Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Update | Season 15 Episode 1

Brothers and co-founders Ryan and Doug Bouton pitched their chocolate brand, Gatsby Chocolate, on the season premiere of Shark Tank Season 15.

Gatsby Chocolate offers products with half the calories of traditional chocolate and up to 75% less sugar than many other chocolate options available.

Did Gatsby Chocolate get a deal on Shark Tank?

Find out all the details in our Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank update and pitch recap…

Gatsby Chocolate On Shark Tank

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner	Accepted deal of $250,000 for 20% stake, plus $250,000 loan for 6% interest. The stake will increase to 30% when sales hit $10 million and will increase again to 40% when sales hit $50 million
Kevin O’Leary	$500,000 as venture debt for 12% equity (Not Accepted)
Daymond John	No Offer
Candace Nelson	No Offer

Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Deal

• Business: Chocolate brand with less sugar and calories
• Entrepreneurs: Ryan Bouton and Doug Bouton
• Asked For: $500,000 for 5% equity
• Shark Tank Deal: $250,000 for 20% equity, plus $250,000 as a loan for 6% interest. Stake increases to 30% at $10 million in sales, and again to 40% at $50 million in sales
• Shark: Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner

Gatsby Chocolate Company Info

Gatsby Chocolate Overview

Gatsby Chocolate is a revolutionary brand in the chocolate industry, offering low-calorie, low-sugar chocolate bars without compromising on taste.

Ryan and Doug, the co-founders, describe it as the “Halo Top” of chocolate— a fitting comparison since Doug previously co-founded Halo Top Ice Cream, a wildly successful low-calorie dessert brand.

Their vision is simple yet impactful: to make chocolate an accessible, healthier treat for everyone.

With products available nationwide, Gatsby Chocolate is already positioned to disrupt the traditional chocolate market.

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Gatsby Chocolate Founders

Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Pitch Recap

The “Shark Tank” stage is known for its intense negotiations and entrepreneurial drama, but in the case of Gatsby Chocolate, it was a mix of sweet innovation, bold offers, and fierce business negotiations.

Brothers Ryan and Doug Bouton entered the Tank during the season premiere of Shark Tank Season 15, presenting their healthier alternative to traditional chocolate: Gatsby Chocolate.

They hoped to impress the Sharks with a product that’s not only delicious but also healthier, boasting fewer calories and significantly less sugar than most chocolates on the market.

But did their pitch strike the right chord with the Sharks?

Pitching The Product: Gatsby Chocolate

Gatsby Chocolate is positioned as the healthier chocolate alternative, featuring half the calories and up to 75% less sugar than traditional chocolate brands. The brothers confidently claim that their product is the “Halo Top of chocolate,” drawing a comparison to the wildly successful Halo Top ice cream, a brand Doug himself co-founded.

This reference immediately caught the attention of the Sharks, as it signaled a high potential for industry leadership, similar to what Halo Top achieved in the frozen dessert space.

The brothers proudly highlight that Gatsby Chocolate bars are available at major retailers such as Albertsons, Safeway, and Sprouts, and boast over 6,000 points of distribution.

This strong retail presence adds credibility to their pitch. However, the Sharks were still curious: “Does it actually taste good?” was the looming question hanging in the air.

Gatsby Chocolate Financials: Cost & Sales Breakdown

When it came time to discuss numbers, Ryan and Doug confidently shared that Gatsby Chocolate’s sales for the previous year were just over $2.5 million, with the bulk of this revenue coming in the fourth quarter.

The retail price of their chocolate bars is $3.99, and they wholesale for $2.70 per bar. As far as production costs go, the brothers mentioned that it costs about $1.90 to make each bar, giving them a margin of around 35% to 40%.

Doug also added that they have a clear path to 50% margins, suggesting that the company could become more profitable in the near future.

However, despite these promising figures, the company was still not profitable, having lost $3.5 million the previous year, which raised a red flag for the Sharks.

This loss came despite the company’s impressive retail expansion, leaving the Sharks questioning whether the business could achieve sustainable growth and profitability.

Sharks’ Offers and Reactions On Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Pitch

Daymond John: Out Early

Daymond John was the first to speak, and while he praised the Gatsby Chocolate’s product, he was quick to note that he didn’t feel he could add much value to the company.

Daymond mentioned that he would likely be the one calling Doug for advice, rather than the other way around, signaling that he didn’t feel confident in his ability to help grow the business.

As a result, Daymond made the decision to bow out early, despite his appreciation for the product.

Lori Greiner: A Strong Offer

Lori Greiner, known for her expertise in product development and retail, immediately saw potential in Gatsby Chocolate.

She was interested in helping them scale their business and even offered a $250,000 investment for 20% equity, which is a strong offer in itself. However, Lori sweetened the deal by offering an additional $250,000 as a loan at 6% interest, bringing her total financial commitment to $500,000.

