Pricklee on 'Shark Tank': What is the cost, who are the founders and how the cactus-based drink is good for you
Staying hydrated is an essential part of staying healthy, but not everyone is a fan of water. If you've been on the prowl for a deliciously healthy drink that comes with antioxidants, nutrients and more, then look no further; Pricklee is what you need!
While Pricklee is all the rage right now, the question is, does it have what it takes to impress Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec and Emma Grede? Let's find out!
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What is Pricklee?
Looking for a way to replenish electrolytes without having to fall back on coconut water? We get it -- unless fresh, packaged coconut water can be less than appealing. Pricklee uses "premium, sustainably-sourced prickly pears, the superfruit of the desert. Containing MORE natural antioxidants than a cup of green tea (including Vitamin C, Flavanoids, Betalains, and Polyphenols), these cactus fruits protect your body from the inside out by boosting: immunity, skin health and immunity."
Who are the founders?
Kun Yang (CEO), Mohammed Hassoun (COO), Jaanai Babb (CMO), Sarwang Shah (CSO) and Aakash Dheri (CFO) are the founders behind Pricklee. All 5 of them are health care professionals who didn't care much for coconut water and were looking for a healthier alternative. It was here that Mohammed Hassoun had a solution --- a refreshing beverage made with prickly pear.
"My grandmother used to make a refreshing drink from the prickly pear. I grew up in Lebanon," Hassoun said, while talking to CBS Boston. "He drove down to this Star Market right back over here and he bought the first prickly pears that we then juiced in our kitchen and made our first batch of Pricklee and the rest is history," noted Yang. "He made us eat our words," added Babb, seeing that the group was sceptical, but not for long.
While talking to Business With Stories, Kang noted that it wasn't all smooth sailing for the brand. "We didn't come from the consumer packaged industry so literally everything about this world felt like an alternative universe. The biggest adjustments were learning how to enter into a completely new industry, learning the lingo and jargon, understanding how the beverage industry operated, and building the right skillsets to be able to come in here and perform." he explained. But it looks like that hasn't stopped them from taking their brand above and beyond, all the way to 'Shark Tank'.
What is the cost and where to buy?
You can purchase Pricklee's Prickly Pear flavour, which started it all, from the brand's website. A case of 12 cans costs $29.71. The flavour is described as having "surprising hints of pink bubblegum, finished with smooth and juicy watermelon notes. A taste of the oasis."
If you want to try out all the flavours, get your hands on the 12 set Variety Pack, which has Prickly Pear, Strawberry Hibiscus and Mango Ginger for $29.71.
Customers have been raving about Pricklee right from the get-go, with on them writing -- "Intrigued by the idea of a Cactus Water drink, I gave Pricklee Mango Ginger a try. From the "pop" of the tab opening the can, to the first sip of the contents, followed by trying to get the very last drop of the tasty, refreshing drink, I was sold!!! This cactus water beverage was going to take over my beverage drawer in the refrigerator. Light in flavor, no sugary aftertaste, and hydrating in nature this is a must have beverage. Enjoy!"
Another customer wrote -- "I'll admit I didn't actually see the appeal when I was looking at it, but I decided I'd give it a shot first and then try coconut water after since I was in need of some alternate beverages besides just Crystal light or Bubly. Turns out pricklee's cactus water definitely tastes better than both what I was expecting and the coconut water I drank after, my mom seemed to enjoy it too since she keeps dropping hints about me possibly getting more."
Another added that it was the perfect drink to stock up on -- "Pricklee is really, really good! It's light, refreshing, and very tasty 😋 It comes in 3 flavors - Prickly Pear, Mango Ginger and Strawberry Hibiscus. I honestly love all 3, lol, and I certainly wasn't expecting to drink 12 cans in a week and immediately order more, for myself and my kids! Well done, Pricklee 👏😋😋😋"
Where is Pricklee now?
When it comes to growing the brand, Pricklee is certainly on top of their game, seeing that they have a decdicated ambassador programme called 'Cactus Club'. The Cactus Club is "a community of leaders and tastemakers, whom spark POSITIVITY + HAPPINESS + COMPASSION." People who join the same get -- "Welcome VIP Cactus Box, FREE Pricklee NFT (2022), Affiliate Codes, Collaborate For Positivity".
Who will steal the deal?
Depending on the numbers, there is a good chance that Kevin O'Leary might be the one to take the bait and add it to the list of Chef Wonderful's product line.
'Shark Tank' Season 13 Episode 22 airs on ABC on May 6, 2022, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Pricklee, Pulp Pantry, Ooakshell and Kawaii Lighting.
Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.