Shark Tank Snacks Investors Loved And Hated
The U.S. is a nation of snackers. Classic snacks such as Twinkies and Cheetos are ever-popular. According to Statista, the country's snack food market was valued at $108.50 billion in 2023: That's a lot of snacks!
Globally, this segment has grown from $237.65 billion in 2022 to $256.5 billion in 2023, meaning that the U.S. is the main player. Since many people lead busy lives on the go, it's not surprising that grab-and-go snacks are part of today's multi-tasking lifestyles.
Snacks are also great to chow down on at home for movie nights or on the weekends when it's too long to wait between meals. You could also opt for healthy snacks.
There is always a new product on the market, especially with the explosion of plant-based brands and a shift toward healthier snacks. And some of these innovative, tasty treats make it to one of our favorite reality shows, ABC's "Shark Tank." There are so many "Shark Tank" snacks that investors loved and hated, from seaweed bacon to raw cookie dough and chips made from crickets.
Pipcorn
Pipcorn is much like popcorn, only smaller, which means you can fit more in your mouth. The crunchy, moreish snacks are made from popped mini heirloom kernels. Prior to appearing on season 6 of "Shark Tank," the product was sold in paper bags at a Brooklyn farmers' market. It's made with organic, natural ingredients.
The siblings who set up Pipcorn claim that the kernels make the snack crunchier and tastier. The duo, with their solid approach and a new take on a snack everyone loves, got a bite from the Sharks.
Their ask for $200,000 for 10 percent equity was secured by Barbara Corcoran with an equal draw proviso added (via Shark Tank Blog). The founders noted that they immediately had 12,000 orders immediately following the 2014 TV appearance, with sales going from $200,000 a year to $1.1 million within three months (via Shark Tank Facebook).
Today the company retails three flavors of mini popcorn: Sea Salt, Truffle, and Spicy Cheddar. In 2021, sales had reached $12 million. Celebrities such as Oprah, Kim Kardashian, and Jessica Alba have been known to enjoy snacks. In addition to Pipcorn, the range of Heirloom corn snacks includes Twists, Cheese Balls, Crunchies, and Corn Dippers.
Verdict: Loved, with an investment by a Shark adding enough heat for the profits to continue popping years later.
The Dough Bar
Even the sight of a doughnut is enough to make sweet tooths start drooling as the conviction about healthier eating melts away, and they begin longing for some glazed, doughy snack food comfort. The Dough Bar was pitched on season 9 of "Shark Tank," and it seemed to offer a way of having your cake (or your doughnut, in this case) and eating it too (via Shark Tank Blog).
These protein bar snacks contained 11 grams of protein per serving. The dynamic entrepreneurs sought $300,000 for 15 percent equity. Shark Mark Cuban wasn't convinced, believing that the toppings and extras meant the product was still junk food. Barbara Corcoran beat down the other Sharks to secure a deal with 20 percent equity (via YouTube).
In mid-2022, the business duo shut up their online shop, promising a comeback on an Instagram post and explaining that medical issues surrounding their newborn daughter was the reason for stepping back. Given the energy and enthusiasm they shared about their popular protein doughnuts, it really is a case of "watch this snack space." This incredible snack may end up on "Shark Tank" again in the future.
Verdict: The Dough Bar was hated by some sharks and loved by one. The company was a sweet success that survived the pandemic but then went on hiatus. Hopefully, it returns so that it isn't forgotten.
Uncle Zip's Beef Jerky
Uncle Zip's Beef Jerky impressed the Sharks with its fresh flavor when it was sampled on "Shark Tank" in season 2. The product was made without any additives or preservatives, though it had a two-month shelf life, which was less appealing (via Gazette Review).
Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary were fans of the taste. So was guest Shark, comedian Jeff Foxworthy but since he was already in the jerky business, he wasn't able to meet the ask of just $25,000 for 20 percent equity. However, the Sharks were skeptical of success due to the lowering profits of the business.
