From Spain to Scotland: The Journey Behind The Protein Ball Co – From Oloves to The Great British Porridge Co, Hayley Hunt has been at the forefront of the healthy food and snack world for years. As the founder of The Protein Ball Co, she has transformed a simple idea—making clean, natural, and delicious snacks accessible to everyone—into a thriving business that has rolled out over 250 million protein balls. With a bold, “ballsy by nature” approach and an unwavering commitment to quality, Hayley continues to innovate in the health and wellness snacking space. We caught up with her to hear about her journey, her latest ventures into pet snacks, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Hayley, can you tell us a little about your entrepreneurial journey and what first inspired you to create food brands?
It all started because we loved olives. In Spain they were given out free with a drink, and we thought, why don’t we do that back home? We knew olives were on the up, so we packed them in little snack bags and launched Oloves. That gave me a real taste for creating healthy snacks that stood out.
The Protein Ball Co came from the same place. I have always loved clean foods and wanted to create something for everyone. Back then protein was seen as just for the gym crowd, but I wanted to make it fun, natural and accessible. Ten years on we have rolled over 250 million balls, and I still get a buzz every time I see someone pick up a pack.
Being a female founder can bring both challenges and opportunities. What has your experience been like, and what advice would you give to other women starting out?
You do get underestimated sometimes but I have always used that as fuel. My advice is simple. Do not wait for permission. Start before you are ready and figure it out as you go. Back yourself and look after yourself physically and mentally because if you do not, no one else will.
Collaboration seems to run through your businesses, with your husband, your team, and partners like Robot Food. How important has that been for your growth?
Massively important. You cannot build anything meaningful alone. My husband has been there from the start; our team bring fresh ideas every day and creative partners like Robot Food challenge us to see our brands differently. That mix of trust, honesty and bouncing ideas around keeps everything moving forward.
The Protein Ball Co is approaching its 10th year, which is a huge milestone. Looking back, what are you most proud of?
That we started the protein ball category from scratch and have stayed true to clean, natural ingredients ever since.
This September you are launching a complete refresh, with a new identity, recipes, and categories. What sparked this decision, and what can fans expect from the new look and range?
After ten years it felt right to be bolder and louder about who we are. The Protein Balls with the Ballsy by Nature message is our way of saying we were here first, we are still innovating, and we are not afraid to stand out. Fans can expect bigger flavours, cleaner labels and new formats, all with that unapologetic ballsy edge. We have something coming in January which is so exciting and so indulgent and perfectly clean.
You have officially launched It’s The Dog’s, protein rich snacks for pets. Where did this idea come from?
I do not actually have a dog myself because unfortunately my family have allergies, but I kept seeing pet snacks packed with fillers and junk. I thought, why should dogs be stuck with that when we are demanding better for ourselves? It just made sense to take what we do well and bring that same quality into the pet world.
How did you approach creating a dog treat that is so clean, humans could eat it too?
Same rules as my human snacks. No rubbish, no shortcuts, just good ingredients. If it is not good enough for us, it is not good enough for dogs.
You have already secured 150 Pets Corner stores and are working on a gut health treat. Where do you see It’s The Dog’s heading next?
There is so much space to shake things up in pet snacking. We will keep creating clean, functional products that dogs love and owners can trust.
Were you surprised by the buzz around a human food company moving into the pet world?
Not really. It shows there is a hunger for better pet food. People want the same standards for their pets as they do for themselves, and we are just bridging that gap. We have seen pet food factories and honestly, they are so disgusting, you wouldn’t want your dog eating anything made from these facilities. People love their animals like family and want to give them the best and we are trying to raise the standards of dog food.
The health and wellness snacking market is constantly evolving. What trends do you see shaping the next five years?
Less ultra processed and more functional. People want snacks that do something extra, whether that is protein, gut health, focus or beauty, but without the fake stuff. Clean labels and transparency will only get bigger, and I can’t wait for that. We were way ahead of everyone in this space but now is our time.
Running multiple businesses is no easy feat. How do you personally look after your own wellbeing?
I have learnt that if I do not look after myself, nothing else works. I train, I eat clean, and I give myself space when I need it. I also go off alcohol from time to time and honestly everything feels better when I do. I am more productive, clearer and sharper all round.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your downtime?
With my family and preferably in Spain. It is where I feel happiest. Sunshine, sea and good food. That is my reset.
Is there a female founder or businesswoman who inspires you?
I admire women who build on their own terms without trying to fit into a box. The ones who do not water themselves down to be acceptable. That always inspires me. I am also a big fan of female-centric founder movements like BuyWomenBuilt and f:Eentrepreneur i-also initiative.
Finally, if you could leave our readers with one piece of advice from your journey, what would it be?
Keep learning and do not wait for the perfect moment because it does not exist!
Hayley’s journey is a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and innovation. From pioneering clean snacking for humans to raising the bar in pet treats, she reminds us that success comes from staying true to your vision, embracing collaboration, and never waiting for permission to start.
Poppy Watt