Where Is ENERGYbits From Shark Tank Today?
Have you ever longed for a healthy, protein-rich supplement that's quick and easy to swallow yet has the added benefit of fixing your mid-day energy crash? Sure, you could always grab one of the 17 office snacks to overcome that afternoon slump, or you can turn to algae for an all-in-one nutrition boost. In an interview with Authority Magazine (via Medium), entrepreneur Catharine Arnston explains how algae reigns supreme in the superfood Kingdom. If you're after a solid dose of the important nutrients and antioxidants found in plant foods but you have little motivation to actually crunch down on carrots and bell peppers, you may want to include more forms of algae into your everyday diet.
In a podcast interview with Marni on the Move, Arnston admitted the birth of her algae obsession came from her sister's cancer diagnosis in 2008. After spending most of her adult life in corporate America, Arnston decided to pivot her focus and began pouring her efforts into plant-based nutrition. She developed a convenient tablet containing two of the most powerful superfoods (chlorella and spirulina) and has been dedicated to spreading the word on the potential health benefits of a pure alkaline diet, which she believes is made sustainable through consistent algae consumption. In Arnston's efforts to get her business more exposure and financial stability, she headed to "Shark Tank" in 2016 for a potential investment.
What did the Sharks think of ENERGYbits?
Arnston had already had some success with her business before appearing on ABC's popular show, "Shark Tank." According to a press release, Arnston was selected as a runner-up for Entrepreneur of the Year in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2015 "Project Grow Challenge." In an attempt to continue on her path to success and futher build her company, Arnston appeared on "Shark Tank" Season 8, Episode 9 in 2016 (via IMDb).
Shark Tank Products reports the businesswoman pitched four different products on the "Shark Tank" episode, each containing only one calorie per individual tablet. ENERGYbits, VITALITYbits, RECOVERYbits, and SKINNYbits are all made with either spirulina, chlorella, or a mixture of both algae; the chewable supplements are sugar and gluten-free. With her product varieties in hand, Shark Tank Recap shares Arnston was asking investors for $500,000 in exchange for 5% of her business. While the health-conscious entrepreneur stated that ENERGYbits made over $1 million in sales since the company's start in 2010, the investors all decided to pass on the deal. Not only did a few judges disapprove of the taste, but not every investor bought into the extensive health claims behind Arnston's products. They all simultaneously agreed that the valuation of her company was out of whack.
Where is ENERGYbits today?
Catharine Arnston may have not secured a deal with "Shark Tank" investors, but her products are still available for sale in 2023. According to the ENERGYbits website, there are 17 products available for purchase including bags of 1,000 tablets for $125 and boxes of 30 single servings, which include 30 tablets per pack, also available for $125.
While the reviews for these protein-rich supplements appear to be mostly positive, some reviewers on Amazon are disappointed with the recommended serving suggestion. One serving of revitalizing algae supposedly equates to 30 individual ENERGYbits tablets and some say that is unrealistic. There are also a handful of negative comments regarding the taste.
The company also seems to have a significant fan base on social media. ENERGYbits has a consistent following on Twitter, and the company has over 100,000 followers on Instagram. Overall ENERGYbits is still on the scene and Catharine Arnston remains committed to her goal of providing easy nutrition with her unique algae-based supplements.