The business was created in 1999 by William "Zip" Howell. His son later took over the business. The business continues to give the customers a meaty snack to chew on in 2023. The jerky is available in eight flavors: Mesquite Smoked, Hot, Original, Habanero Pepper, and Teriyaki, plus new varieties of Sriracha, Hot Chili Lime, and Hickory.
Verdict: Loved by the Sharks for its tasty flavor, though the business itself was less appetizing. The brand has survived without the show's investors.
Quevos
Quevos was created by the founder, and his friend, after he was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and needed a low-carb snack (via YouTube). He was cooking eggs one day and was struck by how delicious the crispy white bits are. This protein-rich snack tastes is made with egg whites, and it is sold in a bag, like hips. Each bag of Quevos has 8 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, and 7 grams of carbs.
The product appears on season 12 of "Shark Tank." Shark Rover H wasn't a fan of the taste. Meanwhile, Mark Cuban felt that the need to introduce the idea of the snack to people would prevent it from being a "slam dunk". KIND snack boss Daniel Lubetzky stuck a deal for 10 percent equity by investing $200,000 and offering a line of credit for the same amount.
Food Business News reports on how since the 2022 airing, the Shark has invested a further $1.35 million. The snack's name comes from the words "quick" and the Spanish word for eggs, "huevos." Quevos has enjoyed millions of dollars worth of sales. It's available in seven flavors: Original, Cheddar, Sour Cream & Onion, and Honey Mustard, plus Dill Pickle and Mesquite BBQ.
Verdict: Loved by a successful snack Shark with investments that put his money where his mouth was.
Lynnae's Gourmet Pickles
Lynnae's Gourmet Pickles is based on the recipe of the eponymous founder's great-grandmother, and it appeared on season 5 of "Shark Tank." The two young entrepreneurs so believed in the power of their potential that they organized pickle run events in their local area.
They asked the sharks for $125,000 and a 20 percent stake in the company; however, they left with an empty investment jar (via Seriosity). Sharks Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec couldn't deny their distaste for sweet pickles, while the other investors didn't think the brand could compete in the pickle market and differentiate the product in a way that justified the higher price point (via yahoo! finance).
Mrs. Pickles Gourmet went through a name change, and the company ran out of juice in 2018.
Verdict: Hated by pickle-hating Sharks and investors who didn't value the pickles as a snack that could justify a higher price tag.
Bantam Bagels
Bantam Bagels were undoubtedly one of the big "Shark Tank" snack successes that appeared on season 6 of the show in 2015. The entrepreneurial couple were selling bitesize cream cheese-filled bagel balls from a New York brick-and-mortar store. They wanted to create their own version of a classic Big Apple snack. Lori Greiner agreed to the ask of $275,000 but for 25 percent rather than 11 percent, thus trouncing off the other offers (via Shark Tank Recap).
The product was renamed Bagel Stuffins. Bakery & Snacks reported that annual sales reached $20 million within three years and that the snacks were being retailed in Starbucks. They were also given out in first class on Delata Airlines flights. They were also sold frozen so they could be warmed at home.
The company was sold to a Lancaster Colony food company subsidiary for $34 million in 2018. However, it's not clear if the brand survived, though the products are still available. These were sold in numerous flavors, including Classic, Pretzel, and Cheddar, as well as Onion, Cinnamon Sugar, and French Toast, along with Jalapeno and others (via Foodly). Starbucks offered the plain variety, along with cinnamon raisin, sprouted grain, and everything bagel.
Verdict: This snack was loved by the Sharks, and it went into "Shark Tank" snack history, even if the future of the product is uncertain.
Doughp
Doughp, pronounced "dope," is cookie dough that you can eat raw or baked. It doesn't contain any raw eggs, so it's safe to eat. It was set up by an entrepreneur with a tech background who says told investors on season 10 of "Shark Tank" that she had swapped processor chips for chocolate chips. She sought $450,000 for 10 percent of the business (via YouTube).
