WRITTEN BY CAITLIN M. DEWICKI
Photo by [Peasant Life]
A Legacy in Every Bite
Some of the best things in life are passed down through generations—recipes, traditions, and stories that bring us closer to our roots. For Chunk Nibbles, it all started with a beloved family recipe, lovingly crafted by Brad's Grandma Cuddy. The name itself pays homage to the handwritten note she left on her original recipe card, calling it “Chunk Nibbles.”
Photo by [Peasant Life]
Brad and Katie Cocklin, the husband-and-wife duo behind Chunk Nibbles, took a leap of faith in 2018, leaving their corporate jobs to bring this sweet-and-salty cluster treat to the world. They moved back to Michigan, bought a transit van, and began making their handcrafted snack in a small incubator kitchen in Southfield before eventually setting up shop in Troy.
Photo by [Peasant Life]
What started as a simple, nostalgic treat has since become a must-have snack across markets, grocery stores, and specialty retailers. “We want to stay true to who we are,” says Brad, and that authenticity has been the key to their success.
“The magic of grandma’s recipe.”
Photo by [Peasant Life]
Handcrafted Perfection
At the heart of Chunk Nibbles is a commitment to quality and nostalgia. Each batch is made with carefully selected ingredients. Their Original (Vanilla) includes pretzels, peanuts, walnuts, and corn Chex—crafted to bring out the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Brad and Katie expanded their product line to include fan favorites like Peanut Butter Chocolate, S’mores, and the award-winning Apple Cinnamon, a delicious collaboration with Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, which won Best In Show for the Most Innovative New Products Awards at the 2023 Sweets and Snacks Expo. The Apple Cinnamon flavor features freeze-dried apples for an extra burst of fruity goodness. Additional flavors include Strawberry which features freeze-dried strawberries, and a seasonal Peppermint flavor perfect for the holidays. The latest addition, Toffee, created in partnership with Dave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee, has already won hearts with its irresistible crunch. Every flavor is tested and perfected with love, ensuring customers experience the same homemade magic in every bite. “We take a lot of pride in what's going on in the factory,” says Katie. “We are constantly tasting things.”
Photo by [Peasant Life]
“Go ahead…nibble a little.”
Photo by [Peasant Life]
Community at the Core
For Chunk Nibbles, success isn’t just measured in sales—it’s about making a difference. Giving back to the community has been a priority from the very beginning. For the past five years, they’ve proudly supported Blue Star Service Dogs, a nonprofit that rescues dogs from high-kill shelters and trains them as service companions for military veterans. A portion of every Chunk Nibbles sale goes directly to this cause, a testament to Brad and Katie’s deep-rooted commitment to honoring Brad’s Grandfathers, who were Air Force veterans, their community, and their four-legged friends.
Photo by [Peasant Life]
Beyond charitable partnerships, Chunk Nibbles is deeply involved in local events. From sponsoring the Dads Club Home Run Derby in Berkley to participating in Trunk-or-Treats and the Woodward Dream Cruise with their iconic pink transit van, they’re always finding ways to connect with their supporters. They have also built strong relationships with other Michigan-based brands, such as Hummus Goodness, McClure’s Pickles, PopDaddy, and Great Lakes Potato Chips. These partnerships have helped them navigate the challenges of growing a small business while fostering a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who support one another.
“You build a relationship off of the struggles, and then you want to help each other.”
Photo by [Peasant Life]
Looking Ahead
Chunk Nibbles has big plans on the horizon. With a newly appointed CEO, they’re setting the stage for rapid expansion. A major packaging refresh is in the works, starting with their Toffee flavor, and customers can expect updated product photography to highlight the handcrafted nature of each cluster. “We have a strong vision of the next five years of this company and where we’re going to go,” Brad shares enthusiastically.
Photo by [Peasant Life]
As production ramps up and the brand continues to grow, one thing remains the same: Chunk Nibbles will never lose sight of its origins. Brad and Katie are committed to preserving the homemade feel and authentic flavors that have made their snack a household favorite.
Find Chunk Nibbles at Woodward Corner Market
Woodward Corner Market is proud to carry Chunk Nibbles, bringing this delightful, handcrafted snack to even more people. Whether you're craving a bite of nostalgia or looking for the perfect sweet-and-salty treat, Chunk Nibbles is “easy to pick up…impossible to put down.” Stop by the market and grab a bag (or two) today—because nothing beats the taste of a snack made with love, history, and a whole lot of heart.
Photo by [Peasant Life]
You can find Chunk Nibbles on a wing in our frozen department at Woodward Corner Market!
Photo by [Peasant Life]