Here's What Happened To Boobie Bar After Shark Tank
As you can imagine, the most memorable "Shark Tank" food companies often have unique claims to fame. Entrepreneur, neonatal nurse, and lactation consultant Wendy Colson brought her company, Boobie Bar, to the sharks in 2018. She quickly lodged Boobie Bar in investors' minds by joking that her lactation bar was "the hottest spot" in Vegas.
According to the New York Times, between 10 and 15% of nursing mothers struggle to produce enough milk, though many medical experts suspect the issue may be more common. For Colson, statistics like these indicated a niche market potential, so she launched her company in 2014.
Within just two years, Boobie Bar made $778k in sales, with a repurchase rate of 52%. At the time of Colson's "Shark Tank" pitch, she had gotten her product in more than 500 stores, including Buy Buy Baby, Babies R Us, and Walmart. She asked the sharks for an investment of $150k for 10% equity, hoping to offer nursing mothers an easier, more convenient way to increase their milk supply.
The sharks had strong reactions to Boobie Bar
Despite coming into the tank with good intentions, entrepreneur Wendy Colson was immediately placed in the hot seat by Mark Cuban. Cuban accused her of making false claims, harping on the fact that Boobie Bar had not undergone a clinical trial and Colson's 'proof' was anecdotal.
However, Colson was quick to share concrete numbers. She explained that approximately 3 million mothers nurse in any given year, but many stop early due to issues with lactation. On the other hand, her herbal product had helped mothers increase their milk supply from 1.5 ounces to 4.6 ounces per day. Cuban continued to doubt the supposed superfood, but fortunately for Boobie Bar, the other sharks were still very interested.
Both Kevin O'Leary and Daymond John offered Colson a deal of $150k in exchange for 20% equity. Ultimately, Colson accepted John's offer, as he had a 15-month-old at home and was familiar with the struggles Boobie Bar hoped to ease. So, where is Boobie Bar today?
Boobie Bar grew rapidly after its Shark Tank appearance
Like we've seen with plenty of other foods on "Shark Tank," Boobie Bar found huge success after scoring an investment. Just two months after Wendy Colson pitched her company to the sharks, Daymond John helped her get a meeting with Target.
Colson also expanded the Boobie Bar product range beyond just three flavors of lactation bars. The line now includes protein bowls, shakes, electrolyte drinks, lactation gummies, and subscription kits. The website also features a disclaimer stating that Boobie Bar products are not FDA-approved and should not be expected to cure or prevent any medical conditions.
Given John's unwavering support of Boobie Bar, it would appear he hasn't felt the need to push the company to do clinical trials. As such, Boobie Bar continues to rely on anecdotal proof, but this strategy seems to work. Countless Amazon reviews rave about the bars helping increase milk supply, regardless of how customers feel about the flavor and texture.
No surprise, Boobie Bar is still very much in business
As of 2021, Boobie Bar makes at least $2 million in sales yearly. As Wendy Colson mentioned in her "Shark Tank" pitch, millions of mothers try nursing each year, meaning she could potentially attract just as many customers. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that the Boobie Bar product range has categories for pregnancy, lactation, and motherhood in general, further broadening the company's reach.
Though the packaging of the original lactation bars may have changed, the recipes continue to include superfoods like whole grain oats, flaxseed, moringa, turmeric, Shatavari root, and cinnamon. And speaking of recipes, Colson regularly shares recipe inspiration for using her products. For instance, mothers can use Boobie Bar protein powder to make chocolate brownie protein ice cream.
Boobie Bar products are also promoted by organizations like The Breastfeeding Center and the Care Connection and sold through numerous other pregnancy support sites. Colson has definitely realized her dream of making Boobie Bar lactation bars more accessible.
What's next for Boobie Bar?
Boobie Bar doesn't appear to have any official plans for the near future, but we can only assume the company will continue to grow. Boobie Bar shares encouragement and customer testimonials regularly on its Instagram page, bringing further awareness to lactation struggles and helping mothers know they are not alone.
As such, we can expect Boobie Bar to reach shelves in many more supermarkets and grocery stores while continuing to expand its product range. And although Boobie Bar has spent nearly 10 years focusing on mothers, who knows? Maybe Wendy Colson will partner with other experts to create a line of snacks for babies and toddlers.
Regardless of where Colson and Boobie Bar go next, we're sure shark Daymond John will join them for the ride, helping to further destigmatize nursing and the heartaches that accompany it. In the meantime, Colson continues to fiercely run her company while also advocating for those in her community.