PlantBaby is a food and beverage company focused on creating clean-label, organic, plant-based nutrition products for families. Founded in 2020 and based in Hawaii, the company’s mission is to “nourish, inform, and empower” future generations by offering healthier alternatives to traditional dairy and processed foods. Pulse 2.0 interviewed PlantBaby co-founder and CEO Alex Abelin to gain a deeper understanding of the company.
Alex Abelin’s Background
Kiki MIlk Co-Founders Alex and Lauren Abelin
Could you tell me more about your background? Abeline said:
“I’m a passionate entrepreneur, a 3X founder, a community builder, father, and husband. I’ve founded three startups — PlantBaby, LQD WiFi, and LiquidTalent — and helped launch two community groups: GoogleCaresSF and The Crypto Club. Earlier in my career, I worked at Google and Verizon, where I gained firsthand experience inside two of the world’s most influential companies.”
“My work — and my life — has always centered on ways that make a positive impact. I believe we can do good and do well at the same time. That belief has taken me around the globe, from San Diego to Kauai, New York City to the Bay Area, and internationally where I’ve lived in Dublin and Florence. Wherever I go, I’m driven by a love of people, planet, and the power of ideas that can make the world a better place.”
“I currently serve as Co-Founder and CEO of PlantBaby (maker of Kiki Milk), where I get to combine my passions for nutrition, sustainability, and future-forward innovation — all while working alongside my wife Lauren to create a healthier world for our son Alakai, and families around the world.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Abeline shared:
“PlantBaby and Kiki Milk were born from a deeply personal need. My wife and I were searching for a nutrient-rich, clean-label plant milk for our son, Alakai, who had dairy and soy allergies. As first-time parents, we were shocked to realize that no plant-based milk specifically designed for kids existed.”
“After navigating unexpected challenges with breastfeeding and discovering Alakai’s allergies, we searched high and low for a plant milk we could trust. Every option we found was filled with gums, seed oils, and synthetic additives—or lacked the essential, bioavailable nutrients young children need. The very few promising products we discovered weren’t even available in the U.S.”
“That’s when we looked at each other and realized: if we needed this, millions of other families probably did too. So, we created Kiki Milk — something we wished existed for our own child.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Abeline reflected:
“There are so many, but one that stands out is watching our first batch of Kiki Milk come off the production line. It was a surreal moment — to go from an idea in our kitchen to a real product we could share with the world. And then it sold out. That feeling of connection and validation from our community is something I’ll never forget.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Abeline explained:
“Our flagship product is Kiki Milk — a shelf-stable, organic plant-based milk made with whole food ingredients like oats, bananas, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and Aquamin, a natural source of calcium from red marine algae. We offer four blends: Original, Chocolate, Mac Nut, and Unsweetened. All are made without gums, seed oils, synthetic vitamins, or artificial flavors.”
“Kiki Milk is certified organic, non-GMO, glyphosate residue-free, and allergen-friendly, making it a trusted option for families who care about both nutrition and transparency.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Abeline and the team face in building the company? Abeline acknowledged:
“One of our biggest challenges has been staying true to our values in an industry that often prioritizes profit over purity.”
“From day one, we set out to create something entirely new — a plant-based milk made from whole foods, without fillers, additives, or synthetic fortification. But nearly every expert we consulted told us to compromise: use gums to improve texture, add oils to boost calories, and include cheap synthetic vitamins to check a nutritional box.”
“We chose a different path. We triple-toxin test every ingredient for mold, heavy metals, and pesticides. We’re certified glyphosate residue-free. We use whole food sources for both macro- and micronutrients to ensure better bioavailability. These choices made production more complex and costly, but they also strengthened our integrity — and earned the trust of our community.”
“We hear from parents of children with food allergies, chronic illness, or autoimmune conditions who say Kiki Milk is the only plant milk their family can safely enjoy. That kind of feedback reminds us why it was worth going against the grain.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Abeline cited:
“Launching nationally at Sprouts Farmers Market was a major milestone. We also recently signed with Alliance, one of the leading retail brokers in the U.S., marking an exciting next chapter in our retail expansion. In January, we closed a $4M seed round led by B2 Partners — another major step forward in accelerating our mission.”
“We’ve seen demand consistently outpace supply, with multiple sell-outs since launch — a clear sign we’re meeting a real need. But the most meaningful milestone of all has been the response from families. Parents regularly share that Kiki Milk has changed their child’s life. That kind of impact is what drives us every day.”
Customer Success Stories
Can you share any specific customer success stories? Abeline highlighted:
“We regularly hear from parents of children with severe food allergies who say Kiki Milk is the only milk their child can safely tolerate — and genuinely enjoy. Some have children battling cancer, eczema, or autism. One father told us that after multiple rounds of chemotherapy, the only thing his son could keep down was Kiki Milk. Stories like these are deeply humbling, and they fuel everything we do.”
Funding
When asking Abeline about the company’s funding details, he revealed:
“PlantBaby has raised a total of $7 million to date. Our most recent $4 million seed round, closed in early 2025, was led by B2 Partners at a post-money valuation of $20 million, with participation from Big Idea Ventures, Everywhere Ventures, X Factor Ventures, Women’s Equity Lab Silicon Valley, and Babylist.”
“This funding is helping us expand nationally, grow our team, and accelerate product development — including a grain-free blend launching later this year. In 2024, we reached $4.8 million in revenue, driven by strong demand across our Shopify enabled website kikimilk.com, and retail presence at Sprouts, Wegmans, Erewhon, Amazon, and Thrive Market. We’re incredibly proud of that momentum.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Abeline assessed:
“We’re operating at the intersection of two massive markets: the $10B U.S. dairy alternative space and the $53.6B children’s food and beverage category. There’s a huge white space in the middle — clean-label, nutritious products made for kids. That’s where Kiki Milk lives.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Abeline affirmed:
“Most plant milks on the market are designed for adults and rely on gums, oils, and synthetic nutrients. We take a different approach — one rooted in pediatric input and built entirely around the nutritional needs of young children. Kiki Milk is made from whole food, organic ingredients, with a clean-label formulation that prioritizes transparency and bioavailability. It’s not just plant milk. It’s purpose-built nourishment for growing families. Built by parents, for parents.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Abeline emphasized:
“We’re expanding our retail footprint, launching new formats, and continuing to innovate with kids’ nutrition at the core. Long-term, our goal is to develop the first clean-label plant-based infant formula, because after all, that was the genesis of the company.”