Sharks Barbara Corcoran and Robert Herjavec declined because they disliked cookie dough. Likewise, Shark Lori Greiner, while understanding that there was a market for the taste, wasn't a fan because the product wasn't healthy enough for her. Mark Cuban was also struggling to back the sugary snack for similar reasons.
The founder kept this in mind and created a new product called Doughp Drops for better portion control. After appearing on Shark Tank, the brand sold $10 million worth of Doughp. The company moved to online sales during the pandemic.
The company is still going strong, with a percentage of revenue going towards supporting an addiction and mental health foundation. Some flavors include Peanut Butter Kiss, Fairy Dust with rainbow sprinkles, Bownie Beast, plus Dunk On 'Em with frosting and sprinkles, and Blondie Plain Cookie Dough. S'more, Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip, and Cookies and Cream varieties are also available.
Verdict: It was hated by the sharks, but this taste-good, feel-good snack is totally dope.
Pan's Mushroom Jerky
Pan's Mushroom Jerky is exactly what it sounds like it is: It's jerky that is made of shiitake mushrooms. It's high in fiber and vitamin D and free from gluten and soy. It's the ultimate umami-rich snack.
Guest Shark Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes and wellness company Madefor loved this product, and that was before he even knew what it was made out of (via Shark Tank Global). She felt the jerky was incredible and matched her tastes. The pair valiantly fought to secure a deal but ultimately failed. Daymond John also thought the snack was wonderful.
The idea came for this jerky came from a family recipe after visiting relatives in Malaysia. The owner sought $300,00 in exchange for 10 percent equity. Super Shark Mark Cuban swooped in and grabbed the pitch offering the investment for 18 percent.
The jerky was showcased in original, Zesty Thai, Salt & Pepper, and Applewood BBQ. Today, Teriyaki and Curry varieties are also available. This jerky was meaty in texture, and this kosher snack is still going strong. The plant-based treat is also retailed in 1,000 stores.
Verdict: This jerky was loved by the Sharks, and it was the take-the-deal-right-now attitude of one investor that won out. The interest in the jerky snack was grabbed right out of the jaws of two other Sharks as they fought hard.
Rule Breaker
Rule Breaker Snacks pitched healthy brownies and blondies on season 12 of "Shark Tank." These plant-based snacks contains no eggs, butter, or nuts. They contain sugar and chickpea flour.
In other words, even health-conscious snackers can break the rules and enjoy the treats as the ingredients break the rules compared to what you might expect. The Sharks tried deep Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Chunk Blondies, and Birthday Cake Blondies, plus P'Nutter Chip (via YouTube).
The entrepreneurs sought $400,000 for 10 percent. Shark Barbara Corcoran thought they were incredible, and Kevin O'Leary liked these as they did not taste like sand. Lori Greiner was also a fan promising to be a customer in the future, whereas Daymond John declared that he didn't enjoy the flavor as it tasted like a protein shake.
Ultimately, a deal was struck, but it wasn't the taste that put the sharks off. It was the debt that the entrepreneur had already accrued. Today, the company is still running, with an investment from Bimbo Ventures in 2021, according to Vending Market Watch. Bitesizes treats (bites) and half-sized treats (juniors) are also available. Since then, the revenue has reached millions of dollars.
Verdict: Loved by the Sharks, but the taste couldn't overcome the amount of money owed, which was hard to swallow. Luckily, the company is still going strong.
Pizza Cupcake
Pizza Cupcake is a pizza that looks like a cupcake: Genius or what? Shark Lori Greiner thought so when she listened to the pitch on season 12 of "Shark Tank". The husband and wife duo's creative frozen snack was pitched as a quality product compared to many frozen pizzas on the market (via YouTube).
The size and style were also showcased as being versatile and thus suited to many occasions. The ask was for $125,000 in exchange for 5 percent of the company. By investing 12.5 percent equity and 2.5% advisory shares, the snack queen investor Lori Greiner received a big bite of the profits when success followed.
