Local Snack Mix Vendor Hopes to Satisfy Snacking Urges in Woodbridge

In our coverage of local small businesses, we sometimes feature businesses without storefronts. has been on our radar since the home-based snack mix vendor in May. This Q&A is with Comfort Mix founder and owner Terrie Tinney. 

How and when did you get started with Comfort Mix? Our family loves getting together for any occasion and we are snackers! About five years ago, I started mixing together different combinations for everyone to snack on. One of the combinations (M&M peanut) was an instant sensation. From there I began experimenting and perfecting the salty/sweet balance, expanding to include all kinds of great flavors. In August of 2011, I decided to move forward for state approval of product and packaging then went for the local business license and home inspection. We were official in September of 2011 and began taking orders and selling at Smart Markets. We truly launched into the marketplace early this year.

How did you think up the name? We created the perfect combination of salty and sweet to satisfy that craving everyone has. We put it into bite-sized pieces and then went crazy with the fun flavors!  Whenever you snack on it, the mix is comforting.

Do you have a store front or do you sell this out of your home?  Our mixes are currently prepared in my approved kitchen and sold at markets, events, online and by delivery.  

How did you go about fulfilling all of the legal requirements for having a home business?  I made application with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commonwealth of Virginia for product and label approval. The process also required obtaining a business license in my county jurisdiction as well as a home inspection with Food Safety and Security Program Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Our mixes are also heat-sealed for freshness.

Can people order online or by phone? Email orders@comfortmix.com or call 703-795-9323 or 703-774-8752. Please visit our website at www.comfortmix.com.

What sorts of flavors do you sell?  

M&M Plain

M&M Peanut

Dark Chocolate Pecan Paradise

Milk Chocolate Delight

Chocolate Almond Dream

Simply Summer

Coastal Mix Extreme

Blueberry Blast

Pina Colada

Nut Mix Supreme

White Chocolate Wonderland

S’mores Galore

What is your pricing?

Four ounce bags are $5 each, or three for $13.

Sixteen ounce bags are $15 each, or three for $40.

For more information on pricing information, email Comfort Mix.

Can people submit custom orders?  We have customized colors for birthday parties, baby showers, weddings—whatever you need, just let us know.  

Do you have any specialty mixes for holidays?  Customized colors for every holiday and special occasion as well as seasonal mixes. Summer favorites include Pina Colada, Simply Summer, Blueberry Blast, S'mores Galore and Coastal Mix Extreme. A favorite in the Winter is White Chocolate Wonderland.

Was Taste of Lake Ridge your first big event?  was a huge success and our first scheduled special event. It was great fun and we are already signed up for next year!  We have participated in local Smart Markets since the fall of last year.

Where do you see Comfort Mix in five years? Comfort Mix has received a warm welcome in the marketplace with steady growth and amazing opportunities in front of us we are very excited for the future. Comfort Mix cares and will continue to give back however we can as we grow and expand.