Funky Mello Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 15
Check out how chickpeas became the magic ingredient in Funky Mello’s unique marshmallow creme.
Zach and Delisa Harper introduce Funky Mello in Shark Tank episode 1517. It is their vegan marshmallows made from chickpeas. The couple suffers from food allergies, and they wanted to create a whipped dessert that they could enjoy safely. Delisa has a marketing background, and Zach did pharmaceutical sales for many years. When they started the business in 2017, Zach was still working; he went full-time about a year later.
At first, they sold at farmers’ markets, but they gradually grew their online sales and retail footprint. They’re currently in Whole Foods in the western and southern midwestern USA. The products are made from chickpeas that are “whipped to perfection with chickpea magic.” Other ingredients include sugar, tapioca syrup, salt, and vanilla extract.
Besides Whole Foods, they sell on their website. There are no individual choices – they sell bundles. For instance, a three-pack of vanilla, hazelnut, and chai marshmallow dips is $19.99. As of the original air date of March 1, 2024, they weren’t fulfilling orders until April/May. Since they already have a retail footprint, they’re likely looking for a Shark to help them scale on a national level.
About Funky Mello
| Category | Details |
| Founder | Zach and Delisa Harper |
| Product Type | Plant-based marshmallow cremes |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded |
| Investment Asked | $50,000 |
| Equity Offered | 15% |
What Happened on the Shark Tank Episode?
Zach and Delisa came into the Shark Tank to pitch their business. The duo started by asking the Sharks if they remembered how fun marshmallows were as kids. They reminded them of all the fun experiments we used to do with marshmallows as kids.
They said that marshmallows are great. But the ingredients they are made from are not the best. Take gelatin, for example. It’s made from boiled skin, tendons, and things like that from cows and pigs.
Funky Mello says they’re the first to make a chilled, plant-based marshmallow cream. It’s good for folks who can’t have gluten or other allergens, and it tastes great. You can do lots with it – stir it in your coffee, dip fruit in it, or put it on ice cream. They’ve got cool flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and cookie. Then they asked the Sharks if anyone wanted to invest.
Samples and Questions
Lori asked what they’re eating. Each Shark had all 3 flavors paired with goodies. Lori liked hers. Zach told them they use chickpea liquid as a base. There are 6 grams of sugar per tablespoon and 30 calories per tablespoon. “Normal” marshmallows have 60-70 calories per serving. Daymond thinks it’s “absolutely amazing.” Kevin thinks it’s an incredible innovation. The number 1 way their customers use it is as a coffee additive. It’s good with hot chocolate too.
In 2022, they had $100,000 in sales and lost $7000. Year to date in 2023, they’re on track to do $200,000. They have $15,000 in the bank; Delisa put $30,000 into the business out of her own funds. She has a background in marketing in the tech world.
Zach’s background is in pharmaceutical sales. He also has a lot of dietary restrictions. Because of that he has gone to the hospital a lot. Back then, he didn’t know what was going on with his body. Later, he found out he was allergic to corn, soy, and gluten.
After finding this out, the duo came together to create something clean for Zach to eat. They made sure it was tasty as well for Zach to enjoy. They started by making it from scratch. Slowly, they realised that this could be sold to others as well. So, they started selling it at farmers’ markets
What Makes Funky Mello Unique?
Some of the unique features of this product are:
- It’s made from chickpeas. So, no dairy or eggs are in it.
- It is safe for people with common allergies. That means people who have issues with dairy, nuts, soy, and gluten food items.
- They don’t use any fake ingredients. It’s all naturally made.
- You can eat it in lots of ways. You could try dipping, spreading, baking, or just with a spoon!
Did Funky Mello Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
They’re in 20 Whole Foods, and they were in 200 stores last year because they were in Sprouts for the holiday season. Daniel says $40,000 in sales from 20 stores is respectable.
They do a lot of demos, and Daymond says that’s good because people will love the product. They’re doing 9 units per store per week. It costs $2 to make it, it wholesales for $4, and retails for $6.99. They’re the only company that makes this cream in the world, and they could make other products from it.
Daniel reiterates that their numbers are good, and Daymond says he’ll give them $50,000 for 15%. The other Sharks tell them to take it because it was exactly what they asked for. They accept.
Read more posts about Funky Mello on Shark Tank Blog.
What Happened to Funky Mello After Shark Tank?
As of the first re-run of this episode in June 2024 – about 3 months after the original air date – there is no evidence that the deal with Daymond closed.
Daymond usually tweets about the companies he deals with on show night or the day after; he did not tweet about Funky Mello. The Funky Mello webpage makes no references to Shark Tank either. I’m betting the deal didn’t close. Funky Mello is now in 109 stores and on WalMart.com.
The Shark Tank Blog will follow up on Funky Mello & Zach, as well as Delisa Harper, as more details become available.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can buy Funky Mello in a few different places. The easiest way is probably online – you can check out their website or find them on Amazon. They’re also starting to pop up in some stores, like Whole Foods and Central Market. Check out their Instagram and Facebook pages too.
Quick Summary
- Zach and Delisa Harper pitched their company, Funky Mello, to the Sharks.
- Funky Mello is a plant-based, allergen-friendly marshmallow creme made from chickpeas.
- They made a deal with Daymond John.
FAQs
- How is Funky Mello doing after Shark Tank?
It looks like Funky Mello’s doing well since they were on Shark Tank Season 15. They actually got a deal with Daymond John. His deal was to give them $50,000 for 15% of their company. They have also come out with more products.
- Who is the owner of Funky Mello?
Zach and Delisa Harper are the co-owners of Funky Mello.
- What is Funky Mello made of?
The special thing they use is called aquafaba. It’s just the water left over after you cook chickpeas. It might sound weird, but this water has things in it that make it thick. When you mix it really fast, it gets all light and fluffy. That makes it kind of like what you get when you beat egg whites. That’s what gives Funky Mello that perfect, dippable marshmallow texture!
- Does Funky Mello have to be refrigerated?
You don’t have to refrigerate Funky Mello to eat it. Although if you did, it will make them more crispy.
