Shark tank is not your average reality show. The platform has and continues to be a launching pad for some of the greatest products ever invented.
However, a few shark tank's business moguls have been targeted by fake advertisements for products that have never appeared on the show. Some even claim to have been funded by the sharks.
But the truth is, most of the sharks, particularly Mark Cuban, are almost always turned off by products making claims of promoting weight loss.
And this is the case for a whole suite of ketogenic diets and weight loss products like the Teal Farm Keto. This product, also commonly known as the Shark Tank weight loss drink has NEVER been featured on the program.
People who falsely claim that it was featured on the ABC TV show conspicuously fail to mention the season, episode or even the shark who "invested" in it. Clearly this is a hoax.
That said, numerous weight loss supplements have been featured on the program since its inception. As such, we took the trouble of finding out if indeed there's anything that matches the description "weight loss drink" that has ever graced the show.
The only product that closely meets that criterion is Cave Shake (also known as Space Shake). It was featured on Shark Tank season 10, episode 4. Guest Shark Charles Barkley invested in the weight management drink.
Its creators claim that it can give a much-needed boost to individuals following the keto diet. That's a controversial claim and, needless to say, it gave them a rough time in the tank.
So, what is Space Shake really all about? Who are the founders? And did they close a deal with the sharks? Here is our unbiased Cave Shake review and everything else you need to know about the shake.
What's Cave Shake Weight Loss Drink on Shark Tank, and Who are the Founders?
Cave shake was formulated to work as a replacement meal for anyone looking for a paleo or keto diet. It was founded by long-term friends namely, Hollie Heath and Billie Cavallaro.
According to the duo, they created this sweet shake to satisfy the cravings of anyone on a paleo or keto diet. The product comes ready to drink and can be consumed as a meal replacement, snack, or dessert.
The shake consists of low carbohydrate, high-fat diets that "trick your body into burning fat" just as keto diets do. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and is available in various flavors, including chocolate, coffee, and vanilla.
Holly and Billie pitched their product on Shark Tank Season 10, Episode 4. They asked for an investment of $250,000 against 10% equity, thereby valuing their business at $2.5 million.
The duo managed to close a deal with Charles Barkley, the new guest shark. Charles offered them $250,000 in capital for 20% instead of the 10% they had quoted.
The entrepreneurs tried to pursued Charles to come down to 14% and then 18%. However, the shark held firm to his original offer.
So, in the end, Heath and Billi accepted Charles Barkley's deal of $250,000 for a 20% equity. Now, Cave Shake is known as Space Shake and has grown to become one of Shark Tank's success stories.
Space Shake is a product that is Paleo, Keto, vegan, low-carb, and with no added sugar. Therefore, it works similarly to keto or paleo diets.
So, to understand how this shake works, we will look at how keto diets work. Ideally, a ketogenic diet is low in carbs and high in fat. The reduction in carbs helps put the body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
In simple terms, ketosis is a natural process the body initiates to help you survive when food intake is low. During this state, the body tends to burn fat for energy instead of carbs.
As a result, you may start losing weight because the fats that have been in your body are now being broken down.
The Space Shake product is packed with good fats and MCTs designed to give you more sustained energy. MCTs, also referred to as medium-chain triglycerides are the most stable types of fat that are important for your health.
Therefore, taking the Space shake will help you feel full longer without carbs. This will ensure that you don't overeat as this could make losing weight impossible.
You see, weight regain is very common on the keto diet. This is because most people cannot sustain the diet long-term. This shake will, therefore, satisfy the cravings of every keto dieter, to ensure they don't indulge in unhealthy foods.
According to the manufacturers, this product is made up of only organic ingredients. Therefore, it is considered to be free from any major side effects.
Also, worth mentioning is that the shake comprises only 6 ingredients designed to give you more sustained energy. These include:
Organic Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a high-calorie food. It contains about 93% of fat, including saturated fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Coconut milk is also a great source of many vitamins and minerals.
Several studies have found that consuming MCTs may help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing energy.
