Where Is MealEnders From Shark Tank Today?

While the "Shark Tank" investors tend to dismiss unsubstantiated weight loss ideas, one product had them almost ready to chomp on a deal. MealEnders, a lozenge that claimed to help people avoid overeating, appeared on "Shark Tank" Season 8, Episode 19.

MealEnders CEO Mark Bernstein presented the Sharks with his dietary product, asking for $350,000 in exchange for 8% equity. While some of the Sharks' initial reaction to the first taste was positive, the aftertaste left many of them uncomfortable. Although that finishing flavor might be the reason people choose not to eat another bite, the taste is why the Sharks turned down MealEnders' proposal. Even though the company was the first weight loss idea that wasn't torn to shreds in the Tank, the brand left without a deal.

In the years after its "Shark Tank" appearance, MealEnders struggled with production issues. The brand's website and Instagram page inform customers that the company is unable to fulfill orders due to supply chain issues, and the products aren't available on its website or on Amazon. Even though "Shark Tank" gave the product publicity, supply chain issues proved too big of an obstacle to overcome. Bernstein's LinkedIn page lists his time as MealEnders' CEO as ending in February 2023, cementing the apparent end of the product.

While its "Shark Tank" experience might not have landed the brand a deal, MealEnders showcased an idea that was unlike other weight-loss products. For some people, that craving to take another bite after a meal can derail their balanced eating lifestyle. In a 2017 interview with Heavy, MealEnders CEO Mark Bernstein discussed how the mouth and the mind need to work in tandem to offer satiety. MealEnders' proprietary blend combines certain flavors and sensations that keep the mind occupied and help reduce potential cravings.

The brand offered a clinical study that supported its claim for more mindful eating. Although the participant group was small, it proved the brand's position. Still, personal results can and would vary. Some reviewers, including commentary in Shape, Dude, and others had positive experiences with the product.

One question remains, especially because MealEnders is no longer in business. Could simply brushing your teeth, eating a strong mint, or consuming another pungent, low-calorie food have a similar impact of causing a person to stop eating? MealEnders may seem like a simple solution, but it might not be the only one in the cabinet.

While MealEnders offered an easy solution to stop people from overeating, the brand's production woes have made the product unavailable. Because that cooling, tingling, and curious melting flavor is unavailable for curbing that additional forkful, some people might be looking for another item to supplement their willpower.

The Cleveland Clinic addresses the many reasons behind overeating, the effects of food choices, and how to alleviate potential side effects. Although emotional eating can be a trigger, avoiding items such as salty food, excess alcohol, and managing stress can help some people focus on a more balanced approach. 

In addition, it's suggested that having healthier food options readily available at home can lead people to more nutrient-dense food choices. The idea of a magic pill might sound like the simple solution to a complicated problem, but it's not a cure-all potent that keeps food from being eaten.