Hershey Poised To Buy Popcorn Snack Brand ‘LesserEvil’

Hershey is close to expanding its snack foods portfolio. The confectionery company is in talks to acquire healthy popcorn brand LesserEvil for an undisclosed price. LesserEvil would join a lineup that includes SkinnyPop, purchased by Hershey in 2017 for $1.6 billion, and Pirate’s Booty, in 2021 for $1.2 billion. 

Salty snacks aren’t the first thing to come to mind when you think Hershey, however, they accounted for 10% of the company’s $11.2 billion in sales in 2024. While a smaller percentage, the snack category continues to grow and may eventually contribute more towards Hershey’s bottom line.

LesserEvil makes flavors like Himalayan Pink Salt Paleo Puffs, Oh My Ghee! Popcorn, Interstellar Cheddar Space Balls, and others with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Hershey’s decision to acquire SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty, and LesserEvil may indicate a shift towards healthier offerings. 

“Investing in LesserEvil brings a multi-category, better-for-you snacks platform to extend our offerings into new categories and forms, reaching new consumers in more eating occasions,” Michele Buck, Hershey’s CEO, said in a statement.

According to Hershey, LesserEvil’s leadership team will remain with the company after the transition, which is expected to be finalized later this year.