How I Built This with Guy Raz Mary's Gone Crackers: Mary Waldner
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Jul 10, 2023 Mary Waldner, founder of Mary's Gone Crackers, turned her battle with celiac disease into a thriving gluten-free snack empire. She shares her journey from psychologist to entrepreneur, sparked by her quest for healthier snacks. Mary discusses the challenges of scaling production, navigating investor pressures, and the joys of seeing her products flying off grocery shelves. Her story highlights the unexpected paths that can arise from personal struggles and the importance of consumer feedback in launching a successful food brand.
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Late Diagnosis
- Mary Waldner, a psychotherapist, suffered from undiagnosed celiac disease for 43 years.
- After her diagnosis, she eliminated gluten and saw dramatic health improvements, even surprising acquaintances.
Gluten-Free Baking Challenges
- Mary, a lifelong baker, had to adapt her recipes after her celiac diagnosis.
- She experimented with gluten-free flours, facing many baking disasters before finding success with brownies.
Cracker Origins
- Mary created her crackers to have a snack in restaurants while friends ate bread.
- These healthy crackers were made with whole grains, and she used an unusual flattening method with Saran wrap and a glass.