In a 2008 clinical study, it was shown that consuming MCT oil as part of a weight-loss plan helps improve fat loss.
Research also suggests that MCTs may help decrease calorie intake compared to other types of fats. This is because MCTs usually go from the digestive tract directly to your liver, where they are used for ketone production. Therefore, they are less likely to be stored as fat.
Organic Coffee
This ingredient is only present in coffee-flavored Space Shakes. According to various studies, coffee can help with weight loss when consumed in moderation and without too many added sweeteners.
This is because it is a low-calorie drink and does not contain fats. The Space Shake product uses only organic coffee, so there is nothing to worry about.
In one study, done by Harvard T.H. Chan School researchers, drinking 4 cups of coffee daily could reduce body fat by around 4%.
More so, coffee contains caffeine which has been shown to improve energy and boost metabolism, thereby promoting weight loss.
Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee contains substances that may increase the rate at which your body burns calories (RMR) while resting.
In a study published on PubMed, caffeine was shown to increase RMR by at least 3%, with larger doses having a greater effect. And as you might know, the higher your metabolic rate is, the easier it is to lose weight.
Sea Salt
Sea salt does contain high amounts of sodium. Sodium, on the other hand, is an essential component of the human body, with known influences on obesity. It can also be used to detoxify the digestive system.
You see, most of the foods we consume today are highly refined and processed. A lot of these foods also contain saturated fats, artificial additives, and even chemicals. Therefore, they may contribute to weight gain.
Sea salt works as a "cleanser" to help get rid the body of accumulated toxins in the colon and reduce weight.
A study by Science Daily found that higher sodium intake promotes weight loss by changing the body's total energy needs.
Organic Stevia
Stevia has been growing in popularity as a calorie-free, plant-based alternative to sugar. Besides, it contains little to no carbs and does not rapidly spike blood sugar.
Therefore, in space shake, stevia is used works as a natural sweetener. Because it is calorie-free, this ingredient may help you burn fat when used as a replacement for regular sugar.
According to a 2015 study, the researchers found stevia as a promising tool that may lead to the reduction and prevention of obesity.
In another study published on Sciencedirect.com, the stevia treated groups showed significant improvement and reduction in body weight.
Organic Guar Gum
Guar gum comes from the guar plant. It is a type of polysaccharide or simply a long chain of bonded carbohydrate molecules. However, it is mostly used as a food additive in many processed foods.
Some studies have found that this ingredient could aid weight loss as well as appetite control. This is because it is rich in fiber, which helps promote satiety while reducing appetite.
In a study published on ResearchGate, guar gum was shown to reduce body weight by 1.8 lbs. in overweight adults. The same study showed guar gum to decrease cravings.
Additionally, since guar gum is a soluble fiber, it has been found to have cholesterol-lowering effects. This, in return, helps you lose weight.
Another 2015 study suggested that prolonged consumption of guar gum may significantly decrease energy intake from whole-day snacking. This, therefore, shows that this ingredient is essential in weight management.
However, there are also studies suggesting that this ingredient is not efficacious for reducing body weight. This is considering the adverse events associated with consuming high doses of guar gum.
Organic Vanilla Extract
Organic vanilla extract comes from the pods of the vanilla plant. Besides being used to flavor foods and beverages, it is also used in fragrances and medicines.
It is worth mentioning that this ingredient is only present in the vanilla-flavored space shake. Apparently, vanilla can support your weight goals in different ways, including suppressing your appetite.
Additionally, the extract of vanilla may help lower cholesterol levels. Consequently, this allows your metabolism to run more efficiently, which may lead to weight loss.
More importantly, vanilla extract has been shown to curb sugar intake, which is critical for individuals trying to lose weight. This is because this ingredient contains fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to sugar.
Organic Cacao Powder
This ingredient is only found in chocolate-flavored Space Shakes. Organic cacao powder has been shown to help with weight control in many surprising ways.
It is thought that this ingredient may help you manage your weight, even in the form of chocolate. This is by regulating the use of energy and reducing appetite.
