ExtractedValue
HomeIndustriesGuideNewsletter
EXTRACTEDVALUE

Track how private equity impacts your favorite brands. Get alerts when companies you care about are acquired.

Explore

  • About
  • Methodology
  • Newsletter

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 Extracted Value. All rights reserved.

Shining a light on PE ownership.

← Back to Search
NA

Nature's Path Foods

food_consumer
PE-OWNED

Organic cereal and breakfast foods manufacturer focusing on natural and organic products.

PE-OWNED

Acquired by Leonard Green & Partners2020-01-30

View PE Firm Profile

What Made It Great

“

Pioneer in organic breakfast cereals with strong health positioning

What PE Will Likely Do

Predictions

Nature's Path's organic and natural ingredients will likely be replaced with cheaper, non-organic alternatives

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The aggressive cost-cutting tactics commonly used by Leonard Green & Partners in past acquisitions, including ingredient downgrades, shrinkflation, supply chain changes, and formula alterations

Package sizes for Nature's Path cereals and foods will be reduced while prices remain the same or increase (shrinkflation)

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The high bankruptcy rate of 20% associated with Leonard Green & Partners' investments

Nature's Path will switch to lower-cost suppliers and manufacturing processes, leading to noticeable reductions in product quality and taste

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The negative consumer impact score of 0.20 for this PE firm, indicating a history of harming consumer interests

The company will alter recipes and formulas to cut costs, resulting in changes to the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of Nature's Path products

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The negative consumer impact score of 0.20 for this PE firm, indicating a history of harming consumer interests

Expected Timeline

Phases
0-6 monthsCompleted

“0 to 6 months months”

Minimal visible changes as ownership transitions, but behind-the-scenes changes to suppliers and formulas begin

6-12 monthsYOU ARE HERE

“6 to 12 months months”

Consumers start noticing subtle differences in the taste, texture, and quality of Nature's Path products

12-24 months

“12 to 24 months months”

Significant deterioration in product quality as cost-cutting measures accelerate, leading to increased consumer complaints and brand reputation damage

Similar Cases

Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition

Operating

Del Monte Foods

KKR·2011

See full case study
Operating

Birds Eye

Permira·2009

See full case study
Operating

Kraft Heinz

3G Capital·2015

See full case study
Operating

Bumble Bee Foods

Lion Capital·2010

See full case study
Operating

Weight Watchers

Artal Group·1999

See full case study

What You Can Do

Take Action

Actions

  • Be on the lookout for changes in the taste, texture, and nutritional content of Nature's Path products

  • Compare package sizes and prices to identify any instances of shrinkflation

  • Consider switching to alternative organic and natural cereal brands that have not been acquired by private equity firms

  • Voice your concerns about quality changes directly to Nature's Path and consider boycotting the brand if the changes become unacceptable

Alternatives

Research independent alternativesSAFE

Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses

Share this company's PE status
Twitter/XFacebookLinkedIn

"Nature's Path Foods is now PE-owned. Here's what that means for you."