Where Is Ice Chips From Shark Tank Today?

While some grandmas might have butterscotch candies in the bottom of their purses, entrepreneurs Bev Vines-Haines and Charlotte Clary headed to "Shark Tank" with a less sugary treat. Appearing on Season 4, Episode 9 of "Shark Tank," Ice Chips sought $250,000 for 15% equity in their company. These "grannies in a garage" were more than octogenarians with a dream. According to the company's website, the pair had experience in media, the food realm, and other business start-ups.

Ice Chips is a xylitol candy that's available in more than 20 flavors. While there are various sugar-free and xylitol candies on the market, Ice Chips' shard-like shape makes it unique amongst other pressed candy offerings. 

As the grannies shared during their "Shark Tank" episode, their product is an all-natural, sugar-free offering made from birch bark. It's sold in health food stores, dentists' offices, and on Amazon. While prices vary, the brand's website sells a six-count variety pack for $35.95.

As "Shark Tank" fans have learned to appreciate, a dynamic duo can pique the Sharks' interest. The grannies behind Ice Chips used their affable personalities, coupled with their business savvy, to entice several offers from the Sharks. 

Four out of the five Sharks came up with offers similar to the pair's ask of $250,000 for 15%. While it might not have been the most financially beneficial deal, Bev Vines-Haines and Charlotte Clary accepted Barbara Corcoran's and Mark Cuban's offer of $250,000 for 40% equity. While the deal made the grandmas giddy, the Shark Tank Blog reports that the partnership was never finalized. "The deal did not go through in due diligence, but it was an amicable negotiation," Clary told the Shark Tank Blog in 2013.

The company's founders shared with the blog that they saw a sales boost from appearing on the show. Specifically, they touted a $300,000 order boost from the episode. Even though the "Shark Tank" deal didn't make it through due diligence, the exposure was good for the brand. According to Choose Washington, the brand moved into a larger facility, which allowed for additional manufacturing capacity. As they told SpecialityFoodResource.com, "We obviously got good exposure, we had a good edit, and the Sharks liked us and our product. It was a win/win/win." With Ice Chips, another "Shark Tank" success story is a chip off the block.

When Ice Chips co-founders Bev Vines-Haines and Charlotte Clary appeared on "Shark Tank," some viewers might not have been familiar with xylitol candy. Although there are sugar-free candy options on the market, those flavors can be a little off-putting. Some people find that plant-based, sugar-free sweetener has less aftertaste than other options on the shelf. Some dentists prefer that people enjoy this type of candy because it can be better for their teeth. But consumers are warned not to over consume this ingredient due to potential digestive side effects.

Looking at Ice Chips' robust line, that sugar substitute candy can be transformed into fruity and seasonal flavors. And as seen on the brand's Amazon page, the reviews are mostly positive. Although some people say that the flavors read sweet, many appreciated that the candy helped to keep dry mouth away. And while the flavors are well-received, some people believe Ice Chips' cost is a little high.