Some studies suggest that cacao powder can help you feel full. Therefore, if you take the powder before a meal, it means you will eat less and even stay full longer.
A study published on ResearchGate, showed that consumption of chocolate with a high cacao content significantly increased the success of weight-loss diets.
Overall, it appears that this ingredient may help maintain weight or achieve weight loss. However, further studies are still needed to support these claims.
The Space Shake drink is easy to take whether you choose the chocolate, vanilla, or coffee flavor. This is because there are many ways to enjoy the shake.
For instance, you can choose to pour over berries, add to your coffee, or freeze for soft-serve ice cream. The chocolate flavor tastes like melted chocolate ice cream, while the vanilla shake tastes like melted vanilla ice cream.
You can also choose to just shake it and drink it on the go. This, therefore, makes it ideal for individuals with busy lifestyles.
Generally, the shake tends to get thicker the colder it becomes. When this happens, you just knead and squeeze it to enjoy.
For an ice cream-type texture, you can freeze the shake for 1/2 hours. But if you want it to thicken up like pudding, you should leave it in the freezer for 1/2 to 1 hour.
Additionally, it is advisable to keep the product refrigerated after opening to ensure it stays fresh. Also, once opened, the manufacturer recommends consuming the shake within 2 days.
Where to Buy the Space Shake & Pricing
Ever since this product was featured on Shark Tank, its sales have been booming. But where can you buy it? Well, you can purchase it online from the manufacturer's website or on Amazon.
On the manufacturer's website, a 6 pack of 3.4OZ Space Shake goes for only $29.99. This price is the same whether you choose the vanilla, chocolate, or coffee flavors.
A 12 pack, on the other hand, costs $59.88 if it's a one-time purchase. However, you can save up to 5% if you subscribe to their 2-weeks or 4-weeks delivery program.
On Amazon, a pack of 12 goes for $59.99, which is slightly higher compared to buying from the official website. Actually, the difference is negligible if your purchase is one-time.
Overall, this product has received mixed reviews on the internet and especially on independent sites like Amazon.
However, there are very few customer reviews on Amazon about the Space Shake. For example, the vanilla-flavored shake has a rating of 2.8 out of 5. The chocolate-flavor shake, on the other hand, has a rating of 4.4 out of 5, which is relatively good.
According to the reviewers, they seem to like the shakes because they are a quick way to stay on the keto diet. Others love the taste of shakes and the fact that they are dairy-free.
We also came across one complaint about receiving just one bottle instead of 6 in a pack. Another complaint was about the taste of the shakes. Some customers found the vanilla-flavored shake to taste weird.
So, judging from the reviews posted on the Amazon website, the Space Shake formula appears like a great product.
Pros
- The shake is both keto and paleo-friendly
- Comes ready to drink on the go
- Non-GMO and have added collagen
- Formulated to help you burn fat for fuel by staying in ketosis
- Made with organic and clean ingredients for safety
- Tastes delicious just like melted ice cream
- Designed to provide you with more sustained energy
- Made without added sugar, dairy products, or gluten
- Helps you feel full without carbs for efficient weight loss
- It can be consumed as a snack, dessert, or a meal replacement
- Loaded with healthy fats
- The manufacturer offers free shipping on any order over $24.95
Cons
- The coffee-flavored shake has caffeine which is a stimulant. So, it may not be ideal for individuals trying to reduce their caffeine-intake.
- Excessive consumption of Space Shake may cause digestive discomfort
Frequently Asked Questions About Space Shake
The Space Shake formula helps you stay in ketosis and burn fat for fuel. However, it may not be for everyone. So, here are answers to commonly asked questions regarding this product.
Q: What is Cave Shake?
A: It is a ready-to-drink shake made from coconut milk to help individuals on the ketogenic diet to stay in ketosis.
Q: How is Cave Shake doing after the Shark Tank deal?
