Creation Nation No-bake Protein & Energy Bite Mix
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: May 7, 2021
Asking For:
$300,000 for 12%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Creation Nation offers DIY protein bar and bite mixes that allow customers to create healthy, customized snacks with control over ingredients and sugar content.
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Background Story
Karen Nation, the founder of Creation Nation, hails from Los Angeles, California, and has a background in sports nutrition. Her journey into creating DIY protein bars and bites began as a response to the lack of healthy snack options available, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Growing up with food allergies and spending time in the foster care system, Karen struggled to find suitable, nutritious food. Determined to improve her own health, she pursued certifications in sports nutrition and later came up with the idea for Creation Nation.
The Product
Creation Nation offers a range of protein bars and bite mixes that are easy to prepare. Customers simply pour the mix into a bowl, add their preferred liquid and nut butter or syrup, and then mix.
This customizable approach allows individuals to control the sugar content and tailor the snacks to their dietary preferences, whether they follow keto, paleo, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
The products are designed to be no-bake and can be enjoyed as a healthier alternative to traditional store-bought protein bars. They contain between 12 to 16 grams of protein for a full-size bar or around five grams of protein per bite.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Creation Nation has made strides in the market, with retail partnerships in major stores like Whole Foods Market, Costco, and Walmart. However, they are still in the early stages of expansion, with less than 500 stores carrying their products. Their annual revenue is around $500,000, and they maintain a 40% to 50% profit margin.
The company primarily operates on a cash flow basis and reinvests profits into marketing efforts. The journey was not without its challenges, as they faced setbacks with a co-packing partner who breached their contract, but they have since found a new partner and rebounded.
The Negotiations:
Despite the promising product and brand mission, Karen Nation was unable to secure a deal with the Sharks. Lori and Kevin both expressed concerns about the company’s financials and its inability to generate substantial profits. Mark and Barbara appreciated the product but were cautious due to the lack of money flowing into the founder’s pockets.
Ultimately, none of the Sharks offered a deal, and Karen left the tank without an investment. However, Barbara offered words of encouragement and praised Karen’s determination and knowledge of her business, which provided a sense of inspiration and resilience.
