FORTÉ co-founders Adam Rubin and Sam Klein celebrate receiving KeHE’s Golden Ticket.
Original and Spicy sauces deliver 17g of protein per half cup serving
STOUGHTON, Mass., November 2, 2026. FORTÉ, a protein marinara brand founded by childhood best friends Adam Rubin and Sam Klein of Massachusetts, has earned a Golden Ticket through KeHE’s Trend Finder program. The recognition marks a step toward onboarding with national food distributor KeHE.
Available in Original and Spicy varieties, FORTÉ delivers 17 grams of protein per half-cup serving and approximately 100 grams per 26-ounce jar. The sauces combine traditional marinara flavor with protein from whey isolate, hydrolyzed collagen and beef bone broth. Both varieties are gluten-free, made with extra virgin olive oil, and contain no seed oils or added sugar. FORTÉ is made from scratch in small batches by Avon Food Company in Stoughton, Massachusetts.
“We wanted to make it easier to get more protein from meals people already enjoy,” said Adam Rubin, co-founder of FORTÉ. “With FORTÉ, you can add protein while making pasta, pizza or a weeknight dinner. Earning KeHE’s Golden Ticket gives us an opportunity to bring that idea to more people.”
The idea for FORTÉ grew out of Rubin’s experience managing ulcerative colitis as a high school athlete. Many processed protein bars and shakes did not agree with his digestion, prompting him to find an alternative that fit into everyday meals. Rubin graduated from Tulane University in 2026.
The sauce is served at Prima Après on Tulane’s campus as a pasta add-on and in its power bowl. FORTÉ also earned an Audience Choice award at Mass Innovation Nights at Boston’s Museum of Science in July 2026.
FORTÉ is preparing for KeHE onboarding as it develops its retail and foodservice business. Retailers and foodservice operators interested in samples or future distribution can contact [email protected]. Product information is available at eatforte.com.
About FORTÉ
FORTÉ Foods creates protein marinara sauces designed for everyday meals. Founded by Adam Rubin and Sam Klein, the brand offers Original and Spicy varieties. Learn more at eatforte.com or follow @forteproteinsauce on Instagram.
Media Contact
Adam Rubin | Co-founder, FORTÉ
[email protected] | eatforte.com