At 15, Brooke Sweeney is balancing high school with a business she started at 14. The Northern Kentucky teenager is the founder of Oats Elevated, a company that sells dry overnight-oat mixes designed as a convenient breakfast option. Sweeney developed the business around nutritious overnight oats and began selling the products at markets and pop-up events. In a regional student pitch competition hosted by Square One at St. Xavier High School, she earned first place overall and a $3,000 cash prize for Oats Elevated. Notre Dame Academy reported that she planned to put the prize money towards an incubator kitchen to expand her product offerings and scale production.
How Brooke Sweeney started Oats Elevated
Sweeney launched Oats Elevated at age 14 with the goal of creating overnight oats that combined taste, nutrition and convenience. The Northern Kentucky Tribune reported that she developed recipes, helped build the brand and sold the products directly to customers at markets and pop-up events.Oats Elevated’s own website describes Brooke as a health-focused teenager who enjoys being in the kitchen. It says she created the company at 14 and wanted to build a business that could help fund her adventures and travel.Oats Elevated sells dry, shelf-stable overnight-oat pouches. Customers add milk, shake the mixture and allow it to soak before eating. The company says the pouches can be stored in a pantry and do not require refrigeration before preparation.The current product range includes flavours such as Strawberries & Cream, Vanilla, Chai Latte, Apple Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate with Cacao Nibs, Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana, Peanut Butter, Matcha with Goji Berries and Golden Coconut Mango.The company’s website currently lists individual pouches at $5 each, with four-, 10- and 30-pack options also available.
Each pouch contains 18 grams of protein
Oats Elevated says its current flavours provide 18 grams of protein per serving. Most flavours use Momentous whey protein isolate, while the Peanut Butter flavour gets its protein from organic peanut flour, according to the company’s FAQ.The company also says its products use organic ingredients and contain no added sugar. These are product claims made by Oats Elevated rather than independent nutritional assessments.The company describes the pouches as shelf-stable and designed for use at home, in the office, at the gym or while travelling.
Brooke won a $3,000 student pitch prize
One of the biggest milestones for Oats Elevated came through a regional student pitch competition hosted by Square One at St. Xavier High School.Notre Dame Academy reported that Brooke earned first place overall and a $3,000 cash prize for Oats Elevated. The school’s publication described the business as an overnight-oats company focused on nutritious and convenient food options.The Northern Kentucky Tribune also reported that Brooke had earned first place in the X Squared Student Pitch Competition.
She plans to reinvest the prize money
The $3,000 prize is intended to support the next stage of Oats Elevated’s development.Notre Dame Academy reported that Brooke planned to use the prize money towards an incubator kitchen, with the goal of expanding her product offerings and scaling production.An incubator kitchen would give the business access to commercial food-production facilities as it grows beyond its current small-batch operation.
From online sales to farmers markets
Oats Elevated has developed a direct-to-consumer presence through farmers markets as well as online sales.The Northern Kentucky Tribune reported that Brooke was scheduled to showcase Oats Elevated at the Bellevue Farmers Market on July 19, 2026, at Bellevue Beach Park. The event gave customers an opportunity to meet Brooke and learn about the business behind the products.Oats Elevated’s current website says Brooke and her family operate the company’s market booth. It lists appearances at markets around Northern Kentucky, including the Fort Thomas Farmers Market.
The business is made in Northern Kentucky
Oats Elevated says its products are made in small batches in Northern Kentucky. The company describes itself as a family business and says the products are made locally before being sold online and through markets.The company currently ships its dry pouches throughout the lower 48 US states. It also lists a retail partner, Rufener Farm Stand inside Fork and Pie Bakery in Newtown, Ohio.The business has also opened a wholesale channel for cafes, gyms, grocery stores and other retailers interested in carrying the products.
Brooke balances business with lacrosse
Sweeney is not focused solely on entrepreneurship. The Northern Kentucky Tribune identifies her as a lacrosse player and JV team captain. The publication also reported that her interest in health and wellness helped inspire the business.Brooke told the Tribune that she wanted to create a breakfast that did not require choosing between something that tasted good and something she considered good for her. Her business consequently combines her interest in food, nutrition and an active lifestyle.
What Oats Elevated looks like today
Oats Elevated has grown from an idea developed by a 14-year-old into a small food business with packaged products, an online store, farmers-market sales and wholesale opportunities.The company currently offers individual pouches and multi-pack options, while continuing to sell at local markets. Its website says Brooke and her family run the market booth and that the business is made in small batches in Northern Kentucky.The business is also continuing to develop its product range, with the website currently featuring multiple overnight-oat flavours and a reusable 12-ounce glass jar.
A teenager turning a breakfast idea into a business
Brooke Sweeney’s Oats Elevated began with an idea for a more convenient overnight-oat breakfast and developed into a business while she was still in high school. She started the company at 14, built its recipes and brand, began selling directly to customers and later presented the business to judges at a regional student pitch competition.Her first-place finish and $3,000 prize provided funding for the next stage of the company, with Brooke planning to put the money towards an incubator kitchen and expanded production. At 15, she is continuing to develop Oats Elevated while balancing school, lacrosse and the responsibilities of running a growing small business.
