Where Is Cave Shake From Shark Tank Today?
While new fad diets abound in the 21st century, one thing is for certain: Dieting remains fairly popular in America. According to a 2018 survey conducted by Food Insight, more than 30% of participants admitted to having followed a specific diet that year, blaming not only sugar for recurring weight gain but carbohydrates as well. If you've ever been curious about the definition of the ketogenic diet, your instincts would be right if you assume carbs to be the enemy of choice. Healthline defines the keto diet as a low-carb diet high in energy-producing fats. But having quick, high-fat snack options can prove difficult if you're constantly on the go.
Entrepreneurs Holly Heath and Billie Cavallaro were firm followers of the keto diet and set out to develop a product that keto followers could down quickly. Heath told Food Navigator USA in 2018 that she and her business partner tinkered with coconut milk until they created a supreme health-focused "re-invention of the all-American milkshake." Cave Shakes were developed to serve as a meal replacement for consumers, containing up to only seven grams of carbohydrates per drinkable package.
Food Navigator USA says the business had seen so much success in its early years that the business owners decided to partner up with beverage incubator company L.A. Libations before appearing on "Shark Tank." Still, Health and Cavallaro set out to ask the famous ABC investors for a deal.
What did the Sharks think of Cave Shake?
Whether or not those gas station Slim Jims are considered keto-friendly is beside the point if you have a nutritious, ready-made drinkable shake to consume. For business partners Billie Cavallaro and Holly Heath, they set out to try and convince the famous on-screen Sharks of the benefits of their health-based shake on Season 10, Episode 4 of "Shark Tank" in 2018 (per IMDb).
According to Shark Tank Recap, the entrepreneurs believed their company was worth $2.5 million and asked for $250,000 for 10% of their business. Before appearing on "Shark Tank," Food Navigator USA says the business was able to dominate retail space in southern California and even struck a deal with Whole Foods Market before linking up with L.A. Libations.
Unfortunately for these two business owners, the Sharks weren't too keen on the Cave Shake's ties with a big beverage incubator company. While the duo told the investors their expected sales were supposed to reach almost $450,000 in the year 2017, NBA star Charles Barkley was the only investor willing to strike a deal. Forbes reports that after some back and forth with co-owner Holly Health, Barkley offered $250,000 in exchange for 20% of the business, and the company owners walked away happily with a deal.
Where is Cave Shake now?
Although there may be hidden dangers of the keto diet, that hasn't stopped health-conscious consumers from buying the portable Cave Shake pouches in Southern California and beyond. According to PinoyMoneyTalk.com, after accepting an offer from Charles Barkley, Holly Heath and Billie Cavallaro rebranded their popular meal replacements and changed their company name to Space Shake. On the Space Shake website, fans can purchase either six or 12-pack cases of the 3.4-ounce pouches. They come in three standard flavor variations: vanilla, chocolate, and coffee.
The retail locations tab on the Space Shake website shows numerous locations in California, while also expanding across the U.S. to states like Nevada, Missouri, and New York. Based on one of Space Shake's Instagram posts, fans can also buy the nutritious low-carb shakes on Amazon.
Overall, the deals made with L.A. Libations before the business owners' "Shark Tank" debut, as well as their successful pitch and win with Charles Barkley, have led to substantial growth for the company.