Every year, millions of people battle with weight loss. Many start diet programs or reach for weight-loss snacks. Yet 70 % of Americans remain overweight. That hunger for a quick fix leads to a market overflowing with health claims and miracle products. But many of these foods promise more than they can deliver, leaving consumers disappointed and skeptical.
Enter MinusCal. Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael pitched a snack bar designed to block fat, promising a science-backed shortcut to weight loss. They said their secret ingredient, Choleve, a green tea extract, blocked fat absorption.
They stepped into the Sharks’ den asking for $500,000 in exchange for 20 % equity. Their belief was strong. They offered bars in Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Apple Cinnamon flavors. They also brought supplements to lower cholesterol. They hoped their science-backed product would win over the Sharks, and maybe change dieting forever.
Minuscal Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Barrett and Crom were looking for an investment of $500k in exchange for 20% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $2.5 million. Barrett and Crom did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks. Since no investment was made, the company’s net worth remained at $2.5 million. After the show was aired, the company experienced a lot of negative feedback and poor customer reviews. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of MinusCal is $0.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Daniel Lubetzky
Out
N/A
N/A
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Barrett came from a music background and then moved into nutrition. Crom had entrepreneurial roots and believed in functional foods. Together, they hoped to bring healthy change through a tasty bar that could block fat.
They worked with scientists to make Choleve from tea. They relied on studies showing it reduced LDL cholesterol by around 17–20 %, with some weight loss as a side benefit. Their early challenge was blending taste with function, creating bars that people would actually enjoy eating.
On Shark Tank, Barrett and Crom came in confident. They brought samples and explained the science behind Choleve. They claimed the bars could enhance a normal diet and exercise. They asked for $500,000 for a 20 % share, citing a $2.5 million valuation.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
When the founders mentioned blocking 100 calories, Mark Cuban jumped in. He said the name “Minus Cal” misled consumers into thinking the product would cause weight loss. He challenged them hard: “You can’t claim it blocks 100 calories with two pills,” he said. Barrett and Crom tried to clarify, but the Sharks pressed deeper.
Each question got tougher. They asked about clinical data, taste, pricing, and retail costs. Barrett and Crom struggled, giving unclear answers and even contradicting themselves.
Robert Herjavec noted the “Lose weight” sign behind them conflicted with their disclaimers about being a supplement, not a miracle.
With that, Daniel Lubetzky dropped out, saying he preferred unprocessed foods.
Kevin left over valuation and a lack of sales.
Lori was not comfortable with the claims. Robert said he didn’t understand the business. Finally, Mark Cuban called it “air” and warned viewers not to buy the product.
No deals were made. MinusCal walked out without investment.
What Went Wrong With Minuscal On Shark Tank?
Several issues led to their failure. They touted fat-blocking, weight loss, and cholesterol reduction, but couldn’t clearly explain how. The prominent “Lose weight” message clashed with their claim that it was not a weight-loss product. No strong revenue and no peer-reviewed studies to back the calorie-block claim. Mark’s strong reaction underscored that health claims need watertight evidence and clear communication.
MinusCal offered protein bars with Choleve and matching supplements. Bars cost around $29.95 for eight, about double the price of a generic protein bar. They pitched three flavors and a no-questions refund policy. They sold online, including on Amazon, and the bars came with a money-back guarantee.
Despite these features, the bars were too expensive and the claims unconvincing. Reviews on Amazon dropped to under 2 stars, with many calling the product a scam and criticizing the taste and effectiveness.
What Happened To The Minuscal After Shark Tank?
After things went wrong for a snack bar company called MinusCal, everything happened really fast. In 2019, people stopped talking about MinusCal on places like Twitter and Instagram. By 2020, their website was no longer available. The bar was sold on Amazon, but they stopped selling it because most customers gave it bad reviews. People didn’t like it.
Because they weren’t making money anymore, the company had to shut down by 2020. It became worthless, which means it had no value left. Many reviews said that the bars didn’t taste good and didn’t work well enough to be worth the price. A few researchers and users online said that the bars might help block some fat, but it was a very small amount, like losing just one pound every 35 days, which isn’t a lot at all!
Now, MinusCal is completely gone. The guy who helped start it, Barrett, is working with a different health company. Another founder, Crom, is also doing other things. Sadly, their big dream for the bars ended pretty quickly. So, MinusCal was a snack bar that didn’t work out as planned, and now it’s just a part of the past.
MinusCal tried to deliver a tasty answer to dieting woes with a fat-blocking snack bar. They came armed with promises and science, yet fell short on clarity, validation, and pricing. The Sharks saw the gaps and walked away. The company closed within a few years. But the story is still valuable.
MinusCal shows how tough the health-product space can be. Bold claims demand rock-solid proof and transparency. Even with some scientific basis, unclear presentation and high cost can sink the ship. For entrepreneurs, MinusCal’s tale is a reminder: promise less, prove more, and always prepare for scrutiny. Small ideas can still spark big lessons.
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.
