Spokane Protein Bar Company Expanded Retail Reach
Founder Sebastian Okhovat grew his protein bar brand Kōdo to 27 retail partners during its third year of operations.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Healthy Food

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Founded in 2023, the Spokane-based company Kōdo has successfully established a presence in 27 retail locations. The startup produces bars using a blend of honey, coconut butter, and collagen.
Why it matters
The company emerged after founder Sebastian Okhovat pursued a new nutritional path while recovering from personal health challenges and 24 diagnosed food allergies.
Kōdo bars retail for approximately $5 online and are crafted from ingredients sourced within the Pacific Northwest. The company currently maintains partnerships with 27 retail locations.
The players
Sebastian Okhovat
He is the founder of Kōdo and a holder of degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration.
Kōdo
This Spokane-based company manufactures protein bars using honey, coconut butter, and collagen.
The details
Sebastian Okhovat, who holds degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration, manages production with help from his aunt. The bars utilize regional ingredients, including nuts from Eugene and cherries from Chelan, to meet the founder's dietary requirements.
Timeline
The company was founded in 2023.
Okhovat has abstained from taking a salary since 2023.
Kōdo entered its third year of business in 2026.
Culture Shift
The success of Kōdo reflects the broader movement toward regional, ingredient-transparent food production that prioritizes local sourcing over mass-market distribution. This shift challenges legacy snack brands by appealing to consumers who value the proximity and origin of their dietary supplements.
Spokane residents can support the brand by purchasing bars at local farmers markets or through online channels. For consumers with multiple food allergies, the product offers a transparent ingredient list featuring honey, coconut butter, and collagen.
The takeaway
Building a specialty food brand requires significant personal sacrifice, as evidenced by the founder's three-year unpaid tenure. Consumers should look for locally sourced labels to identify high-quality, regionally produced snack alternatives.
Further reading
Learn more about local nutrition trends on our Healthy Food page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
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