A: The company is still in business and has undergone tremendous changes since it was featured on Shark Tank. For instance, it is no longer called Cave Shake but rather Space Shake. They also ditched their strawberry flavor, reduced the served calories, and changed the jar's packaging to a pouch.
Q: What is the shelf-life of Space Shakes?
A: Each shake comes with a date stamp indicating the shelf-life. However, the shakes can last up to one year if unopened. But once opened, you need to refrigerate and consume them within two days.
Q: Why are the space shakes thick sometimes and thin sometimes?
A: When they are warm, they tend to be thin. And when they are extremely cold, the shakes get thicker. So, the longer they stay in the freezer, the thicker they get.
Q: Where can I buy Space Shakes?
A: You can find them at the manufacturer's official website and on Amazon. Also, the shakes are available at retail stores all over Southern California. You just use the store locator on their site to locate a store near you.
Here are other keto-related products that you might want to check out. All of them appeared on Shark Tank but did not get a deal with sharks. However, some are still in business and others are not.
Doughp (on Episode 22, Season 10)
This is a snackable cookie dough by Kelsey Witherow. The cookie dough was featured on Shark Tank in season 10, episode 22, but she did not get a deal.
Basically, the doughp features edible, bakeable, and tasty cough dough that gives you a desert experience. The product comprises six simple ingredients, including heat-treated flour, butter, baking soda, vanilla, flaxseed, and brown sugar.
The best part is that you can get it in various flavors such as rainbow sprinkle, chocolate S'more, chocolate chip, and cookies + cream. Therefore, you have the freedom to choose which is the best for your taste buds.
EnergyBits aka Skinny Bits (on Episode 9, Season 8)
These are ingestible plant-based tablets formulated to provide raw energy and optimized nutrition. The product was created by Catharine Arnston and even appeared on Shark Tank season 8, episode nine.
Unfortunately, none of the sharks took a liking to the tabs. Therefore, Catharine did not get a deal. The good news is that the product is still on the market and doing good. They have even been featured in a couple of online articles.
With plenty of protein and over 40 micronutrients, these Skinny Bits claim to help reduce your cravings. Additionally, they claim to give you a steady stream of mental and physical energy.
However, the best part about these ENERGYbits is that they are both keto and vegan-friendly. On top of that, they are made without dairy, gluten, soy, and sugar.
Minus Cal (Episode 1, Season 11)
Minus Cal is a protein bar that claims to help block fat and aids in weight loss. Barret Jacques and Crom Carmichael are the guys behind this product.
The duo pitched their business on Shark Tank season 11, episode one. However, in the end, all the sharks backed out of the deal.
As a result, the company went out of business, and the protein bars are no longer available for sale. Their website and their social media channels are not no longer active.
Nui Cookies (on Episode 7, Season 10)
The NUI cookies are marketed as a healthy alternative snack to junk food. They are low in sugar and carbs but high in protein content. This, therefore, makes them keto diet-friendly.
The cookies come in different flavors, including ginger, double chocolate, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, and chocolate chip. Additionally, the cookies are GMO-free, gluten-free, and don't contain artificial sweeteners.
In Season 10, Episode 7, Kristoffer Quiaoit and Victor Macias pitched their snack company NUI on Shark Tank. They were seeking an investment of $300, 000 for 10% equity but instead got $300,000 for 25% equity from Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez.
However, the company seems to have ceased its operations in 2020 and, its products are no longer in stock.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are Keto, Vegan, Paleo, or a low-carb dieter, the Space Shake formula could be a lifesaver for you (find it on Amazon). The shakes contain healthy MCT fats that are sure to provide you with more sustained energy. Consequently, this makes it easy for you to burn fat for fuel.
Besides, the Space Shakes are made with only organic ingredients. Therefore, there are no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives, or even preservatives. On top of that, the shakes are non-GMO and gluten-free.
So, forget about the Shark Tank Weight Loss Drink that is built on fake advertisements. This means that it has never appeared on Shark Tank as the founders' claim. However, Space Shake was on Shark Tank, and the owners secured a deal with one of the business moguls.