Pal & Leo Branding and Packaging Design by Kindly Made Studio

Branding a mindful granola brand from South America.

Granola is often perceived as a health food, but in today’s food industry, that’s rarely the case. Many popular brands are loaded with sugars and artificial preservatives, misleading consumers into thinking they’re making a healthy choice. However, healthier alternatives exist, and they’re simpler than you might think.

Pal & Leo is changing the game with a clean, delicious twist on granola. Why stick to grains or limit granola to yogurt toppings? Pal & Leo’s granola is made with organic nuts and seeds, making it as versatile as it is nutritious. Whether enjoyed with yogurt, sprinkled over salads, or even added to soup, this isn’t your typical granola: Super tasty and better for your health.

The Challenge
Founded in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pal & Leo is on a mission to bring its nut-based granola to the European market. When they approached us, they sought a packaging design that would appeal to Europe’s high-end, health-focused market. Given its premium organic ingredients, the product is positioned in a higher price range than typical store-bought granolas. The challenge was to create a visually appealing and memorable design that communicates quality and aligns with the tastes and expectations of discerning European consumers.

The Solution
To meet this challenge, we focused on urban, health-conscious audiences who value aesthetics and transparency in the products they choose. To reflect this, we designed packaging that emphasises simplicity and clarity. The ingredient list is displayed prominently on the front, along with a transparent window that allows consumers to see the product inside, reinforcing Pal & Leo’s commitment to honest, clean ingredients.

Examining the competitive landscape, we noticed most granola brands position themselves as breakfast foods. We took a different approach, promoting Pal & Leo’s granola as an all-day staple. Why limit granola to breakfast? It’s perfect with salads, soups, and even as a snack, making it “Your NUT-so-typical granola.” In 2024, Pal & Leo partnered with Oatly in Amsterdam, offering their granola as a topping for Oatly’s soft-serve ice cream, a collaboration that highlights the versatility of this unique product.