Have you ever stopped to think about the environmental impact of your toothpaste? That’s not something I had considered much, until I came across Bite Toothpaste Bits. Their story, their mission, and their journey on Shark Tank are fascinating—and I’m excited to share every detail with you. Let’s dive into their world of eco-friendly innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance.
The Beginning: A Vision for Change
Bite Toothpaste Bits was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: to reduce the environmental impact of traditional toothpaste. The founders, Lindsay McCormick and Asher Hunt, noticed the staggering number of toothpaste tubes discarded annually—over one billion—clogging landfills and polluting the planet. Determined to make a difference, they developed toothpaste tablets that come in recyclable glass jars. These little tabs are vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, proving that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand.
Lindsay and Asher’s backgrounds are as inspiring as their product. Lindsay, a former TV producer, was no stranger to the power of storytelling and innovation. Asher brought technical expertise and a shared passion for creating impactful solutions. Together, they formed a dream team determined to shake up the oral care industry.
Their big break came in Season 11, Episode 14 of Shark Tank. With their eco-conscious mission and groundbreaking product, they were ready to pitch their idea to the Sharks.
The Shark Tank Experience
The Ask
When Lindsay and Asher stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, they were seeking $325,000 in exchange for 5% equity in Bite Toothpaste Bits. This valued their company at $6.5 million—an ambitious ask, but one rooted in their confidence and early success.
The Pitch
Their pitch was compelling. Lindsay and Asher laid out the environmental hazards of traditional toothpaste tubes, driving home the urgency of their mission. They explained how Bite’s toothpaste tablets offered a sustainable, high-quality alternative. The Sharks were intrigued when they revealed their sales projections: $1.3 million by the end of the year.
One memorable moment was the discussion about fluoride. Traditional toothpaste typically includes fluoride for cavity prevention, but Bite’s tablets didn’t—at least not yet. Lindsay confidently addressed this concern, explaining that they were in the process of developing a fluoride option. This, they emphasized, would make Bite the only U.S. company offering such a product in tablet form.
The Offers—Or Lack Thereof
The Sharks were impressed but cautious. Kevin O’Leary offered $325,000 for 20% equity, while Mark Cuban proposed $325,000 for 15%, contingent on selling through Amazon. Lindsay and Asher countered with 5% equity plus 2% advisory shares, but the Sharks weren’t willing to meet them halfway. Ultimately, no deal was struck.
Despite walking away without an investment, Lindsay and Asher saw Shark Tank as an invaluable platform to showcase their product and mission to millions of viewers.
The Bite Toothpaste Bits Journey: By the Numbers
To give you a clearer picture of Bite’s journey, here’s a detailed table summarizing their Shark Tank experience and beyond:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Bite Toothpaste Bits |
| Founders | Lindsay McCormick and Asher Hunt |
| Season & Episode | Season 11, Episode 14 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $325,000 for 5% equity |
| Final Deal | No deal |
| Shark(s) Involved | Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban made offers; however, no deal was finalized. |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Discussions on the absence of fluoride in the product and the environmental impact of traditional toothpaste tubes. |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $6 million as of 2024. |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Achieved an estimated annual revenue of $4 million as of 2024. |
| Social Media Presence | Active on various platforms, engaging with an eco-conscious community. |
| Key Achievements | Expanded product line to include eco-friendly body care items; successful crowdfunding, raising over $1.3 million on WeFunder; featured in major publications like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. |
Life After Shark Tank
Growth and Expansion
Bite’s post-Shark Tank journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Without the backing of a Shark, they leaned into their direct-to-consumer model and leveraged their appearance on the show to build brand awareness. Their message resonated deeply with eco-conscious consumers, fueling their rapid growth.
One of their most significant achievements was expanding their product line. Bite now offers eco-friendly body care products, staying true to their mission of sustainability. They’ve also successfully raised over $1.3 million through crowdfunding on WeFunder, proving that a strong community can be as valuable as a Shark’s investment.
Challenges and Pivots
Every entrepreneurial journey has its hurdles. For Bite, navigating customer concerns about fluoride was a major challenge. However, their decision to develop a fluoride option showcased their adaptability and commitment to meeting consumer needs while staying aligned with their values.
Additionally, reintroducing their products on Amazon marked a strategic pivot. Initially hesitant, they embraced the platform to reach a broader audience, aligning with Mark Cuban’s earlier advice.
Where Are They Now?
As of 2024, Bite Toothpaste Bits is thriving. The company boasts an estimated annual revenue of $4 million and a valuation of $6 million. Their products are available online and have gained recognition in major publications like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. They’ve also built a strong social media presence, engaging with an ever-growing community of eco-conscious consumers.
Bite’s commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. From their recyclable glass jars to their innovative new products, they’re proving that businesses can be both profitable and planet-friendly.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
There’s so much to learn from Bite’s journey. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Stay True to Your Mission: Lindsay and Asher’s unwavering commitment to sustainability set Bite apart and resonated with their audience.
- Adaptability is Key: Their decision to develop a fluoride option and embrace Amazon demonstrated their ability to evolve without compromising their values.
- Leverage Every Opportunity: Even without a deal, Shark Tank gave Bite invaluable exposure that helped propel their success.
Final Thoughts
The story of Bite Toothpaste Bits is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Lindsay and Asher turned a simple idea into a thriving business, inspiring countless others to prioritize sustainability in their lives.
As they continue to grow, I’m excited to see how Bite will further impact the personal care industry and the planet. Their journey is a reminder that meaningful change often starts small—with a single idea, a single product, or even a single tablet.
What do you think about Bite’s story? Would you consider switching to toothpaste tablets? Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear them!