Nude Foods Market Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 17
Rachel and Verity appeared on Shark Tank Season 17, Episode 13, carrying a bag of grocery-store plastic. Could their zero-waste grocery store, Nude Foods Market, change how Americans shop?
Many people know that single-use packaging is a problem and is harmful to the environment, but it’s difficult to avoid. Rachel Irons and Verity Noble, who live in Boulder, Colorado, started Nude Foods Market to eliminate plastic bags and other single-use packaging in grocery stores.
Could a zero-waste grocery store be successful, and would the Sharks consider it a possible game-changer for the future of grocery shopping?
About Nude Foods Market
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Nude Foods Market |
| Founders | Rachel Irons & Verity Noble |
| Product | Zero-waste grocery store using reusable containers |
| Industry | Grocery Retail / Sustainable Food |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Bootstrapped ($8,000 start) + $1M raised from customers/investors |
| Investment Asked | $250,000 for 5% equity |
| Initial Valuation | $5,000,000 |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Kevin O’Leary & Robert Herjavec |
| Deal Outcome | $250,000 for 20% equity |
| Post-Deal Valuation | $1,250,000 |
Rachel and Verity started Nude Foods Market with $8,000. The store uses reusable containers. Customers take their groceries home in containers and return them. Later, the store cleans and refills the containers.
They sell meat, snacks, chocolate, and kitchen essentials. Some products are made in-house.
Buying in bulk reduces packaging and lowers costs. This helps the store keep up with regular grocery prices and cut down on waste.
Nude Foods Market Shark Tank Pitch
Rachel and Verity asked the Sharks for $250,000 for 5% equity in their business. Their demonstration of plastic waste caught the Sharks’ attention.
Robert Herjavec asked if they were selling something or building a grocery store. Rachel explained that their goal was not just to sell groceries but to transform the way grocery stores work.
Lori Greiner wanted to know how they source products. The founders said some items, like potato chips, are made and labeled in-house. Other products come from bulk distributors and are put into reusable containers.
Kevin O’Leary asked about meat packaging. The founders said that meat is still shipped in plastic. Kevin joked that the process still requires some plastic.
Later, Rachel said that their first store was 2,500 square feet and made $1.8 million in sales last year (2025). They projected $2.7 million in revenue for 2026.
Their gross margin is about 40%, which is higher than most grocery stores. The founders said they had already raised $1 million from customers and investors. This valued the company at about $7.2 million before appearing on the show.
Robert asked why the Sharks were getting a lower valuation. Verity said they wanted a strategic partner to help grow the business.
What Makes Nude Foods Market Unique?
Nude Foods Market focuses on reusable packaging rather than disposable packaging.
- Most products are sold without single-use packaging.
- Containers are returned, washed, and reused many times.
- Bulk sourcing helps reduce costs.
- In-house products generate about 20% of the store’s revenue.
Did Nude Foods Market Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, however, the Sharks discussed how complex the business was.
Daymond John liked the idea. But he turned down the deal, as he felt he wasn’t the right person to invest in a grocery store business.
Lori Greiner also left. She had invested in a similar business and didn’t want a conflict.
Allison Ellsworth shared that she once invested in a grocery chain. Unfortunately, it closed soon after opening. She chose not to invest.
Then, Robert Herjavec made the first offer. He asked for $250,000 for a 20% stake. Kevin O’Leary joined in and suggested splitting the investment with him.
Rachel and Verity tried to negotiate for 5% equity plus advisory shares. The Sharks turned down their counteroffer.
Finally, they struck a deal with Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec for $250,000 in exchange for 20% equity.
Nude Foods Market Shark Tank Update
When the episode was filmed, Nude Foods Market had two stores in Colorado. Following their appearance on Shark Tank, Nude Foods Market gained increased attention for its zero-waste grocery model. They made $1.8 million in revenue for 2025 and wanted to make $2.7 million for 2026.
The founders want to bring their packaging-free grocery store model to more cities with the help of Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec.
Where Can You Buy It?
Nude Foods Market has stores in Boulder and Denver, Colorado. Customers shop in person and return containers after use. You can learn more on the company’s official website.
As the company grows, the founders plan to open more locations. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
Quick Summary
- Rachel and Verity pitched Nude Foods Market, a zero-waste grocery store that uses reusable containers instead of plastic packaging.
- The founders asked for $250,000 for 5% equity on Shark Tank Season 17. The company had $1.8 million in annual sales at the time of filming.
- Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec invested $250,000 for 20% equity.
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
- Hot Girl Soda Shark Tank
