Powdered Nutrition Shake (Benchtop Prototyping and Formulation)

We're an early-stage CPG brand developing a premium vegan powdered nutrition/shake product. We have a detailed product vision already prepared and are looking for an experienced formulator to take it to benchtop prototype. This is hands-on development work — turning a target spec into a real, tastable, stable formula. Scope - Convert an existing product vision into a working bill of materials - Develop and iterate benchtop prototypes (taste, texture, mixability) - Recommend the flavor/sweetener/masking system - Spec a custom vitamin/mineral premix to hit a target nutrient panel - Advise on stability, shelf life, and overages - Flag cost, sourcing, and feasibility issues along the way You're a strong fit if you have - Proven experience formulating powdered nutritional products (protein/meal/nutrition powders) — please share examples - Hands-on benchtop development experience, not paper consulting only - Plant-based / vegan formulation experience - Familiarity with vitamin/mineral premixes, fortification, and overages - Working knowledge of US label requirements and contaminant standards - Bonus: co-manufacturer / co-packer relationships for later phases To apply, please include - Relevant products you've formulated - Whether you have benchtop/lab access or work with a partner lab - Your typical process and rough timeline from spec to first prototypes - Your rate structure (hourly, per-milestone, or project) Full details available under NDA to shortlisted candidates. Looking to move quickly with the right person, ideally an ongoing relationship through production.