14 Food Companies That Didn't Land A Deal On Shark Tank

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Shark Tank has helped some food brands become absolute stars in the food and beverage industry, including The Pizza Cupcake and Proper Good. Even food companies that don't walk away with deals, like Kodiak Cakes, go on to do amazing things outside of the tank. That's the case for some of the food companies on this list, all of which decided to take a chance by appearing on Shark Tank but ultimately walking away without a deal.

Some of these brands disappeared into the unknown after wrestling with the Sharks, but others found incredible successes come their way despite not getting a deal from the famous investors. Keep reading to learn what food companies didn't get cash in exchange for equity, why the Sharks decided not to invest in their companies, and how some tenacious owners continued to push forward to see their brands to the finish line and beyond.

By the time they entered the Shark Tank to see if they could cut a deal with investors, Baker's Edge owners already had a long history with their brownie-worthy baking pan that promised to give crispy browned edges to every brownie in the pan. They had already won an invention contest, and spent several years brainstorming and perfecting the pan that would eventually become the Baker's Edge brand. The pan was also featured on the list of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2011, before the owners even met the famous Sharks. Unfortunately, the Sharks simply couldn't see the value in the pan, and each of them opted out of becoming an investor (via Shark Tank Blog).

However, it appears that the company is doing okay on its own. At the time of this writing, the website states that it's completely sold out of its televised brownie pan for 2022, but new inventory is making its way to the site in 2023. It also sells a muffin pan, spatulas, and other goodies to help you get your bake on.

Mama O's Premium Kimchi has arguably one of the most memorable pitches on Shark Tank to date, mostly because of founder Kheedhim Oh and his adorable Mama. Although Oh is the face behind the brand, he says that his mom has helped him become the kimchi maker he is today, sparking the idea for the company. Mama O's Premium Kimchi sells ready-to-eat and easy-to-make kimchi and kimchi-related products to spice up your dishes.

Unfortunately, despite the duo's refreshing presence in the tank, the investors either didn't have the passion needed for the brand or didn't think the company was on the right track with solid business decisions. Eventually, each shark dropped out of the running as an investor for the company (via Shark Tank Blog). Fortunately, it seems that the brand is excelling on its own. On its website, you can find everything from kimchi kits to dehydrated kimchi flakes to add flavor to your favorite dishes.

Who doesn't love a muffin that tastes just like the campfire S'mores you had as a kid? Apparently, the Shark Tank investors don't — at least, not as an investable business. While appearing on episode 416 of Shark Tank, the business owners of Gotta Have S'more pitched their product, the layered S'muffin that's meant to remind consumers of the tastiest camping treat of them all.

Unfortunately, the owners didn't catch the Sharks' attention with their cupcake-like muffins. While Barbara didn't think the taste was on point, other Sharks were not impressed by the company valuation, sales to date, and astronomical shipping prices to send the product to consumers across the country. The ladies left with no deal, but they continue to build their business (per Shark Tank Blog). The company website now offers more products, including S'mookies and seasonal S'mores, and offers a limited-time Flavor of the Month for customers to eat up.

Perhaps one of the most unique food products to hit the tank was Lynnae's Gourmet Pickles, which had been jarring gourmet pickles since 2011. The two owners sought $125,000 for 25% equity when they appeared on the show, hoping that the investment would help them meet the high demand they were receiving for their homemade, flavored pickles. According to their pitch, even their first week of pickle sales surprised them, hitting the 1,000 mark for products sold (per Shark Tank Blog).

However, the Sharks didn't seem as excited about the gourmet pickles, especially because of their price tag, which simply wasn't competitive enough to compete with other pickles already in stores. While the ladies left the show without a deal, Shark Tank Blog reports that they did continue to work on their company for a few more years until they decided to pursue other ventures outside of the pickle business.

Mango Mango's three animated owners impressed the Sharks with their pitch on episode 505 of Shark Tank. The company had just one mango preserves product, but its owners were not afraid to market it as so much more. Their pitch found them dancing to their own beat, chanting "Spread it, mix it, shake it, stir it!" as they demonstrated the many ways people could use their preserves to make everything from sweet shrimp to salad dressing.

The product received a lot of love from the Sharks, but each of them ultimately decided that Mango Mango wasn't the right investment for them. Still, the owners went on to spread their love of mangoes and upbeat attitudes with the world, continuing their business and selling more than 15,000 jars of preserves after their episode aired (per Shark Tank Blog). According to Owler, the company has a revenue of approximately $4.3 million as of January 2023. Its product line remains modest, though, with just three items listed on its website.

Fresh Bellies is a company that's focused on making healthier snack options for kids and families. Today, the company is going strong with its snacks that infuse natural spices and herbs into each bite in an effort to introduce babies and toddlers to these bolder flavors and broaden their palates (per Fresh Bellies). According to RocketReach, the company has a $6 million revenue as of January 2024.

However, when Fresh Bellies appeared on Shark Tank's episode 1009, the company wasn't met with as much enthusiasm as its current customers seem to have. Overall, the Sharks didn't like the flavors they sampled, and they were concerned that the kids who needed healthy foods the most — generally, says Mark, those from low-income families — couldn't afford the brand's pricing. Owner Saskia continued to grow her brand after leaving the tank, eventually getting Fresh Bellies into Kroger and WalMart stores across the country (per Shark Tank Blog).

Pinole Blue is a company founded by an unlikely group of people: a college business professor and two of her students who had never met until she introduced them. However, the three owners are highly invested in their brand of foods that utilize pinole, a superfood primarily made with nutrient-rich blue corn. They asked for $300,000 for 10% equity, hoping to have a Shark help the brand grow. When asked about their profits, though, they admitted they only netted about $5,000 thus far, making investors hesitate to pitch in (via Shark Tank Recap).

Still, the company's website is up, running, and selling the products across the country. Additionally, it appears that Pinole Blue is about much more than money for founder Eddie Sandoval. In an interview with Wichita Beacon, Sandoval says that he wants to make an impact on his community. "[I]n general, it's just been the opportunity to inspire other Latino and Latinx entrepreneurs to show that it doesn't matter your background or where you come from, that even small products like pinole and tortillas from a guy from a small town in north central Kansas can go national and almost international," he says.