Here's What Happened To Fresh Bellies After Shark Tank

Parents want to give their babies nothing but the best quality food. While some turn to making baby food at home, others turn to pre-mashed foods readily available at the supermarket. Though we trust that these products are safe and nutritious, there are some who doubt that store-bought baby food is as healthy as it claims to be. There's the worry of artificial ingredients, dyes, high sugar content, and even unsafe chemicals. 

In 2021, a government report revealed a disturbingly large amount of heavy metals were found in several popular baby food brands (per Consumer Reports), adding some credence to nay-sayer's claims. Isn't there baby food that is organic, nutritious, and promotes healthy eating?

Saskia Sorrosa stepped up to answer that question, per the Shark Tank Blog, seeking to create a baby food that was both healthy and delicious. Her company, Fresh Bellies, focuses on a savory palate made from fruits and vegetables. By giving babies a taste of real vegetables, Sorrosa reasoned, they will be more inclined to make healthier choices later in life. Seeking funding, Sorrosa went on "Shark Tank" to ask for $275,000 in exchange for a 5% cut (per Shark Tank Tales). Although no Sharks agreed, Fresh Bellies isn't down for the count just yet.

Although none of the Sharks agreed to back her business, Saskia Sorrosa and her company seemingly haven't suffered because of it. According to the Shark Tank Blog, Fresh Bellies was selling its products in more than 9,000 stores, such as Walmart and Kroger, in January 2020. In June 2021, the company's annual revenue was totaled around $6 million — an impressive feat without any "Shark Tank" backing.

It would also seem that Fresh Bellies has expanded its product line. The company doesn't just offer foods for babies or toddlers, but also for the whole family. The company sells an 8-pack of puff-like snacks that come in a variety of flavors, including beet, mushroom, carrot, and broccoli. Sorrosa says these offerings differ from the regular options for kids because they are "slightly more salted and seasoned for an adult palate" (via Food Navigator). 

TV Stuff Reviews praised Fresh Bellies for its willingness to explore different nutritional options, the preservative-free nature of its food, and for opening up discussion about healthy nutrition in families. The cons, however, involved the somewhat high price range, the limited flavor options, and the savory flavors, which might not appeal to all children.

Saskia Sorrosa stands out by focusing on a market most others haven't frequented: children's food.

As the CEO of Fresh Bellies, Sorrosa overcame the barriers that many Latina women face while raising capital for their business, such as investors being unwilling to explore diverse markets and companies, Hip Latina noted. Sorrosa was able to raise capital from BIPOC investors, allowing her to create Fresh Bellies as fans know it today. 

So, how is Sorrosa handling her position as head of the company? It seems she's doing pretty well. On her LinkedIn profile in 2020, Sorrosa published an article discussing the importance of having a founder support network. Al Dia News reports that thanks to Sorrosa and her team's efforts, Fresh Bellies is now ranked one of the nation's top five natural toddler snacks, as of February.