FORTÉ Protein Marinara Wins KeHE Golden Ticket

STOUGHTON, Mass. (Nov. 9, 2026)

FORTÉ, a Massachusetts brand that makes high-protein marinara, has won a Golden Ticket through KeHE’s Trend Finder program. The award moves FORTÉ a step closer to onboarding with the national food distributor as the brand expands its retail and foodservice business.

FORTÉ’s Original and Spicy Protein Marinara each deliver 17 grams of protein per half cup and 100 grams per jar. The sauces get their protein from whey isolate, beef bone broth, and hydrolyzed collagen. Avon Food Company makes both varieties in small batches in Stoughton, Massachusetts, using extra virgin olive oil. Both are gluten-free and made without seed oils or added sugar.

“We wanted to make it easier to get more protein from meals people already enjoy,” said Adam Rubin, co-founder of FORTÉ.

Rubin started FORTÉ with childhood friend Sam Klein. The idea grew out of Rubin’s experience managing ulcerative colitis as a high school athlete, when he began looking for cleaner ways to get more protein in. FORTÉ is now served at Prima Après on Tulane University’s campus as a pasta add-on and in its power bowl. The brand also earned an Audience Choice award at Mass Innovation Nights at Boston’s Museum of Science in July 2026.

About FORTÉ

FORTÉ makes Original and Spicy Protein Marinara for everyday meals, from pasta to pizza. Learn more at eatforte.com or follow @forteproteinsauce on Instagram.