food options.
Mega Puffs are made from 100% organic fruits & vegetables, many of which include powerful sprouted seeds. They are cold-processed to retain nutrients, shelf-stable for busy families, and designed to support gut, brain, and palate development in toddlers.
“We’re thrilled to launch FoodNerd Mega Puffs exclusively at Tops Friendly Markets,” said Tom Sulski, Jr., Category Business Manager – Natural / Organic. “It’s a full-circle moment because the founder of FoodNerd grew up shopping at Tops, and today, her brand has found a home on our shelves. Beyond offering clean label, nutrient-dense products, FoodNerd’s mission to make nutrition accessible for all, aligns perfectly with Tops' commitment to eradicating hunger in our communities. These minimally processed puffs are a healthy, delicious option for parents seeking better snacks for their toddlers, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when local partnerships fuel a bigger purpose.”
“We’re honored to partner with a hometown company like Tops that has served families like mine for decades,” said Cryan. “This isn’t just a launch, it’s a tribute to where I came from and where we’re going.”
FoodNerd Mega Puffs will be featured on endcaps in select Tops stores across New York through May and June. Anyone interested in sampling FoodNerd’s Mega Puffs at their local Tops Friendly Market can catch us on:
May 22 -9am-1pm East Aurora- 65 Grey St
May 23 -9am-1pm Hamburg - 6150 South Park Ave
May 24 -9am-1pm Lockport - 5827 South Transit
June 8th- 10am-2pm (meet the founder!) West Seneca - 355 Orchard Park Rd.
