News Summary
Two Austin businesses, Oca Foods and Tozi Super Foods, have excelled in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best competition, showcasing culinary talent with innovative products. Oca Foods won the Grand Prize for their peanut butter snacks, while Tozi Super Foods earned First Place for their nutritious tortillas. The event highlights the growing local food scene and supports entrepreneurial spirit within Texas.
Texas—In a notable achievement for local entrepreneurs, two Austin-based companies emerged victorious in H-E-B’s 2025 “Quest for Texas Best” competition, which concluded earlier this week. Oca Foods clinched the Grand Prize and $50,000 for its innovative Peanut Butter Bites, while Tozi Super Foods took home First Place and $25,000 for its unique Totopos.
Oca Foods, under the ownership of Renato Raposo, was recognized for its Peanut Butter Bites, including a variant that is sugar-free. These snacks are vegan and gluten-free and are inspired by the Brazilian treat known as Paçoca. The retail price for these Peanut Butter Bites is $8.99, and they can be found in several local stores, such as Tiny Grocer in Austin and Brazil Market & Cafe in Round Rock, contributing to the growing variety of plant-based food products available in Texas.
Tozi Super Foods, known for its incorporation of the ancient superfood amaranth into its Totopos and Tortillas, secured the First Place title. These products are available in multiple retailers including Central Market and Royal Blue Grocery throughout the state. The integration of amaranth not only boosts the nutritional value of the snacks but also differentiates Tozi in a competitive market.
The competition featured a wide array of talented food producers, with Deli Spices from McAllen winning Second Place and $15,000 for its popular Birria Spice Mix. The contest highlights the diversity and innovation present within Texas’s food industry. Spicytude, a spice company based in Dallas, and My Drink Bomb from Houston, each received $10,000 for tying for Third Place.
The 12th annual iteration of the “Quest for Texas Best” competition saw more than 370 entries submitted from nearly 150 cities across Texas, showcasing the state’s rich culinary landscape. The total cash prize pool for the event amounted to $135,000, reflecting H-E-B’s commitment to supporting local food producers. Since the competition’s inception, H-E-B has awarded close to $2.75 million in prizes, helping local businesses gain exposure by placing their products on store shelves.
The previous year’s winner, an Austin entrepreneur known as Birria Queen, made headlines by also winning the Grand Prize for her Birria Seasoning Bombs, earning $50,000. This enduring tradition of recognizing and rewarding Texas-based food innovators promotes not only creativity but also contributes to the state’s economy.
The latest results of the competition paint a promising picture for local businesses, emphasizing the importance of regional products and the tastes that resonate with Texan consumers. The success stories of Oca Foods and Tozi Super Foods are testaments to the entrepreneurial spirit and culinary ingenuity thriving in Austin and beyond.
In conclusion, local businesses are experiencing growth and recognition through competitive platforms like H-E-B’s “Quest for Texas Best,” helping them connect with consumers and expand their reach in the market. As these businesses innovate, they continue to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Texas’s food culture.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KVUE: Austin Businesses Shine at H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best
- Express News: H-E-B Texas Best Winners
- H-E-B Newsroom: Winners of the Quest for Texas Best
- Wikipedia: Austin
- Google Search: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
