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Kodiak Cakes is a food brand that offers high-protein, whole grain, all-natural pancake and waffle mixes. This product was presented in the 5th season of the TV show Shark Tank, a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of potential investors.
Kodiak Cakes’ unique selling proposition focuses on providing a healthy and convenient breakfast. The brand’s main products include pancake and waffle mixes, marketed under “Power Cakes.”
The Power Cakes by Kodiak Cakes are made with 100% whole grains and contain protein-rich ingredients. The gluten-free servings contain around 14 grams of protein without adding milk or eggs.
This is a significant divergence from traditional pancake mixes, which tend to be high in processed carbohydrates and low in protein.
Kodiak Cakes also championed simplicity and ease of use. Their mix only requires adding water, making it an extremely quick and convenient choice for breakfast. The mix can also be used to make muffins, biscuits, and other baked goods, demonstrating versatility in its application.
The appeal of Kodiak Cakes is based on its ability to reconcile the traditional comfort and taste of pancakes with the increasing consumer demand for healthier food options.
As an all-natural product made without artificial preservatives or ingredients, it is a healthier alternative to other breakfast options. The added protein makes it particularly appealing to active individuals, fitness enthusiasts, or those seeking a more balanced diet.
Moreover, the whole grain content adds a layer of heartiness and dietary fiber that helps promote feelings of fullness. Kodiak Cakes has distinguished itself by offering a high-protein, whole-grain, and all-natural alternative to traditional pancake and waffle mixes.
It caters to health-conscious consumers by providing nutritious, convenient, and versatile breakfast options, making it a smart choice for those seeking a hearty and balanced start to their day.
Company Name | Kodiak Cakes |
Entrepreneur | Joel Clark and Cameron Smith |
Product / Business | A pancake, flapjack, and waffle mix made from whole grains and high in protein |
Investment Asking For | $500,000 for 10% equity in Kodiak Cakes |
Final Deal | No Deal |
Shark | No Shark |
Episode | Season 5, Episode 22 |
Business Status | In Business |
Website | Kodiak Cakes Website |
Net Worth | $10 Million |
What Are Kodiak Cakes?
Kodiak Cakes is a popular food brand specializing in high-protein, whole-grain products. The company is best known for its pancake and waffle mixes, but it has expanded its product line to include oatmeal, granola bars, and other baked goods.
Kodiak Cakes aims to provide healthier, more natural versions of traditionally unhealthy foods. Most Kodiak Cakes products are made with 100% whole grains and do not contain artificial preservatives or sweeteners.
Kodiak Cakes is a food brand founded in 1995 in Park City, Utah, United States. The company has grown from a local, family-run business to a national brand while maintaining its commitment to providing wholesome, nutritious foods.
Their products primarily focus on whole grains and proteins, offering healthier alternatives to traditional foods. They are known for making high-protein, whole-grain pancakes and waffle mixes. However, the product range has expanded and now includes various items such as oatmeal, granola bars, muffin mixes, and frozen products.
Kodiak Cakes products use 100% whole grains and no artificial preservatives or sweeteners. This commitment to quality ingredients aligns with its mission to provide consumers with healthful, natural food choices.
Kodiak Cakes products are available in many U.S. grocery stores and can be ordered online through their official website or other e-commerce platforms.
Who Is The Founder Of Kodiak Cakes?
Joel Clark founded Kodiak Cakes. His family had a history of entrepreneurialism in food; his mom, Penny Clark, started selling her whole grain pancake mix in 1982 from the back of her red station wagon.
Joel officially established Kodiak Cakes as a business in 1995 to share his mother’s delicious, wholesome, easy-to-make pancake mix on a larger scale. Joel Clark grew up in the rural town of Park City, Utah, and was used to an active, outdoor lifestyle.
He noticed a gap in the market for a product that could provide the necessary energy and nutrition for people leading similar lifestyles while still being a tasty and comforting food option.
This led him to focus on creating pancake mixes high in protein and made from 100% whole grains. The name “Kodiak Cakes” was inspired by the Kodiak bear, an animal known for its strength and size, symbolizing the hearty, energizing quality of the product.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Kodiak Cakes was already performing well. The products were sold in many health and grocery stores across the United States, and the brand had a loyal following.
However, the company sought investment to expand its operations and reach more customers. This led Joel Clark to pitch his business on Shark Tank in 2014.
During his presentation, Clark impressed the Sharks with the product’s taste, healthy ingredients, and established sales record. However, they turned down his proposal due to the valuation he put on the company.
Despite this initial setback, Kodiak Cakes continued to thrive, using the exposure from the show to fuel its growth. Today, it is one of the most successful companies to have appeared on Shark Tank, proving that sometimes the Sharks don’t always get it right.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Kodiak Cakes?
When Kodiak Cakes appeared on the fifth season of Shark Tank, the company was represented by Joel Clark and his brother-in-law, Cameron Smith. They entered the Tank seeking a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 10% stake in their company, which was a valuation of $5 million.
Joel and Cameron started their pitch by explaining the company’s background and the vision behind it. They underscored the nutritional benefits of Kodiak Cakes, emphasizing that their products were made from 100% whole grains, had no artificial ingredients, and were high in protein.
To prove the quality and appeal of their product, they even made pancakes in the Tank and served them to the Sharks. While all the Sharks enjoyed the taste of the pancakes, they were split on their opinions about the business.