The sharks sampled the margherita and pepperoni varieties made with homemade marinara sauce and a hybrid brioche-sourdough base. They all universally loved the taste, with Robert Herjavec asking why the cupcakes were so fluffy, Lori Greiner saying they tasted like flaky pastry, and Daymond Johns stating that there had to be a lot of butter in the mix when in fact, there was none. In 2022, the snack was rolled out nationwide at Walmart (via PR Newswire).
Verdict: These pizza cupcakes were loved by the sharks. The brand innovatively created a new snack from a much-loved classic.
Umaro
Umaro looks a lot like regular bacon, but it's actually a plant-based snack made out of chickpeas and red seaweed, which gives it an umami boost. It can be cooked in a pan just the same as its meaty version, and it has a smoky flavor. Umaro contains coconut and sunflower oils, which add fattiness, with paprika and beet juice enhancing the color and flavor of the rashers.
The maple bourbon and hickory varieties were showcased and sampled on season 13 of "Shark Tank." The Sharks were served a BLT with crispy vegan bacon, and a softer rasher served from the packet. Robert Herjavec wasn't a fan of either at first but liked the sandwich. Shark Mark Cuban liked the salty taste of the cooked snack.
The $500,000 ask for 2 percent of the business drew gasps from the Sharks, but plant-based powerhouse Mark Cuban came in strong with a $1 million offer for 8 percent equity, reducing this to 7 percent to seal the deal (via YouTube).
Vegconomist notes that the entrepreneurs who are inspired by protecting the environment plan to create more seaweed protein cured-meat style vegan foods. More investments later followed for this seaweed snack sensation.
Verdict: This seaweed bacon was a million-dollar idea that was loved by the sharks and was part of the vegan food revolution.
Chirps
Chirps are a bit like corn chips, and they are sold in a bag. However, instead of being made from just corn, they're also made from crickets. Other ingredients include chia seeds and dried beans. The entrepreneurial Harvard graduate friends, who founded the company, appeared on a season 8 episode of "Shark Tank."
They explained that making chips with cricket flour was a way to get people in the U.S. to eat this sustainable protein (via YouTube). Each bag contains about 4 grams of protein made from around 70 crickets.
The entrepreneurs sought $100,000 for 7 percent and bagged the investment in exchange for 15 percent from Shark Mark Cuban. Today, the company sells additional cricket protein goods: These include chocolate chip cricket cookies, cookie mix, and whole roasted crickets, plus flavored cricket protein.
In 2017, the company broke the record for the largest serving of their nacho-style snacks in San Francisco, measuring a whopping 70 feet (via SFist). Chirps are available in three flavors: Cheddar, Sriracha, and Barbecue. The company has a clear message on the packaging to "eat bugs," and with the business expanding into new products and lines, the company has something to chirp about.
Verdict: Chirps were loved by one Shark in particular: Could crickets become the next big protein in the snack world?
Snacklins
Snacklins takes a classic snack favorite that's full of fat and turns it into a vegan alternative. A plant-based alternative to pork rinds was sampled on season 11 of "Shark Tank." Each bag contains just 80 calories, so the tagline is, "Eat the whole bag!"
Snacklins are made from mushrooms, yuca, and onions. The flavors showcased included Chesapeake Bay which is a Mid-Atlantic style spiced chip, and Barbeque (via YouTube). Shark Barbara Corcoran liked the lightness of Snacklins, although the asking investment of $250,000 for 2.5 percent equity wasn't palatable for the Sharks. Mark Cuban stepped in with a deal for 5 percent of the business and 5 percent advisory shares that convert over three years.
Today, flavors include Cinnamon Churro, Nacho, which has a cheesy flavor, Sea Salt & Vinegar, plus a sweet and salty Teriyaki. The puffed chips are also free from grain and gluten and are designed to melt in the mouth.
They're also marketed as being great for dipping. According to Shark Tank Recap, business has been growing, and Inc. notes that the company's revenue is several million dollars. The brand supplies Whole Foods and 7-11 stores.
Verdict: Snacklins were liked by a shark who loves plant-based pitches and believed in the snack's potential in a competitive space.