Magic Spoon’s Marketing Strategy: The Secret to Disrupting the Cereal Industry

Table of Contents

Magic Spoon didn’t just enter the cereal market—they came in with a bang, shaking things up and rewriting the rulebook. 

A high-protein, keto-friendly, and gluten-free cereal with zero sugar? It was a dream come true for health-conscious millennials. 

Since launching in 2019, Magic Spoon has reimagined what cereal can be, raising $85 million in Series B funding by 2022 and securing placements in major retailers like Costco, Target, and Walmart. 

But what’s behind their rapid growth? In this article, we’ll break down the innovative marketing strategies Magic Spoon used to disrupt this classic industry.

Let’s dive in! 

1. Leverage influencers with product seeding, not paid promotions

Magic Spoon’s influencer marketing strategy stands out because they don’t just rely on paid sponsorships. Instead, they send free samples to influencers in niches like fitness, lifestyle, and family. 

Magic Spoon’s influencer marketing strategy

This product-seeding approach leads to high engagement, as influencers share authentic, unpaid experiences with their followers.

By targeting communities already invested in health and wellness, Magic Spoon maximizes word-of-mouth growth and builds credibility among its ideal audience.

2. Create engaging social media content that feels fun and fresh

Simply being present on social media isn’t enough—Magic Spoon understands the need to engage and entertain.

They focus on Instagram and TikTok, where they post a mix of content designed to surprise and delight followers.

Their posts often tease new flavors and products…

Magic Spoon social media post teasing new product

… or build excitement through giveaways.

Magic Spoon Instagram giveaway

Their TikTok is full of relatable, funny videos like this one:

… alongside useful content like this:

This playful yet informative approach keeps followers engaged and attracts new ones.

3. Turn social ads into entertainment, not interruptions

Magic Spoon’s social ads feel like native content. By collaborating closely with creators and influencers, they design ads that resemble entertaining videos rather than traditional promotions, helping them stand out in social feeds crowded with ads.

Magic Spoon Facebook ad

They also use these ads to highlight their core value—delicious cereal with zero sugar—while keeping the tone light, appealing to their millennial and Gen Z audiences in an authentic way.

Magic Spoon Facebook ad

4. Use podcast advertising to build credibility

To reach a new audience, Magic Spoon invested in podcast advertising. 

By teaming up with well-known podcasts like The Tim Ferriss Show and The Joe Rogan Experience, they reached listeners who trusted the hosts’ recommendations. 

Magic Spoon sponsoring The Tim Ferriss Show

These shows let Magic Spoon speak directly to a health-conscious, inquisitive audience, and they add an affiliate code to each podcast ad, making it easy for listeners to try the product and track ROI from each partnership.

5. Get noticed in Google Shopping for ready-to-buy customers

Magic Spoon makes sure they’re visible to online shoppers actively looking for healthy cereals by investing in Google Shopping ads. 

When people search for keywords like “sugar-free cereal” or “keto cereal,” Magic Spoon appears at the top.

Magic Spoon Google Shopping ads

This high visibility in search results gives them access to health-focused consumers who may not know about Magic Spoon yet but are in the market for a better breakfast.

6. Drive sales with an attractive affiliate marketing program

Magic Spoon’s affiliate program is a win-win. They offer affiliates a 20% commission, along with a custom discount code, so affiliates have a solid incentive to promote the product. 

Magic Spoon affiliate program

By working with health-focused creators, keto bloggers, and lifestyle influencers, Magic Spoon reaches audiences who already care about healthy eating. 

This targeted program lets them expand their reach without the typical high cost of paid advertising.

7. Build your email list through giveaways and contests

To grow their community, Magic Spoon regularly hosts giveaways on their website as well, using popups to capture visitor attention.

They offer chances to win a month’s supply of cereal, which appeals to those curious about trying the brand. In exchange for a chance to win, Magic Spoon collects email addresses, allowing them to nurture potential customers through email marketing.

Magic Spoon giveaway popup

These giveaways bring in a stream of new leads, allowing Magic Spoon to nurture potential customers through email marketing and keep them engaged with future product updates and promotions.

Would you like to try a similar strategy? Give these popup templates a try:

8. Tap into nostalgia to create emotional connections

Magic Spoon’s secret ingredient? Nostalgia. 

By reimagining classic childhood cereals but with healthier ingredients, they appeal to adults who grew up on traditional cereals but are now looking for better alternatives. 

This nostalgic twist resonates with millennials who fondly remember sugary cereals from their youth but now prioritize health. 

It’s an emotional connection that stands out in a crowded market and drives home the message that with Magic Spoon, you can have your (healthy) cereal and eat it too.

Wrapping up

Magic Spoon’s marketing strategy is a masterclass in modern brand-building. 

From influencer marketing to nostalgia, each tactic is designed to connect with their audience on a deeper level. By positioning themselves as a healthy-yet-fun breakfast choice, Magic Spoon has found a way to stand out in an industry dominated by legacy brands. 

They’re not just selling cereal—they’re creating a lifestyle, a sense of nostalgia, and a community of loyal fans.

Learn more