Yahoo LifestyleThe 18 Popular Food Products That Got Their Start On Shark Tank
Shark Tank makes for incredibly entertaining television, but an initial question when it premiered was whether the tense negotiations and lofty promises for the sharks would translate into success stories for the individuals pitching their companies. Eight seasons later, the answer is in. While not every business is a runaway triumph, many Shark Tank products are a part of our daily lives, and we might not even realize it.
We've looked back through nearly 150 episodes of shows to find the biggest food products that got their start (or a hefty boost) from the show. Not every negotiation results in a deal (or even a deal that pans out), but these crafty entrepreneurs prove that appearing on Shark Tank is a life-changing opportunity for them and their business.
If you need proof, just keep your eyes out next time you're at Whole Foods or Target. You might be surprised at how may shark-approved products you'll find. Or, simply read on to see 18 big hits from the show — and where they are now.
Chi'Lantro
Austin-based Chi'Lantro has long been a local favorite, but the $600,000 investment from shark Barbara Corcoran back in November means more locations, eventually even outside of Texas. We can't wait.
Wicked Good Cupcakes
Since appearing on Shark Tank back in season four, Wicked Good Cupcake has gone on to do a reported $8 million in sales.
Baker's Edge
In addition to being a Shark Tank favorite, Baker's Edge brownie pans have another TV honor: being one of Oprah's favorite things back in 2010.
Scrub Daddy
This unassuming sponge, with the ability to change texture depending on water temp, is actually one of Shark Tank 's biggest success story to date, with $50 million in sales.
Plated
Boxed meal service Plated initially took a deal with shark Mark Cuban that later fell through. Later, the founders struck a second deal with another shark, Kevin O'Leary, and, almost two years later, are still going strong.
Table 87
Authentic, coal oven, frozen pizza that doesn't suck got Lori Greiner to invest back in 2015. Following their appearance on Shark Tank, Table 87 was able to grow their reach globally, hire 25% more employees, and partner with delivery services like FreshDirect, according to founder Thomas Cucco.
Three Jerks Jerky
Filet mignon beef jerky from Three Jerks surged in popularity so much after its appearance on Shark Tank, the founders initially had a hard time sourcing high-quality meat to keep up with the demand. Today, the line of jerky has expanded, and they now also sell filet mignon burgers.
Me & The Bees
It doesn't get sweeter than Me & The Bee 's lemonade. Combining her passion for bees and her grandmother's lemonade recipe, Mikaila has accomplished a lot — and is still three years away from a learner's permit. Today, you can find her lemonade at a number of retailers nation-wide, including Whole Foods.
The Painted Pretzel
When Raven Thomas went on Shark Tank, The Painted Pretzel was run entirely from her own kitchen. After getting an investment from Mark Cuban, she was able to rent a commercial kitchen, and has sold her product in retailers like Neiman Marcus.
Scratch & Grain Baking Co.
Like many Shark Tank success stories, Scratch & Grain started when the founders, two moms looking for better at-home baking kits, saw a hole in the market. Their kits, which all only require adding a few ingredients like milk and eggs, blow the average box mix out of the water. Today, you can find Scratch & Grain at Target and Whole Foods.
Coffee Joulies
Some Shark Tank products create better options than what's currently on the market, and others invent something totally new. That was the case with Coffee Joulies, little metal beans that take coffee to the perfectly drinkable temperature in seconds — and keep it there. The product and business model charmed the sharks so much, four of them invested together.
Pipcorn
Pipcorn's addictively flavored mini popcorns were enough to get a $200,000 investment from Barbara Corcoran back in 2014. Now, you can find Pipcorn in national retailers, like Whole Foods.
eCreamery
eCreamery did not walk away with a deal when they appeared on Shark Tank, but they revealed on their blog that they had no regrets about going on. " The experience was a lot of fun and to this day we get new customers from the show's reruns," they explain.
Tom + Chee
Another one of the all-time most successful Shark Tank products, we wouldn't be surprised to see a Tom + Chee location in all fifty states in a few years.
Lolliware
Lolliware's edible cups caused a bidding war between the sharks. While the deal with Mark Cuban eventually fell through, the company is still going strong, recently even introducing a vitamin cup to their line.
Bantam Bagels
It doesn't get more successful than being sold at Starbuck's. Bantam Bagels ' stuffed mini bagel bites can also be found at local chains like Anderson's and Kroger across the country, as well as on QVC.
Lollacup
If you're not regularly around the under-five set, you might not know how much of a runaway hit Lollacups are with them (and the adults that love them). Since the initial investment from Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec, the company has gone from Lollacups to Lollaland, a full line of toddler-friendly products.
Potato Parcel
Ok, this isn't exactly a food product, but, if you wanted to, you could certainly eat your Potato Parcel after getting it in the mail. Definitely one of the show's weirder products, it was still able to cause a bidding war between two sharks. While their appearance is still too recent to know if their choice to go with Mr. Wonderful was the right one, if it doesn't, they can always send him a potato to complain.
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