What Happened To Pipsnacks/Pipcorn After Shark Tank? (2022 Update)

By Jasmine Last updated Nov 18, 2022

How often have you popped a bag of popcorn to enjoy with a movie at the end of a long day, only to have pieces of popcorn become stuck in your teeth?

Popcorn is a delicious treat, but it really makes it difficult to enjoy it.

High levels of fiber and antioxidants make it a healthy food choice. And because it’s so filling and inexpensive, it’s a popular pick for calorie-conscious eaters.

The founders of Pipcorn were just like you when they were searching for popcorn that didn’t hurt their teeth. That’s why they were so excited when they found hereditary popcorn kernels that had all the crunch without the sting.

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Then Came Shark Tank

Oprah’s Favorite Things came before Shark Tank. Moreover, the Smorgasburg Brooklyn Farmers Market existed long before Oprah did. Following the discovery of the farmer who had supplied the kernels for the first bag of traveling popcorn, they set out on their business excursion.

After researching heritage varieties of corn, they made Pipcorn in their mother’s old pasta cooker. The initial batches of Pipcorn were sold to the fortunate people of Brooklyn, New York, in hand-stamped brown paper bags. Somebody from Oprah’s Favorite Things team stumbled upon them while they were working the booth one day.

We can assure you if you haven’t seen that portion of Oprah’s show before, that it is a major event. Oprah selects her favorite products, dishes, and clothes to showcase each year. When a business makes it onto the show, sales typically increase dramatically. The name Pipcorn came up four times, each time being chosen. Their fame spread like wildfire.

This permitted them to sell their products in Whole Foods markets across the United States, a move that served as a kind of unofficial seal of approval. And here is where the show Shark Tank comes in. To continue growing, Pipcorn needed more assistance than it could provide on its own.

One of the show’s producers contacted them, and they made an appearance on season 6 in 2022.

They proposed a deal with the sharks that would provide them $200,000 in exchange for 10% of the company, and Barbara Corcoran accepted. “We went in wanting to work with Barbara and got a deal, and it’s been a terrific relationship since,” Jeff said to Food Business News.

Pipcorn Come From

Pipcorn’s origin story is like that of many other brilliant ideas: it developed by accident. In 2022, Jeff and Jen, brother and sister, were moving Jen into her new apartment. Fortunately, Teresa, Jeff’s wife, was there to lend a hand.

After a long day of lifting and carrying heavy objects, they collapsed into exhaustion and hunger. Everyone who has ever moved knows that food is the one thing you always forget to pack.

Jen discovered several bags of heritage popcorn, which she had purchased while working at a health food store, at the back of a cupboard. They microwaved them, and out came the most delicious popcorn anyone had ever tasted.

Crispy, delicious, and largely free of bits that might get lodged in your teeth. But how could this have happened?! The key was the specific variety of maize kernel used.

In contrast to the maize kernels often used in ordinary popcorn, those used in heirloom popcorn have never been genetically engineered.

The result was a product that tasted authentically of corn despite being significantly more diminutive than standard corn.

Adverse Effects

Popcorn that is popped in the air is generally safe for consumption by the general public. Some individuals may have abdominal distention, flatulence, and diarrhea as a result of an increase in fiber consumption. Popcorn itself is probably safe, but the trans fats and flavoring compounds added to it are more likely to cause harm.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical used in the lining of most microwave popcorn bags, has raised concerns among some experts. Many common non-stick pans are coated with PFOA. However, the amount used in microwave bags has been deemed safe by the FDA.

Since PFOA accumulates in the body, more study is probably still needed to determine the long-term dangers of PFOA in people who regularly consume microwave popcorn.

Pipcorn’s Net Worth

Pipcorn’s sales went from $200,000 to $1,150,000 in only a few short months after their participation on Shark Tank, thanks in large part to Barbara. Pipcorn is currently worth around $1.4 million. What a remarkable rise from its humble beginnings as a kitchen-based business!

Today, the company contracts with partners on both the West and East Coasts of the United States to manufacture its packaging. The founders were then free to concentrate on developing the company from within. Over forty positions were added, allowing Pipcorn to recruit innovative thinkers who can help the company grow even faster.

The company’s product line has evolved over the years and now encompasses far more than just popcorn. Their e-commerce platform was built over the course of last year, allowing them to stock a wide variety of snacks, from cheese puffs to flavored popcorn to corn chips that go with just about any dip.

If you’d rather shop in a store, you can find this nutritious treat in more than a hundred different Safeways, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. Their products are now available in Canada, and international dominance is still in their sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Popcorn Good For Weight loss?

Popcorn is low in calories and makes a great snack addition to a healthy weight loss plan. Because popcorn is also a great source of dietary fiber, it can also help keep you satisfied and fuller longer in between meals.

How Many Calories are in Homemade Popcorn?

If you make your own popcorn at home, a 1-cup serving of air-popped popcorn contains around 31 calories. If you add butter, salt, or other flavorings, the calorie count may increase slightly.

Is Microwave Popcorn Dangerous For Consumption?

Microwave popcorn is generally considered safe for consumption, especially when it does not contain excessive butter, seasonings, or other additives. However, in some cases, butter-flavored microwave popcorn may cause damage to the lungs if large quantities are inhaled over time. Studies show that “popcorn lung” is preventable, however, if consumers allow the bag to fully cool before opening, inhaling, and consuming.