Hot Girl Soda Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 17
Hot Girl Soda started as a kitchen experiment and made its way to Shark Tank Season 17, Episode 13. Can this aloe-infused soda combine flavor, fun, and gut health in one can?
People want a healthy life, but the wellness world can be overwhelming. Strict diets ask people to give up soda, sugar, and other fun drinks.
This is the problem Arica Griner set out to solve. With co-founder Nick Murray, she launched Hot Girl Soda, a gut-friendly drink that is fun and supports wellness.
They appeared on Shark Tank Season 17, Episode 13 to pitch their lightly carbonated prebiotic soda with aloe vera.
The founders hoped the Sharks would see potential in their new brand. But would the Sharks buy into the “Hot Girl” movement, or would the idea prove too early for an investment?
About Hot Girl Soda
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Hot Girl Soda |
| Founders | Arica Griner and Nick Murray |
| Industry | Beverage/ Health Drink |
| Product | Aloe vera-infused prebiotic soda |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | $120,000 (self-funded) |
| Investment Asked | $100,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Status | No Deal |
| Valuation | $1 million |
The idea for Hot Girl Soda started with Arica’s personal health journey. She had acne-prone skin, and she started drinking aloe vera juice mixed with fruit juices. She jokingly called them her “hot girl drinks.”
Arica believed high-quality ingredients and healthy habits would help her feel better. This mindset led to the idea for the beverage.
She and Nick Murray decided to turn those homemade drinks into a packaged product for the wellness market. Each can contains 4 grams of prebiotic fiber with natural ingredients and lower sugar than traditional soft drinks. Here is what happened during their Shark Tank pitch.
Hot Girl Soda Shark Tank Pitch
Arica and Nick entered the Tank seeking $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity in their company. Nick opened the pitch by explaining that the wellness world often feels like a full-time job. Many health products focus on restrictions.
The founders gave out samples of their mango dragon fruit, blueberry peach, and passion fruit-vanilla flavors. The Sharks had different reactions.
Some Sharks liked the fruity flavors, especially mango and dragon fruit. Daymond said the passion fruit and vanilla flavor tasted bad and that he didn’t like it.
The founders began 2.5 months ago and had sold $8,500 worth of goods on Amazon. The retail price is $3, and the wholesale price is $1.60 per can.
Allison Ellsworth was worried about the slim can packaging because it cannot be stacked easily in many stores. The founders invested $120,000 of their money. Arica’s mother took out a second mortgage on her home to help fund the business.
What Makes Hot Girl Soda Unique?
Despite entering a crowded market, Hot Girl Soda has several features that set it apart.
- Most functional sodas use apple cider vinegar, but this drink uses aloe vera instead.
- Each can has 4 grams of fiber to support gut health.
- It is a lighter soda option with fewer calories.
Did Hot Girl Soda Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Hot Girl Soda did not secure a deal in the Tank.
Kevin O’Leary was the first to step out. He liked the founders’ energy but thought the company was still very early, so he chose not to invest.
Daymond John said Arica and Nick were the nicest people he had ever met. He also left because he thinks he could not help them grow in the tough market.
Robert Herjavec decided not to invest because he didn’t like the soda.
Lori Greiner liked the taste, especially the mango dragon fruit. She didn’t make an offer. She said she didn’t know much about the beverage business. Also, she felt that another shark would be a better fit.
Guest Shark Allison Ellsworth, who started the soda brand Poppi, gave the most detailed feedback. She said the functional soda market is already highly competitive and that building a beverage brand requires millions of dollars. She didn’t invest but offered to share her phone number and advice with the founders after the show.
With all the Sharks opting out, Hot Girl Soda left the Tank without a deal. The founders did receive advice from experienced entrepreneurs in the beverage industry.
The Sharks believed the company was too early for investment. But Hot Girl Soda added a fun twist to the soda market.
Hot Girl Soda Shark Tank Update
When they filmed the episode, Hot Girl Soda was still in its early days.
The founders launched the product online. They tested demand with Amazon sales. Their appearance on Shark Tank provided national exposure. Many companies on the show see quick spikes in website traffic and online orders.
Even without a deal, advice from seasoned beverage entrepreneurs can help the founders. Publicity from the show may also boost their strategy and brand growth.
Where Can You Buy It?
Hot Girl Soda first launched online through their official website and Amazon.
As more production and distribution are secured by the founders, availability might rise. They share updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Quick Summary
- Arica Griner and Nick Murray presented their aloe vera-infused prebiotic soda. They requested $100,000 in return for 10% of their business.
- Hot Girl Soda is a low-sugar soda substitute that contains four grams of prebiotic fiber per can.
- The founders left the Tank without a deal.
Read other Shark Tank Season 17 Episodes.
If you love reading about Shark Tank businesses, you may also check out other companies featured in Shark Tank Season 17, Episode 13. Check out their business updates:
- RipTie Shark Tank
- Clean Green Golf Balls Shark Tank
- Nude Foods Market Shark Tank
