Mark Cuban has invested in many innovative companies on Shark Tank, but his deal with Snacklins stood out. He saw potential in a low-calorie, plant-based snack that could disrupt the industry. Founder Samy Kobrosly pitched Snacklins in Season 11, asking for $250,000 for 2.5% equity. After negotiations, Cuban offered $250,000 for 5% plus a 5% advisory share, sealing the deal.
So why did Cuban invest? He recognized the growth of plant-based snacks, the scalability of Snacklins, and the passion behind the brand. This deal helped Snacklins expand production, secure major retail partnerships, and grow sales significantly. Today, Snacklins is a leading name in healthy, guilt-free snacking.
- What is Snacklins, and how did it start?
- Why did Mark Cuban invest in Snacklins?
- How big is the plant-based snacks market?
- How has Snacklins grown since Shark Tank?
- What challenges did Snacklins face, and how were they solved?
- What makes Snacklins different from other plant-based snacks?
- What’s next for Snacklins after Mark Cuban’s investment?
What is Snacklins, and how did it start?
Snacklins began as a kitchen experiment in Washington, D.C. Samy Kobrosly, a former radio personality, wanted to create a vegan alternative to pork rinds. Using ingredients like mushrooms, yuca, and onions, he developed a crunchy, flavourful snack that was both plant-based and low in calories.
Unlike most snack foods, Snacklins contains only 80 calories per bag, making it a healthier alternative to chips and traditional pork rinds. What started as a fun challenge soon became a business as more people discovered and loved the product.
Why did Mark Cuban invest in Snacklins?
Mark Cuban is known for investing in unique, scalable, and fast-growing brands. Several factors made Snacklins stand out to him:
- Huge growth potential: The demand for plant-based snacks was rising.
- Low-calorie appeal: At only 80 calories per bag, Snacklins had a strong health-conscious audience.
- Simple, real ingredients: No artificial flavours or preservatives.
- Great margins: Low-cost production with solid retail pricing.
- Passionate founder: Cuban often backs entrepreneurs who are deeply involved in their product.
These factors convinced Cuban that Snacklins had a real chance to succeed in the competitive snack market.
How big is the plant-based snacks market?
The plant-based snack industry has been growing rapidly. Consumers are shifting toward healthier, more sustainable food options.
Key statistics on the market:
- The global plant-based snacks market was valued at $13.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a healthy rate of 8.7% per year.
- Over 60% of consumers say they are reducing meat consumption and looking for vegan snack alternatives.
- The U.S. plant-based food market is now worth over $7 billion, with snacks making up a large portion.
Mark Cuban recognized this trend early and knew Snacklins could tap into this booming market.
How has Snacklins grown since Shark Tank?
Since Cuban’s investment, Snacklins has experienced massive growth. The company used the $250,000 funding to scale up in multiple ways:
- Expanded Retail Distribution
- Before Shark Tank, Snacklins was available in a few local stores.
- After the show, the brand expanded nationwide into Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger, and 7-Eleven.
- Boosted Online Sales
- Snacklins saw a huge spike in online orders, especially on Amazon and its own website.
- Digital marketing campaigns increased direct-to-consumer sales significantly.
- Improved Branding & Packaging
- A refreshed package design made the product stand out more on store shelves.
- The new branding helped attract more customers and retailers.
- Increased Production Capacity
- Higher demand meant Snacklins needed to scale manufacturing.
- The company partnered with larger production facilities to meet growing orders.
These strategic moves helped Snacklins transition from a small, niche snack to a nationally recognized brand.
What challenges did Snacklins face, and how were they solved?
Snacklins’ success didn’t come without obstacles. Here are the biggest challenges and how they were overcome:
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Scaling production | Partnered with larger manufacturers to meet demand. |
| Competing with big brands | Focused on unique selling points like low calories and simple ingredients. |
| Retail shelf space | Used Shark Tank credibility to secure deals with major retailers. |
| Marketing reach | Leveraged social media, influencers, and Cuban’s network for exposure. |
By tackling these challenges strategically, Snacklins positioned itself as a strong player in the plant-based snack industry.
What makes Snacklins different from other plant-based snacks?
Snacklins stands out for several reasons:
- Only 80 calories per bag: Lower than most chips and snack foods.
- 100% plant-based: Vegan, gluten-free, and made with real vegetables.
- Unique texture & taste: Unlike most plant-based chips, Snacklins has a light, crispy bite similar to pork rinds.
- Minimal ingredients: Simple, natural ingredients with no artificial additives.
These factors make Snacklins an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers looking for delicious, guilt-free snacks.
What’s next for Snacklins after Mark Cuban’s investment?
With strong retail presence, growing sales, and a loyal customer base, the future looks bright for Snacklins. The brand is focusing on:
- Expanding into more grocery chains and convenience stores
- Developing new flavours to keep the line-up fresh and exciting
- Strengthening online sales through direct-to-consumer strategies
- Exploring international markets to bring Snacklins to a global audience
As one of the most successful plant-based snacks to emerge from Shark Tank, Snacklins continues to grow and innovate. With Mark Cuban’s backing and a clear vision, Snacklins is set to dominate the healthy snack market.
Ending Note
Snacklins’ journey from a kitchen experiment to a nationally recognized brand is a testament to the power of innovation, strategic investment, and market demand for healthier snacks. Mark Cuban’s investment provided not just funding but also guidance, exposure, and business connections that helped Snacklins grow.
As the demand for plant-based snacks continues to rise, Snacklins remains committed to delivering delicious, guilt-free options to snack lovers everywhere. With a strong foundation and a vision for the future, Snacklins is here to stay.