Penn State's Cael Sanderson Revives His Sports Nutrition Cookie

The legendary wrestling coach's 'Cael's Cookie' brand is back, fueling his dominant Nittany Lions team.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Cael Sanderson, the legendary Penn State wrestling coach, has revived his sports nutrition cookie brand called 'Cael's Cookie' after it initially fizzled out in the 2010s. Sanderson, who is the only undefeated four-time national champion in NCAA Division I wrestling history, originally commissioned the cookie in 2006 to provide his wrestlers with a healthier snack option. Now, with the help of a longtime fan and marketing expert, Cael's Cookie has been rebranded and is back on the market, selling out its initial batch and expanding to new flavors like White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. The cookie's formula remains unchanged, providing athletes with a high-calorie, nutrient-dense treat that 'sits light on the stomach'.

Why it matters

Cael's Cookie represents Sanderson's commitment to fueling his dominant Penn State wrestling program with the best possible nutrition. In an era of private equity-owned sports nutrition brands, Cael's Cookie stands out as a mission-driven product backed by one of the most respected figures in college sports. The cookie's revival also highlights how innovative ideas can sometimes be ahead of their time, and how perseverance and the right partnerships can breathe new life into a product.

The details

The story of Cael's Cookie began in 2006 when chemist and food scientist B.J. Thomas, who had been impressed by Sanderson's wrestling career, developed a sports nutrition cookie called the 'Undefeated Sports Cookie' as an homage to Sanderson's undefeated record. However, the cookie proved difficult to market and never caught on. For nearly a decade, Thomas continued making the cookies primarily for Sanderson and his family. In 2024, marketing expert Zac Stork connected with Sanderson and helped rebrand the product as 'Cael's Cookie', giving it a permanent spot in the sports nutrition market. The cookie's formula remains unchanged, providing athletes with a high-fat, high-calorie treat that 'sits light on the stomach'.

  • Cael's Cookie was originally launched in the 2000s.
  • The product was revived and rebranded in 2024.

The players

Cael Sanderson

The head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling team, who is the only undefeated four-time national champion in NCAA Division I wrestling history.

B.J. Thomas

A chemist and food scientist who originally developed the 'Undefeated Sports Cookie' in 2006 as an homage to Sanderson's wrestling career.

Zac Stork

A marketing expert who connected with Sanderson in 2024 and helped rebrand the product as 'Cael's Cookie'.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't continuously adapt and improve, you'll meet a harsh reality from someone who has.”

— Cael Sanderson (LinkedIn)

“Pioneers get slaughtered.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach, Penn State Nittany Lions Wrestling

“Why does it still work for the best wrestling team in the country? Because your body needs these things, and other products just fall short. The cookie really is a low-weight, high-calorie energy powerhouse that just tastes good.”

— B.J. Thomas, Chemist and Food Scientist

What’s next

Cael's Cookie plans to continue expanding its product line with new flavors and variants to meet the growing demand from athletes and health-conscious consumers.

The takeaway

Cael's Cookie's revival demonstrates how a mission-driven, athlete-focused product can succeed in the crowded sports nutrition market, especially when backed by the reputation and expertise of a legendary coach like Cael Sanderson. The cookie's enduring appeal highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the right partnerships in bringing innovative ideas to life.