In the realm of healthy eating, many parents strive to provide nutritious meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. For the Johnson family, however, the need for healthy food was amplified by a serious medical condition affecting their son, Ethan. This drove them to create homemade potato chips that not only tasted great but also aligned with their dietary goals.
The Johnsons began their culinary journey by crafting these unique chips in their kitchen. After a noteworthy appearance on a popular pitch show, their chips are now poised to hit store shelves nationwide. Following the episode, not only did we find ourselves craving salty snacks, but we were also captivated by the family’s inspiring story and mission.
Five years ago, the Johnsons launched Ethan’s Authentic Snacks after encouragement from friends who enjoyed their homemade chips. Recognizing the competitive snack market, they were determined to stand out with a product crafted from non-GMO potatoes, sea salt, and coconut oil.
Their inspiration stemmed from Ethan’s diagnosis of a rare autoimmune disorder known as Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, which leads to inflammation in the brain. Diagnosed at age 14, Ethan had been struggling with this condition since he was 18 months old. The disorder severely affected his motor skills, communication abilities, and overall health, leading to terrifying medical emergencies, including a severe bout of pancreatitis when he was just three years old.
In their quest to improve Ethan’s health, the Johnsons turned to a cookbook focused on nutrient-dense foods with minimal processing. They introduced healthy fats into their diet, including coconut oil and grass-fed butter. Within weeks, they noticed a remarkable improvement in Ethan’s health. This motivated them to fully adopt a diet rich in “good” fats.
Megan Johnson shared, “There are prevailing myths about dietary fat: the idea that we should limit all fat intake and that the best fats are polyunsaturated vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids. Our experience as parents has shown us that these beliefs are misguided.” Witnessing the positive changes in Ethan, the entire family, which includes three other children, embraced a ketogenic diet. With limited healthy snack options available, they began frying their own potato chips in coconut oil, serving them at gatherings where they quickly became a hit.
“People love snacking on chips but often feel guilty about it,” Megan expressed. “[Our chips] offer a convenient way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet.” Initially hesitant about selling their creation, the Johnsons recognized the demand for snacks that are both delicious and nutritious. They aimed to bridge the gap between tasty treats and health-conscious eating.
Ethan’s Authentic Snacks are now distributed across the country, including select Whole Foods locations. The company offers a range of flavored potato chips and tortilla chips, all made with coconut oil and minimal processing. In addition to their snack line, the family sells “Charitable Threads” featuring their logo. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Ethan’s Authentic Charitable Foundation, which funds research for rare childhood diseases.
Tragically, Ethan Johnson passed away unexpectedly on August 13, 2017, shortly after filming segments for the pitch show. He was just 16 years old. The family continues to honor his legacy through their business, ensuring that his story lives on.
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In summary, the Johnson family’s journey in creating Ethan’s Authentic Snacks is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of health in the face of adversity. Their story not only highlights the significance of nutrition but also the impact of love and dedication in overcoming life’s challenges.