Snacklins started as a simple idea but quickly became a game-changer in the snack industry. When the brand appeared on Shark Tank, it wasn’t just about securing an investment—it was about proving that innovation in the food industry can drive success.
By offering a plant-based alternative to pork rinds, Snacklins impressed the Sharks with its unique concept, simple ingredients, and bold flavours. The company’s pitch showcased a perfect blend of passion, creativity, and business strategy, leading to an investment from Mark Cuban.
This blog explores how Snacklins leveraged innovation to win over the Sharks, scale production, and disrupt the snack market.
- What inspired the creation of Snacklins?
- How did innovation help Snacklins stand out?
- What happened during the Shark Tank pitch?
- Why did Mark Cuban invest in Snacklins?
- How did Snacklins scale after Shark Tank?
- What impact did Snacklins have on the food industry?
- What’s next for Snacklins?
- Ending note
How did Snacklins start?
Snacklins was born from a simple challenge—can a plant-based snack replicate the crunch and taste of pork rinds?
Founder Samy Kobrosly, a former radio personality, experimented with a mix of mushrooms, yuca, and onions to create a light, crispy, and guilt-free snack.
What started as a fun kitchen project quickly gained attention. People loved the low-calorie, all-natural ingredients, and unique taste. Demand grew, but scaling production and entering retail markets required a strategic approach.
How did innovation help Snacklins stand out?
Snacklins wasn’t just another snack—it was a category disruptor in the growing market for plant-based foods.
Key innovations that set Snacklins apart:
- Unique Ingredients: Unlike traditional chips, Snacklins used simple, whole-food ingredients.
- Health-Conscious Approach: Only 80 calories per bag, making it an ideal guilt-free snack.
- Sustainability Focus: A plant-based alternative to pork rinds aligned with eco-conscious consumers.
- Minimal Processing: No artificial additives or preservatives, ensuring a clean-label product.
This level of innovation in the food industry positioned Snacklins as a healthy, sustainable, and delicious alternative in the snack aisle.
What happened during the Shark Tank pitch?
Snacklins entered the Shark Tank with a strong pitch and a bold ask—$250,000 for 2.5% equity, valuing the company at $10 million.
Key moments from the pitch:
- The Sharks loved the taste and texture of Snacklins.
- Kevin O’Leary questioned the valuation, concerned about scaling costs.
- Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran were intrigued but hesitant about market competition.
- Mark Cuban saw potential in the brand’s unique positioning and health-conscious appeal.
After some negotiation, Cuban made a deal: $250,000 for 5% equity plus a 5% advisory share.
This investment gave Snacklins not just capital but also access to Cuban’s expertise in scaling consumer brands.
Why did Mark Cuban invest in Snacklins?
Mark Cuban, known for investing in high-growth, innovative brands, saw Snacklins’ potential to disrupt the snack market.
Here’s why Cuban made the deal:
- Growing demand for plant-based snacks: The market for plant-based foods was projected to reach $74.2 billion by 2027 (source: Meticulous Research).
- Strong unit economics: Snacklins had a healthy profit margin and clear scalability potential.
- Authenticity of the brand: Consumers were shifting towards clean-label, healthy snacks, and Snacklins fit perfectly into that trend.
- Founder’s passion and vision: Cuban often invests in entrepreneurs who are deeply committed to their brand, and Samy Kobrosly’s passion was evident.
With Cuban’s backing, Snacklins was ready to scale its operations and reach a wider audience.
How did Snacklins scale after Shark Tank?
After Shark Tank, Snacklins experienced a massive boost in sales and brand visibility.
Post-Shark Tank Growth Strategies:
- Expanded Manufacturing: Partnered with co-packers to increase production capacity.
- Retail Expansion: Secured deals with Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart, and 7-Eleven.
- Enhanced Online Sales: Boosted direct-to-consumer sales through Amazon and the Snacklins website.
- Branding and Marketing: Improved packaging, social media presence, and influencer partnerships.
Sales surged, and Snacklins became a household name in the healthy snack category.
What impact did Snacklins have on the food industry?
Snacklins helped shape innovation in the food industry by proving that:
- Plant-based alternatives can rival traditional snacks in taste and texture.
- Consumers are willing to pay for healthier, sustainable options.
- Simple, clean ingredients are a competitive advantage in the snack market.
This success encouraged more brands to innovate in the plant-based and clean-label snack space.
What’s next for Snacklins?
Snacklins continues to expand, focusing on:
- New flavours and product variations to appeal to a broader audience.
- Wider distribution in both retail and e-commerce channels.
- Sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact.
With the lessons learned from Shark Tank, Snacklins remains committed to leading innovation in the food industry, offering snacks that are delicious, healthy, and environmentally friendly.
Ending note
Snacklins’ journey from a fun kitchen experiment to a nationally recognized snack brand is a testament to the power of innovation in the food industry. By staying true to its mission—offering a healthier, plant-based alternative without compromising on taste—Snacklins has carved out a unique place in the snack market.
With the support of Shark Tank and Mark Cuban’s investment, Snacklins has scaled rapidly, expanded into major retailers, and continued to innovate. But this is just the beginning. As consumer demand for clean, sustainable, and plant-based snacks grows, Snacklins is poised to lead the future of snacking.
For those who crave bold flavours, crunchy textures, and guilt-free indulgence, Snacklins remains a snack worth savouring.