Creation Nation Protein Snack Mixes Update | Shark Tank Season 12
Most protein bars on the market are usually filled with too much sugar and questionable ingredients. Because of this, Los Angeles native Karen Nation created a line of no-bake mixes to help people create their own protein-packed treats. Will she get a deal on
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Creation Nation after
Creation Nation appeared on
| Shark: | Result: |
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer |
| Alex Rodriguez | No Offer |
Shark Tank Creation Nation Update
- Entrepreneur: Karen Nation
- Business: Protein mixes for no-bake treats
- Ask: $300,000 for 12% equity
- Result: No deal
- Shark: None
Karen brought her company, Creation Nation, to
Make delicious protein balls & energy bites in minutes, made your way. You control the sugar & customize it to your needs. Classic, flavorful, and tastes like a cookie, but without all the junk!
According to Karen, the nutrition market is full of protein powders, but there aren’t a lot of options for no-bake, protein snacks. She reveals that one of her biggest issues so far is with co-packers.
Because of this, Karen is hoping to reel in a shark to help her find the right co-packing partner. She also hopes to reduce the costs of goods and increase her margins.
Creation Nation has partnered with Whole Foods on the West Coast, Costco in the Midwest, and Walmart on the East Coast. All in all, they are in about 500 stores but have not yet rolled out nationwide.
Her manufacturing costs are between $2-$3.50, and the mixes retail for between $7-$11. Further, in the year prior to filming, she did $500,000 in sales and anticipates making as much in the current year.
Despite half a million in sales, she says she’s just breaking even and putting any earnings right back into the business.
Guest shark Alex Rodriguez asks Karen how she came up with the idea for her products. She shares that she grew up in foster care, and the families she stayed with couldn’t accommodate her food allergies.
Because of this, she just didn’t eat much and she was always sick. However, she was determined to have a good life, so she studied hard and eventually became certified in sports nutrition.
Unfortunately, while Karen’s pitch starts out well, the sharks quickly find themselves frustrated. Karen ultimately fails to answer all questions regarding the profitability of Creation Nation.
When she can’t answer how much she will profit from $500,000 in sales, Kevin O’Leary drops out.
Lori Greiner says she likes healthier food, and she likes Karen. However, she doesn’t think it’s the right investment for her and drops out.
Alex says that when he invests in a business, he wants to partner with people who know the numbers inside and out. Because Karen does not, he’s out.
Barbara Corcoran isn’t willing to invest in a business that isn’t profitable. She is the next shark out.
Mark Cuban admits he may regret not investing later, however, he becomes the last shark to drop out.
With that, Karen leaves
Research for the Creation Nation update found that the company seems to be doing well after airing. Karen has continued to grow the company to an estimated yearly revenue of $1 million.
Singing airing, the products have expanded into Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertson’s, Hyvee Stores, and more! They also won Good Housekeeping’s 2023 “Best Snack” award, and have been featured by many publications and even Good Morning America.
Further, Creation Nation has over 11,000 Instagram followers, and the products are selling well on Amazon with mostly positive reviews.
Check out the Creation Nation website to view their products, and find recipes for their mixes too.
Before you go, be sure to check out updates for the other companies featured on Season 12 Episode 23:
- GRIND Basketball Shooting Machine Update
- SneakERASERS Shoe Cleaner Update
- BEERMKR Home Brewing System Update
For even more on
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Andrew Smith is the founder and owner of Shark Tank Recap. He is a longtime Shark Tank fan that has been watching it for years and has seen every episode multiple times. His friends know him as the Shark Tank expert, because he can answer any question about the show! His favorite Shark Tank products are Bertello's pizza oven and Bug Bite Thing!