Lori also expressed her desire to help the brothers with repackaging and branding, which she believed would elevate the product’s market presence.

Kevin O’Leary: Venture Debt Option

Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” was intrigued by the business but took a more financial-focused approach to his offer. Instead of offering a typical equity stake, Kevin proposed $500,000 as venture debt in exchange for 12% equity.

This type of deal is structured to offer interest-bearing debt along with a relatively small equity stake, which would allow him to earn a return while still maintaining control over the business.

While the offer was large, the debt component left some of the brothers wary, especially with the company still facing cash flow challenges.

Candace Nelson: A No-Go on the Branding

Candace Nelson, the guest Shark and founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, was another interested party. She loved the taste of Gatsby Chocolate, but she had strong concerns about the branding.

Candace believed that the brand needed a refresh in order to connect with consumers on a deeper level, and this was enough for her to step out of the deal. However, she didn’t exit the conversation without leaving behind a vote for the brothers to team up with Lori, who had a strong track record in product innovation.

Negotiations With Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner

As the Sharks began to exit, Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner emerged as the most powerful pair in the room. They teamed up and made a joint offer to the brothers: $500,000 in exchange for 20% equity, with half of the investment coming as a loan and the other half as equity.

But the real catch was in the sales-based equity adjustments: if Gatsby Chocolate hit $10 million in sales, the equity would increase to 30%, and if they hit $20 million in sales, the equity would jump to 40%.

This offer was bold and reflected the growth potential that Mark and Lori saw in Gatsby Chocolate.

However, Doug was concerned about the terms and the potential limitations on selling the company under such an arrangement. He proposed a counteroffer: the same deal, but with the 40% equity not kicking in until the company reached $50 million in sales.

Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Deal

After some back-and-forth, Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner agreed to the new terms, which meant that the Gatsby Chocolate brothers left the Tank with a deal for $500,000 in exchange for 20% equity, with the terms to increase to 30% and 40% as sales milestones were met.

This agreement was a win for the brothers, who had successfully negotiated a deal that addressed their growth concerns while still offering them ample support in terms of expertise and resources to take their business to the next level.

With a strong backing from two seasoned Sharks, Gatsby Chocolate left Shark Tank with the opportunity to grow into a major player in the chocolate industry.

Now, the question is: will their deal with Mark and Lori lead to the same kind of explosive success that Halo Top achieved? Time will tell!

Keep reading our Gatsby Chocolate update to find out what happens to the business following the show!

Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Update

So, what happened to Gatsby Chocolate after Shark Tank?

In terms of the latest Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Update, Gatsby Chocolate has seen significant developments since their Shark Tank appearance.

We had the opportunity to interview Ryan Bouton to catch up on their journey post-show. One of the highlights of the experience for Ryan was discovering just how “genuine and unscripted” the show is.

He explained, “It is totally unscripted, and the sharks lend their full and undivided attention to you,” a testament to the authenticity of the show that made a lasting impression on him.

In terms of sales, Gatsby Chocolate has had a unique experience compared to other Shark Tank businesses. While they are available nationwide at Walmart and in select Sprouts locations, their products are not sold online.

This has made it difficult to track direct sales numbers, but Ryan shared that they saw a significant surge in web and social media traffic lasting about three days following the airing of their episode.

Regarding the deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, Ryan mentioned that the agreement is nearly finalized, with ongoing weekly conversations. Mark has even mentioned Gatsby Chocolate on his TV appearances and social media, offering valuable insights into branding and messaging.

Fans can find Gatsby Chocolate in Walmart stores nationwide and at select Sprouts locations, and with a “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” offer at Walmart, customers can receive a refund for one bar by texting a copy of their receipt.

We’re excited to see where Gatsby Chocolate’s journey takes them next!

Gatsby Chocolate Net Worth 2025

During their Shark Tank pitch, the founders of Gatsby Chocolate sought an investment of $500,000 for 20% equity, which valued the company at $2.5 million.

At the time, Gatsby Chocolate had impressive distribution with over 6,000 points of sale and annual sales of around $2.5 million, primarily in the fourth quarter.

However, the company had yet to reach profitability, as they reported a loss of $3.5 million in the previous year, indicating potential for future growth but also financial hurdles.

Since their appearance on Shark Tank, Gatsby Chocolate has likely grown in both revenue and brand recognition, especially with the backing of Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner.

Given their expansion into larger retailers and plans for increased margins, the company’s valuation has likely increased, especially considering the partnership’s milestones tied to sales growth.

While specific post-show figures aren’t available, it’s reasonable to estimate that Gatsby Chocolate’s current net worth could be around $5 million to $10 million, depending on the success of their upcoming expansions and improved profitability.

Did Gatsby Chocolate Get A Deal On Shark Tank?

Yes, Gatsby Chocolate successfully secured a deal on Shark Tank.

