Snack bar startup FRANK launches across UK in Whole Foods Market stores and online

FRANK, a new savoury, high protein snack bar brand, has secured its first UK retail listing with Whole Foods Market, launching nationwide across the retailer’s six UK stores and online from today.

Pitched as an alternative to the heavily sweetened protein bar category, FRANK says that its offering is made from 100% natural ingredients, with no ultra-processed additives.

The brand debuts with two SKUs - Rosemary Sea Salt and Chilli Lime - designed for on the go consumption across afternoon, pre- or post-workout, and meal adjacent occasions.

Founder of FRANK, Sam Billinge, says: “I made FRANK because I believe protein packed snacks for busy days shouldn’t have to be full of artificial ingredients or regret. Too many protein bars stretch the truth, so when I couldn’t find a bar without the junk, or the sweetness, I made one.”

“A savoury bar, with real ingredients your body actually recognises. When I met the team at Whole Foods Market, they instinctively understood our mission and loved the bars. Getting their backing shows just how much appetite there is for savoury, high protein snacking.”

Ellie O'Sullivan, Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market, says: “Our snack range is constantly evolving and we’re always looking for innovation in this category. Our customers want real, recognisable ingredients and products that taste good while nourishing their body.”

“Creativity in this category is rife, but rarely does it tick every box. FRANK stood out to us as a bar that offered something completely new, and we’re excited to be the first to bring it to shelves in our six stores across the UK.”

FRANK is backed by British entrepreneur Nick Birkett (Mr Bao, Co-founder Connect), has launched its direct to consumer website at eatfrank.com, and is currently in discussions with additional UK retail partners.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Startups will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.