Daymond John appreciated the quality of the product but questioned the company’s valuation. Kevin O’Leary, always concerned about getting his money back, was not convinced by the valuation.
The product resonated with health-conscious Shark Mark Cuban, who recognized the rising trend of consumers seeking healthier, protein-rich foods. However, he, too, found the $5 million valuation steep.
Lori Greiner was the first to bow out, citing that the pancake and waffle mix market wasn’t her expertise.
Robert Herjavec saw potential in the product and made an offer with a different deal structure. He proposed $500,000 for a 50% stake in the company, far more equity than Joel and Cameron were willing to give up.
When Joel countered by offering 20% equity for the $500,000 investment, Robert dropped out, claiming the counteroffer was still too low.
Ultimately, despite the Sharks enjoying the product and acknowledging the growing market for such a health-conscious offering, no Shark made a deal with Kodiak Cakes.
The primary obstacles were the founders’ high company valuation and unwillingness to give up a large equity stake. Nevertheless, the exposure from the show undoubtedly helped boost the brand’s visibility, and it has since grown significantly.
Final Deal: No deal between Kodiak Cakes and Sharks.
What Happened To Kodiak Cakes After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, Kodiak Cakes experienced remarkable growth and success. While they did not secure a deal with the Sharks, the exposure from the show helped propel their brand to new heights.
The company continued to focus on expanding its product line and increasing its presence in major retailers and online platforms. Kodiak Cakes reached a significant milestone in 2021 when L Catterton acquired their company.
The partnership with L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused private equity firm, provided the company with additional resources and expertise to further grow the brand.
Kodiak Cakes thrives with a diverse product line, including waffle mixes and oatmeal, syrups, cookies, and granola bars. Their products are widely available in major retailers, and they even offer a subscription service with added benefits like a 10 percent discount and free shipping for orders above $45 in the US.
The growth and expansion efforts of Kodiak Cakes were significant factors in its valuation. The company is valued at an impressive $160 million. This valuation comes after a journey that began in 2014 when they sought a $500,000 investment for 10% equity on Shark Tank but did not secure a deal.
Despite not getting an immediate deal on the show, they still earned $54 million in four years, showcasing their ability to capitalize on the exposure and leverage their product’s appeal.
Kodiak Cakes’ success is attributed to its dedication to providing healthy, whole-grain, and protein-powered mixes. Their Protein Power Cakes mix, in particular, has been a best-seller, appealing to health-conscious millennials and a broader audience seeking nutritious breakfast options.
The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has been instrumental in its ongoing growth and increasing valuation. The founders, Joel Clark and Cameron Smith continue to be actively involved with the company after the acquisition by L Catterton.
Their dedication to their vision and ability to capitalize on market trends have been vital to Kodiak Cakes’ success story. Today, Kodiak Cakes remains a prominent player in the healthy breakfast food industry, with its nutritious products widely available and valued at around $10 million.
Kodiak Cakes Shark Tank Update
Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Kodiak Cakes used the exposure from the show as a springboard for growth. The nationwide visibility greatly helped the brand, increasing consumer demand and opening new retail opportunities.
Kodiak Cakes continued to innovate with its product lineup, expanding beyond pancakes and waffles to include other items like oatmeal, granola, and muffin mixes, all staying true to the brand’s health-conscious and high-protein ethos.
The company also launched a line of ready-to-eat products, including protein-packed flapjack and waffle cups, catering to the ever-growing demand for convenience in health food.
The company’s growth has been impressive in the years following the Shark Tank appearance. By 2018, just four years after appearing on the show, Kodiak Cakes had become the fourth-largest pancake mix brand in the United States.
The business has since expanded, landing products in thousands of stores nationwide and pushing revenues into the multi-millions.
Joel Clark and his team at Kodiak Cakes proved that the company’s initial valuation during the Shark Tank pitch was not an overestimation, as the company is now worth significantly more than the valuation given at that time.
Despite the Sharks’ doubts, Kodiak Cakes has emerged as one of the most successful companies ever appearing on the show, even without securing a deal.
The company’s success is a testament to its product quality, the strength of its branding, and the validity of its mission to provide hearty, healthy, and convenient food options to consumers.
Is Kodiak Cakes Still In Business?
Yes, Kodiak Cakes is still in business. The company is privately held and was founded in 1982, offering a range of whole-grain breakfast mixes, including flapjack waffles, granola muffins, oatmeal, brownie mixes, granola protein bars, and gourmet syrups.
These products are made from whole grains and are free from fats, preservatives, and sugar, providing a healthy choice with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Kodiak Cakes has experienced steady growth, with a current growth rate of 0.80%.
The company’s commitment to providing wholesome and nutritious breakfast options aligns with its mission to bring real, good food to fuel epic days and foster extraordinary living.
They craft their products with 100% whole grains and pack them with protein to offer hearty, warm breakfasts that kickstart mornings and support active lifestyles.
The executive team of Kodiak Cakes consists of ten members, with Valerie Oswalt serving as the CEO and Cameron Smith as the Co-Founder & President.
They have continued catering to consumer preferences for healthy and convenient food options, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased demand for ready-to-eat products.
What Is the Net Worth of Kodiak Cakes?
According to our research, the net worth of Kodiak Cakes is estimated to be $10 million. The valuation of Kodiak Cakes was $5 million when it appeared on Shark Tank.