When I first heard about Dollop Gourmet, I was immediately intrigued. A healthier frosting? Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO? It sounded like a dream come true for anyone who loves desserts but wants to avoid the guilt. And when I learned about Heather Saffer, the founder who brought this innovative product to life, I knew her story would be just as compelling as her frosting flavors.
Let me take you on a journey through the rise of Dollop Gourmet—a story of resilience, innovation, and sweet success.
The Birth of Dollop Gourmet
Heather Saffer’s journey began long before her appearance on Shark Tank. A self-taught baker from Rochester, New York, Heather’s passion for desserts led her to open a bakery. However, her first business venture didn’t go as planned—it failed. But Heather didn’t let this setback define her. Just three weeks later, she opened another bakery and eventually won Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. This victory not only boosted her confidence but also gave her the resources to write a cookbook and dream bigger.
Heather noticed a glaring gap in the market for frosting. Most store-bought frostings were packed with artificial ingredients and unhealthy additives. She wanted to create something better—something that tasted homemade but was accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. And thus, Dollop Gourmet was born.
The frosting line was designed to be vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and lower in sugar than traditional options. With flavors like Sea Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, Dollop Gourmet aimed to prove that healthier alternatives could still be indulgent.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Heather’s big break came when she appeared on Shark Tank in Season 7, Episode 27, which aired on May 6, 2016. Walking into the Tank with cupcakes topped with Dollop Gourmet frosting samples, she sought $75,000 in exchange for 20% equity in her company.
The Sharks were immediately drawn to Heather’s energy and passion. Mark Cuban declared himself a “frosting freak,” while Lori Greiner recognized Heather from Cupcake Wars. As the Sharks tasted the frostings—Vanilla, Sea Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, and Hot Chocolate—they were impressed by both the product’s taste and its health-conscious ingredients.
However, there were challenges. The retail price of $6.99 per jar raised eyebrows, as did Heather’s profit margins of 40%. Kevin O’Leary saw potential synergy with his investment in Wicked Good Cupcakes but demanded a significant equity stake. Barbara Corcoran ultimately offered $75,000 for 25% equity—a deal Heather accepted after some negotiation.
The Deal That Wasn’t
Though Heather walked out of the Tank with a deal from Barbara Corcoran, it was later revealed that the agreement never materialized. Both parties mutually decided not to move forward. But this didn’t slow down Dollop Gourmet—in fact, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
The Shark Tank Effect
Appearing on Shark Tank gave Dollop Gourmet what many entrepreneurs dream of: massive exposure. The company’s website saw a surge in traffic after the episode aired, and sales skyrocketed by nearly $45,000 within days. Heather leveraged this momentum to expand her retail presence. By 2018, Dollop Gourmet products were available in major stores like Wegmans, Whole Foods, Meijer, and HEB.
Heather also embraced e-commerce with gusto. She launched an online store just a week before her Shark Tank episode aired and was soon flooded with orders. Social media played a crucial role in building brand awareness—Dollop Gourmet’s Instagram account became a hub for health-conscious dessert lovers.
Challenges Along the Way
Success didn’t come without its hurdles. Scaling production while maintaining quality proved challenging. Supply chain disruptions and increasing competition in the health-conscious food segment tested Heather’s resilience. Yet she remained committed to her vision.
Heather also faced personal challenges during this time. In interviews, she spoke candidly about battling anorexia and how her entrepreneurial journey helped her find purpose and strength.
Acquisition by Mimac
In 2019, Dollop Gourmet was acquired by Mimac—a Canadian company specializing in frostings and glazes. This partnership allowed Dollop Gourmet to benefit from Mimac’s decades of experience while staying true to its core values of quality and inclusivity.
Under Mimac’s ownership, Dollop Gourmet continued to innovate. New equipment improved texture and flavor consistency, and plans were set in motion to expand the product line further.
Where Are They Now?
As of January 2025, Dollop Gourmet remains active under Mimac’s leadership. While some challenges persist—such as occasional supply chain issues—the brand continues to resonate with consumers seeking healthier dessert options.
Dollop Gourmet has also hinted at exciting developments for the future. Seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha are reportedly in the works, along with sugar-free and keto-friendly options.
Heather Saffer has since stepped away from day-to-day operations but remains involved as the brand’s ambassador. She has also explored other ventures, including writing cookbooks and launching a pet-inspired clothing line called Heather & Donald.
Key Details About Dollop Gourmet
Here’s a snapshot of Dollop Gourmet’s journey:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Dollop Gourmet |
| Founders | Heather Saffer |
| Season & Episode | Season 7, Episode 27 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $75,000 for 20% |
| Final Deal | $75,000 for 25% (deal not finalized) |
| Shark(s) Involved | Barbara Corcoran |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Mark Cuban calling himself a “frosting freak”; Barbara’s triumphant negotiation |
| Current Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Business Status | Active; acquired by Mimac in 2019 |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Significant growth post-show; exact figures undisclosed |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram (@dollopgourmet) |
| Key Achievements | Expanded into major retailers; acquired by Mimac |
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dollop Gourmet’s story is full of valuable lessons for anyone looking to start their own business:
- Resilience Is Key: Heather turned failures into stepping stones for success.
- Leverage Exposure: Even without finalizing a deal on Shark Tank, she used the platform to catapult her brand.
- Stay True to Your Vision: By sticking to her commitment to quality ingredients and inclusivity, Heather built a loyal customer base.
- Adaptability Matters: From embracing e-commerce to navigating supply chain challenges, flexibility played a crucial role in Dollop Gourmet’s growth.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Dollop Gourmet as it continues to innovate and expand its reach under Mimac’s guidance. For Heather Saffer, this chapter may have closed—but her impact on the food industry is undeniable.
Dollop Gourmet isn’t just about frosting; it’s about proving that healthier choices can be just as delicious—and sometimes even sweeter—than their traditional counterparts!