In the world of snack foods, Scott and Laura Thompson faced a challenge many parents encounter: how to provide healthy and enjoyable meals for their family. However, for the Thompsons, the urgency was amplified by their son Alex’s health condition, which necessitated a diet rich in beneficial fats and low in processed ingredients. This need inspired their family’s special homemade potato chips.
The couple began crafting these delicious chips in their kitchen, and after a recent feature on Shark Tank, they are on the brink of bringing their product to grocery store shelves across the nation. After watching the episode, we found ourselves with an insatiable craving for potato chips, while also feeling intrigued by the family’s journey and mission.
The Birth of Alex’s Honest Chips
About five years ago, the Thompsons launched Alex’s Honest Chips after encouragement from friends and family to sell the tasty snacks they had been making for years. They understood the snack market was crowded (pun intended), but they believed their product, made from non-GMO potatoes, sea salt, and coconut oil, would stand out.
The motivation to develop their unique chips stemmed from the health challenges faced by their eldest son, Alex. He was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder known as Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, which leads to inflammation in various parts of the brain. Alex had shown symptoms since he was 18 months old, but it wasn’t until the age of 14 that he received a formal diagnosis.
This debilitating condition caused his motor skills to decline, leaving him unable to speak, eat, or sleep. At just three years old, Alex experienced a severe case of pancreatitis that left doctors worried for his survival.
A Journey to Health
In search of a solution, the Thompsons turned to a cookbook focused on nutrient-dense foods that were minimally processed. They began integrating healthy fats such as coconut oil, cod liver oil, and lard into their diets. Miraculously, within weeks, they noticed significant improvements in Alex’s health, leading them to adopt this “good fat” dietary approach fully.
As Laura Thompson pointed out, there are two major misconceptions about fat: the belief that one should minimize total fat intake and the assumption that polyunsaturated vegetable oils are the healthiest options. “In our experience, both of these ideas are incorrect,” she said.
Witnessing positive changes in Alex’s health spurred the entire family—including their three other children—to embrace a ketogenic diet rich in healthy fats. Frustrated by the lack of nutritious snack options at stores, they began frying their own potato chips in coconut oil, sharing them at gatherings where they were an instant hit.
“People love snacking on chips but often feel guilty about it,” Laura explained. “Our chips offer a convenient way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet.”
From Kitchen to Store Shelves
Initially reluctant to market their chips, the Thompsons soon recognized that other families were likely seeking snacks that were both tasty and nutritious. They aimed to bridge the gap between delicious and healthy, an often elusive combination.
Today, Alex’s Honest Chips can be found in stores nationwide, including many Whole Foods locations. The brand offers a variety of flavored potato chips and tortilla chips, all made with coconut oil and minimal processing.
Additionally, customers can purchase branded merchandise like hats, shirts, and socks from their website, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Alex’s Honest Charitable Foundation, which funds research into rare pediatric diseases.
A Legacy Remembered
Tragically, Alex Thompson passed away unexpectedly on August 13, 2017, just after the family filmed their segments for Shark Tank. He was only 16 years old. The family continues to honor his legacy through their chip company.
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Conclusion
In summary, the Thompsons’ journey from personal struggle to successful snack brand illustrates the power of resilience and innovation. Their story not only highlights the importance of healthy eating but also serves as a tribute to their son Alex’s enduring spirit.
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