Paleo Diet Foods Shark Tank Update

Highlights

Shauna Sledge seeks $150,000 for 20% equity in Paleo Diet Foods, a line of nutrition bars based on the Paleo Diet.
The Sharks evaluate the product’s potential but express concerns about Shauna’s focus and involvement in other ventures.
Paleo Diet Foods, rebranded as The Paleo Ranch, reached $5 million in annual revenue by December 2022.

Overview

Category	Details
Name	Paleo Diet Foods (rebranded as The Paleo Ranch)
Founder	Shauna Sledge
Industry	Health and Nutrition
Product	Paleo Diet-based nutrition bars
Funding	Sought $150,000 for 20% equity on Shark Tank
Investment Ask	$150,000
Equity Offered	20%
Valuation	$750,000

Shauna Sledge seeks an investment for Paleo Diet Foods, a line of nutrition bars following the Paleo Diet, in Shark Tank episode 626. The Paleo Diet is based on the notion that human being’s metabolism hasn’t evolved since the Paleolithic era and that meat, nuts, fruit, and veggies are the best source of nutrition – not processed foods and grains. The Paleo Diet Foods’ bars are gluten and dairy-free and only contain ingredients that are included in the Paleo Diet.

Paleo Diet Foods collaborates with Dr. Loren Cordain, the world’s leading expert and “Godfather” of the Paleolithic diet movement. Dr. Cordain’s endorsement assures adherents to the Paleo Diet that Paleo Diet Foods bars are “the real deal.”

Sledge, along with her husband, Todd, have been in the fitness and nutrition business for years. Both are avid bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. They started the Paleo Diets Foods to provide the benefits of the Paleo Diet in a convenient nutrition bar. The business is relatively new – they began in 2013, so Sledge is likely looking for a Shark to invest and help with getting the word about the benefits of the Paleo diet out to the masses.

Will a Shark bite into Paleo Diet Bars?

Paleo Diet Foods Shark Tank Recap

The segment opens with an “at home” piece showing Shawna, Todd and their daughters and son. She gives her background and explains her healthy lifestyle and the paleo diet. She believes she needs a Shark for her business to survive.

Shawna enters the Tank with a caveman (husband Todd)in tow. She’s seeking $150,000 for 20% of the business. She explains the paleo diet to the Sharks and how she’s put it together in the Paleo Diet Bar. When she feeds her “caveman” as the Sharks chuckle. She hands out samples – the Sharks like it.

She explains the relationship with Dr. Cordain, who has 5% equity in the business with 10% royalties. The bars are in about 350 brick and mortar stores. She wants the money to hire a food broker. The bars cost $1.09 and sell for $2.99.

Did Shark Tank Invest In Paleo Diet Foods?

Lori says she doesn’t like the taste – she’s out. Robert wants to know if this is her full-time job. She says she teaches a class for an hour a day and sees dental patients on Thursdays. The Sharks think she’s spread too thin. Kevin thinks she’s not focused enough, he’s out. Robert agrees, he’s out too. Daymond follows.

Shawna tells Mark she’s willing to give up some of her other vocations, but Mark thinks she’s hedged her bets. He also has an investment in Chapul – the cricket bars from season five; he’s out. Shawna leaves very upset.