MinusCal’s story is one of big ideas, bold claims, and a hard reality check. At its core, MinusCal was a company that aimed to revolutionize weight loss with its fat-blocking protein bars. These bars contained a special ingredient called Choleve, a fermented tea extract marketed as a way to stop your body from absorbing fat. Sounds promising, right? Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and their journey offers some valuable lessons about the importance of trust and science in the health industry.
What Was MinusCal All About?
MinusCal was created with a straightforward goal: to help people manage their weight without giving up on flavor or convenience. The bars’ big selling point was Choleve, which the founders claimed could block fat absorption. But here’s where the problems started. There wasn’t enough scientific evidence to back up these claims, and both consumers and investors quickly started questioning the product.
MinusCal’s Pitch on Shark Tank
MinusCal’s founders, Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael, stepped onto the Shark Tank stage in Season 11, Episode 1. They were looking for $500,000 in exchange for 20% equity, valuing the company at $2.5 million. Their pitch focused on the promise of Choleve as a fat blocker, which they believed would set their protein bars apart from the competition.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael |
| Product | Fat-blocking protein bars with Choleve |
| Shark Tank Appearance | Season 11, Episode 1 |
| Investment Sought | $500,000 for 20% equity |
| Company Valuation | $2.5 million during “Shark Tank” |
| Outcome on Show | No deal; faced heavy criticism, particularly from Mark Cuban |
| Post-Show Status | Negative reviews and declining sales; ceased operations in 2020 |
The Sharks, however, weren’t convinced. Mark Cuban went as far as to call the product a “scam,” pointing out the lack of scientific backing for their claims. Without the confidence of the Sharks, the pitch ended without a deal.
Pitch Details:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode | Season 11, Episode 1 |
| Ask | $500,000 for 20% equity |
| Valuation | $2.5 million |
| Key Claims | Fat-blocking protein bars |
| Outcome | No deal |
| Major Criticism | Lack of scientific backing |
How MinusCal Is Doing After Shark Tank?
Appearing on “Shark Tank” gave MinusCal plenty of visibility, but not all attention is good attention. The Sharks’ harsh criticism—especially Mark Cuban’s—made customers skeptical. On top of that, reviews about the product’s taste and effectiveness weren’t great. These challenges took a toll on sales, and by 2020, MinusCal shut down for good and its no longer in business.
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MinusCal Net Worth and Revenue in 2025
When MinusCal appeared on “Shark Tank,” it had a valuation of $2.5 million. However, without investment from the Sharks and with declining consumer confidence, the company couldn’t generate enough revenue to stay afloat.
Lessons Learned
MinusCal’s rise and fall teaches us some important lessons:
- Scientific Backing Matters: If you’re making bold claims about health, make sure you have solid evidence to back them up.
- Credibility is Key: One critical review from a respected figure can seriously impact your brand’s reputation.
- Customer Trust is Everything: Even the best marketing can’t save a product that doesn’t deliver on its promises.
Conclusion
MinusCal’s journey from a promising idea to a failed business is a story many startups can learn from. It’s not enough to have a big idea—you need transparency, trust, and proof to back it up. Whether you’re in health and wellness or any other industry, MinusCal’s story is a reminder that honesty and credibility are essential for long-term success.
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