In today’s world, many people are looking for healthier options in their food choices. Traditional seasonings often contain high levels of sodium, MSG, and other additives that can be harmful to health. This creates a challenge for those who want to enjoy flavorful meals without compromising their well-being.
Recognizing this problem, entrepreneurs Khasha Touloei and Maynard Okereke developed a solution: a line of vegan, all-purpose seasonings called Jada Spices Chicken Salt. Their goal was to provide a healthier alternative to conventional seasonings, catering to the growing demand for plant-based and health-conscious products.
On Season 12 of Shark Tank, Khasha and Maynard presented their innovative product to the Sharks, seeking an investment to help expand their business. They offered a 20% equity stake in exchange for $250,000.
JADA Spices Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Khasha and Maynard were looking for an investment of $250k in exchange for 20% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $1.25 million. Khasha and Maynard successfully secured a deal with Barbara for an investment of $250k for 28% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $893k. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of JADA Brands is around $3.5 million.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Barbara Corcoran
$250,000 for 33% equity
$250,000 for 28% equity
Yes
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Daymond John
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Dr. Khasha Touloei Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Dr. Khasha Touloei, a medical professional, and Maynard Okereke, an engineer and science communicator, combined their diverse backgrounds to create Jada Spices. Khasha’s upbringing in Australia exposed him to the popular condiment chicken salt, which inspired the idea to develop a healthier, vegan version suitable for a broader audience.
Maynard’s passion for science and health education complemented the venture, bringing a unique perspective to the product development process.
In the early stages, the founders faced challenges in reformulating the traditional chicken salt to eliminate animal products and unhealthy additives. They focused on creating a seasoning that maintained the savory flavor of chicken salt while being entirely plant-based, gluten-free, and free from MSG. Their dedication to health and flavor led to the development of a versatile seasoning line that could appeal to a wide range of consumers.
During their Shark Tank pitch, Khasha and Maynard presented their product with enthusiasm, highlighting its health benefits and market potential. They showcased the seasoning’s versatility, suitable for various dishes, and introduced their upcoming plant-based Chick’n Mix. The entrepreneurs emphasized their sales figures, reporting $319,000 in sales in 2019 and projecting $500,000 for 2020, demonstrating the product’s growing popularity.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
The Sharks were curious about the product’s taste, market differentiation, and scalability.
Mark Cuban expressed concerns about the competitive nature of the food industry and questioned the product’s uniqueness. He decided not to invest.
Lori Greiner appreciated the health-conscious approach but was uncertain about the product’s mass appeal, leading her to opt out.
Kevin O’Leary inquired about the financials and scalability. Despite being impressed with the margins, he was hesitant about the food sector’s challenges and chose not to invest.
Daymond John acknowledged the founders’ passion but was concerned about the brand’s ability to stand out in a crowded market, leading him to decline the offer.
Barbara Corcoran, however, was impressed with the product’s flavor and the founders’ dedication. She offered $250,000 for a 33% equity stake, believing in the product’s potential and the team’s capability to grow the brand. Khasha and Maynard accepted her offer, securing a valuable partnership to propel their business forward.
Product Availability
Jada Spices offers a range of vegan, all-purpose seasonings known as Chicken Salt. The product line includes flavors like Original, Reduced Sodium, Red Pepper, Lime, Barbecue, and Turmeric. These seasonings are made with unrefined sea salt, turmeric, onion powder, and garlic powder, ensuring a flavorful yet healthy addition to meals. They are gluten-free, MSG-free, non-GMO, and suitable for various diets, including vegan, paleo, and keto.
The products are available for purchase on the company’s official website and on Amazon. The Chicken Salt seasoning set is priced competitively, offering value for health-conscious consumers seeking versatile and flavorful seasonings. Additionally, Jada Spices has introduced a plant-based Chick’n Mix, allowing customers to create vegan chicken alternatives at home.
This product is also available through their online platforms, catering to the growing demand for plant-based meat substitutes.
What Happened To The JADA Spices After Shark Tank?
Following their appearance on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Barbara Corcoran, Jada Spices experienced significant growth. The exposure led to increased sales and brand recognition. The company rebranded as JADA Brands, expanding its product line to include the plant-based Chick’n Mix and introducing new flavors of its Chicken Salt seasoning.
Their products received positive reviews and were featured on platforms like the Food Network, enhancing their credibility and reach.
As of today, JADA Brands continues to operate successfully, maintaining a strong online presence through their website and Amazon store. While they have not yet secured major retail partnerships, their direct-to-consumer model has allowed them to cater to a dedicated customer base seeking healthy and flavorful seasoning options.
The company’s commitment to providing vegan, health-conscious products positions them well in the growing plant-based food market.
Conclusion
Jada Spices’ journey on Shark Tank showcased the challenges and opportunities faced by food startups. Despite initial skepticism from some Sharks, the founders’ passion and innovative product secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran. Since then, the company has grown, rebranded, and expanded its product offerings, continuing to serve health-conscious consumers seeking flavorful, vegan seasonings.
Their success story underscores the importance of perseverance, innovation, and understanding market needs in building a sustainable business.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
