Little Saints’ Big Moment: A “Shark Tank” Season 16 Update

Little Saints’ Big Moment: A “Shark Tank” Season 16 Update

Season 16 of Shark Tank has already introduced us to an array of ambitious entrepreneurs, but few have sparked as much curiosity as the founders of Little Saints. Little Saints isn’t your typical startup.

It’s a plant-based, alcohol-free drink company with a twist: its cocktails are crafted to capture the same euphoric, feel-good vibes of a night out—minus the hangover.

But what happened when they stepped into the Shark Tank? Did the Sharks bite? And what’s next for this innovative brand in the rapidly growing zero-proof industry? Let’s dive into what went down.

What is Little Saints, Anyway?

Little Saints was founded by a team with a mission: to offer alcohol-free drinks that don’t sacrifice the experience of a cocktail.

Each Little Saints drink is crafted with natural ingredients like CBD, functional mushrooms, and plant-based terpenes designed to mimic the mood-boosting effects of a drink—without the alcohol. Think “euphoric botanicals” meets “feel-good refreshment,” all bottled up.

In an age where more people are choosing to drink less (or not at all), Little Saints caters to the “sober curious” crowd—those looking for ways to socialize without the booze.

The Sharks’ Reactions: Curiosity Meets Caution

When the founders presented Little Saints, they had the Sharks intrigued. The branding was polished, the mission was clear, and the idea was timely.

With the sober-curious movement on the rise and non-alcoholic drinks growing in popularity, the Sharks recognized the market potential. But as always, the Sharks had questions.

Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary wanted to know about the numbers. What were the costs? What was the profit margin? And most importantly, could Little Saints scale? Barbara Corcoran, ever the brand enthusiast, was curious about the branding and market fit.

Meanwhile, Mark Cuban questioned whether the science behind the “euphoric botanicals” would win over skeptics or fall flat.

The Ask and the Deal

The founders came in with a solid pitch, asking for $200,000 in exchange for 10% of the company. It was clear they’d done their homework—they had a solid understanding of their finances and knew the kind of partnership they wanted. But with some Sharks raising concerns about production costs and the regulatory hurdles surrounding CBD-infused beverages, negotiations took a bit of a twist.

Ultimately, it was Lori Greiner who took the biggest interest. Recognizing the potential for growth in the wellness market, she proposed a counteroffer with a contingency plan to navigate regulatory issues and boost online sales. After a bit of back-and-forth, the founders agreed, landing a deal with Lori that could propel Little Saints into the mainstream.

What the Deal Could Mean for Little Saints

Landing a deal with Lori isn’t just about the money—it’s about access. Lori’s deep understanding of branding and retail could be the springboard Little Saints needs to scale nationwide. She’s known for turning niche brands into household names, and with the growing trend toward non-alcoholic options, the timing is perfect. If Lori’s track record is any indication, Little Saints could soon find itself on shelves in major retailers or become a go-to online brand for the sober-curious crowd.

The Challenges Ahead

While things look promising, it’s not all smooth sailing. Little Saints faces a few challenges that will require sharp business instincts and possibly some help from Lori’s network. For one, CBD is still a tricky ingredient from a regulatory perspective. Even though it’s gaining acceptance, state and federal laws around CBD in food and drink are constantly changing. Additionally, the production costs associated with premium, plant-based ingredients could challenge the company’s ability to keep prices competitive in a still-growing market.

The Bottom Line: What’s Next for Little Saints?

With Shark Tank exposure and Lori Greiner’s backing, Little Saints is now positioned to make a splash in the wellness and non-alcoholic beverage markets. They’ve got the backing, the brand, and the vision to become a key player in this growing space. The question is whether they can balance their unique product appeal with scaling production and navigating the complexities of CBD and botanical-based beverages.

But for now, it looks like Little Saints might just be on their way to becoming little giants in the sober-curious world. Keep an eye out; this could be the start of something big.