MinusCal Health Bars Update | Shark Tank Season 11
The diet and weight-loss industry is booming, with millions of Americans trying new products each year.
In Season 11 of Shark Tank, entrepreneurs Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael introduced MinusCal Health Bars, a snack bar claiming to block fat absorption.
However, their pitch did not go as planned, and they left the Tank without a deal.
In this MinusCal Health Bars Shark Tank update, we’ll recap their pitch, analyze the Sharks’ reactions, and explore what happened to the company after the show.
MinusCal’s Shark Tank Pitch
- Entrepreneurs: Barrett Jacques & Crom Carmichael
- Product: Protein bars that block fat absorption
- Investment Ask: $500,000 for 20% equity
- Outcome: No deal
MinusCal bars contained Choleve, an ingredient derived from fermented green tea, which the founders claimed could reduce fat absorption and help lower cholesterol.
The product line includes three flavors:
- Chocolate
- Peanut Butter
- Apple Cinnamon
Additionally, they also offered dietary supplements with the same active ingredient.
Despite their bold claims, the founders struggled to provide solid evidence that their product worked as advertised.
This led to skepticism from the Sharks, ultimately resulting in no deal.
How the Sharks Reacted
Each Shark had concerns about the product, leading to a unanimous rejection. Here’s a breakdown of their responses:
| Shark | Decision | Reason |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer | Lack of sales and high valuation. |
| Lori Greiner | No offer | Uncomfortable with the weight-loss claims. |
| Mark Cuban | No offer | Believed the product was misleading. |
| Daniel Lubetzky | No offer | Prefers natural foods over supplements. |
| Robert Herjavec | No offer | Confused about what he’d be investing in. |
Mark Cuban was the most vocal critic, calling the product misleading and expressing concerns about the claims being made.
When the founders tried to argue that their bars simply removed calories rather than promising weight loss, Cuban and Herjavec pushed back.
At one point, Robert even pointed out the “Lose Weight” sign on their display, further highlighting the contradiction.
With no solid business numbers and conflicting answers, all five Sharks opted out.
What Happened to MinusCal After Shark Tank?
Unfortunately, MinusCal did not last long after its Shark Tank appearance.
The company went out of business shortly after the episode aired. Here’s what happened post-Shark Tank:
Sales & Revenue Growth (or Lack Thereof)
| Year | Revenue Milestone |
| Pre-Show | No reported sales |
| Post-Show | Minimal online sales |
| 1 Year Later | Company shut down |
The product was briefly sold on Amazon but failed to gain traction.
Customer reviews were primarily negative, with many complaining about the taste and questioning its effectiveness.
Retail Expansion & Distribution
MinusCal struggled to secure retail partnerships. Here’s a breakdown of their distribution efforts:
| Retail Platform | Availability |
| Amazon | Limited sales before being discontinued |
| Grocery Stores | No reported deals |
| Health Retailers | No partnerships announced |
Without a strong retail presence or sales numbers to back up their claims, MinusCal couldn’t sustain itself in the market.
Customer Reception & Challenges
Many customers left negative reviews online, citing issues such as:
- Poor taste and texture.
- Unclear weight-loss benefits.
- Doubts about the legitimacy of the product’s claims.
This lack of consumer trust played a major role in MinusCal’s downfall.
Lessons from MinusCal’s Journey
While MinusCal ultimately failed, its Shark Tank experience offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs:
1. Bold Claims Require Strong Evidence
Weight-loss products face intense scrutiny. Without clinical studies or FDA approval, it’s hard to gain credibility.
2. Sales & Proof of Concept Matter
Investors, especially the Sharks, want solid sales numbers before committing to a deal. MinusCal’s lack of revenue was a major red flag.
3. Know Your Business Inside & Out
The founders struggled to answer the Sharks’ questions confidently. Mixed messaging and contradictory claims led to doubt and rejection.
Final Thoughts on MinusCal Health Bars
MinusCal aimed to disrupt the health food market with its fat-blocking bars, but its failure to provide clear, credible evidence and secure consumer trust led to its downfall.
While the company is no longer in business, its Shark Tank appearance is a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs.
Transparency, solid business fundamentals, and consumer trust are key to long-term success.
Would the product have succeeded with a better marketing strategy and clearer messaging?
Perhaps. But as it stands, MinusCal Health Bars Shark Tank is a case study of why a great idea alone isn’t enough to thrive in the competitive health and wellness industry.
What are your thoughts on MinusCal’s pitch? Do you think the Sharks made the right decision? Let us know in the comments!