After pitching their healthier chocolate brand, the founders, Ryan and Doug Bouton, received offers from multiple Sharks. Initially, Lori Greiner offered $250,000 for 20% equity plus a $250,000 loan at 6% interest, while Kevin O’Leary offered $500,000 in venture debt for 12% equity.

However, it was a partnership between Mark Cuban and Lori that ultimately won the deal. They offered $500,000, with half as a loan and half as equity for 20%.

The negotiation took a turn when Doug countered with a deal that delayed the 40% equity milestone until $50 million in sales, which Mark and Lori agreed to.

This agreement gave the brothers the deal they were hoping for, allowing them to continue scaling their business with the support of two experienced Sharks.

Is Gatsby Chocolate Still In Business?

Yes, Gatsby Chocolate is still in business and continues to thrive following its Shark Tank appearance.

The company, which focuses on healthier chocolate options with fewer calories and sugar, has expanded its reach significantly since the show. Gatsby Chocolate is now available in major retail stores like Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, and Sprouts, with over 6,000 points of distribution across the U.S.

The brand has also seen an increase in social media and web traffic, further solidifying its place in the competitive chocolate market.

The deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner has played a pivotal role in the company’s continued growth. Although the deal wasn’t finalized immediately after the show, Gatsby Chocolate has maintained close communication with the investors, indicating a strong partnership.

With plans for better margins and expanded distribution, Gatsby Chocolate is poised for even greater success in the coming years.

Gatsby Chocolate Review

Gatsby Chocolate has garnered attention for its healthier take on traditional chocolate, offering a product that contains half the calories and up to 75% less sugar than most chocolate options available on the market.

This makes it an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers who still want to indulge in a sweet treat. The chocolate bars are available in various flavors, and the product’s rich taste often surprises those skeptical about its health-conscious ingredients.

With a retail price of $3.99 per bar, Gatsby Chocolate provides a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Customer reviews highlight the brand’s successful balance of taste and nutrition, with many praising the chocolate’s creamy texture and satisfying sweetness.

While some consumers are initially cautious about the lower sugar content, most are impressed by the flavor profile and the fact that the bars don’t have an artificial aftertaste.

As Gatsby Chocolate continues to grow its distribution, it’s becoming a popular choice in health-conscious snack aisles, especially in retailers like Walmart, Safeway, and Sprouts.

Overall, Gatsby Chocolate stands out as a strong contender in the healthier snack category.

Where To Buy Gatsby Chocolate?

Gatsby Chocolate is now widely available at major retailers, making it easy to find in stores across the country.

You can purchase it at Walmart nationwide, as well as at select Sprouts locations. The company has also partnered with top grocery chains such as Albertsons, Safeway, and Sprouts, expanding its availability to over 6,000 points of distribution.

You can use the store locator on the Gatsby Chocolate website to find a nearby location.

Additionally, Gatsby Chocolate is available for purchase online, including on Amazon, where you can conveniently order it from the comfort of your home.

Whether you prefer shopping in-store or online, there are plenty of options to get your hands on these healthier, low-sugar chocolate bars.

For Walmart customers, the buy 2, get 1 free promotion is a great way to try multiple flavors while saving money. Simply text your receipt to the company to redeem the offer.

Gatsby Chocolate Challenges and Future Goals

While the brand has made notable strides, challenges remain. Profit margins are improving, but achieving 50% profitability is critical for long-term sustainability.

Additionally, cash flow is still a work in progress as the company focuses on scaling production and distribution.

The goal for Ryan and Doug is clear: establish Gatsby Chocolate as a market leader in low-calorie, guilt-free chocolate. If successful, their story could mirror the meteoric rise of Halo Top.

FAQs About Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Update Today

Final Thoughts: Gatsby Chocolate After Shark Tank

According to the latest Gatsby Chocolate Shark Tank Update: From the Shark Tank stage to store shelves across the nation, Gatsby Chocolate has already made a significant impact in the chocolate industry.

With the continued support of Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, along with a strong vision from Ryan and Doug Bouton, the brand is poised for further growth.

Stay tuned for more Gatsby Chocolate Update as the business continues its journey toward becoming the “Halo Top” of the chocolate world.

Whether you’re a health-conscious eater or a die-hard chocolate lover, Gatsby Chocolate is worth keeping an eye on.

In the meantime, you can check out other Company Updates on Shark Tank Season 15 Episode 1 by clicking on the links below:

• PIE Wine After Shark Tank Update
• Worthy Brands After Shark Tank Update
• Gently Soap After Shark Tank Update

Before you go, make sure to visit our Season 15 Company Updates Page, All Company Updates Page and Shark Tank All Products Page for more information on various companies and products featured in the Show.

At the same time, you can FOLLOW our blog to get the latest updates on businesses featured in Shark Tank Show. And, if you have any questions, you can send us message at your convenience.

Lastly, you can check out more Company Updates for the businesses or companies featured in Shark Tank Season 14 by visiting our Season 14 Company Updates Page.