Seasoned food scientist and R&D leader to accelerate product development and innovation pipeline for the brand’s protein-rich freekeh snacks
Freekeh Harvest®, the maker of Freekeh Harvest® Protein Pita Chips—an innovative, protein-rich snack made with freekeh, a slow-roasted ancient Mediterranean super grain—today announced that Mike Adams, MS has joined the company as Vice President of Product & Innovation.
Adams brings more than a decade of experience spanning product development, research, shelf-life and commercialization. In his new role, he will lead product and process innovation, oversee R&D strategy, and help expand Freekeh Harvest’s portfolio of better-for-you, protein-forward snacks.
“Mike is exactly the kind of technical and creative leader we want shaping what’s next at Freekeh Harvest,” said Leslie Touma, founder of Freekeh Harvest. “He combines deep food science expertise with real-world commercialization experience—and he shares our dedication to creating delicious, better-for-you, protein-based products. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Snacking nutritiously and deliciously was the driver behind the development of Freekeh Harvest® Protein Pita Chips. They offer the most protein of any pita chip in the country, and deliver a wonderful roasted, nutty taste and nutritional powerhouse in every serving. The chips provide three times more protein and fiber and up to 50% less fat than other pita chips. They are Non-GMO, contain no artificial colors or flavors and have no cholesterol or trans-fat, making them the perfect on-the-go snack.
Adams most recently served as Senior R&D Project Manager at Nestlé R&D (Gerber Baby Food), where he led cross-functional teams through multiple stage gate innovation projects, with international launches for 2026. Previously, he spent more than six years at the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center, ultimately serving as Senior Food Scientist and Director of the Shelf-Life Program, advising brands and entrepreneurs on formulation, scale-up, packaging, food safety and shelf-life. Earlier in his career, he held quality leadership roles in commercial baking, including managing lab and sanitation programs and supporting audit readiness and process improvements.
Adams holds a Master of Science in Food Science & Technology from Oregon State University, with research focused on wheat and baking chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Science with a minor in Chemistry.
“Freekeh Harvest has built something truly distinctive at the intersection of taste, nutrition and ingredient innovation,” said Mike Adams, MS, VP of Product & Innovation. “I’m excited to help advance the product roadmap, bring new ideas to market, and continue raising the bar for protein-rich, better-for-you snacks.”
About Freekeh Harvest®
Freekeh Harvest® creates protein-rich snacks made with freekeh (“free-kuh”), a slow-roasted ancient Mediterranean super grain. The brand’s signature Freekeh Harvest® Protein Pita Chips offer the most protein of any pita chip in the country and provide the perfect better-for-you snack option designed for healthy snacking on-the-go.
