What is beaver butt juice? 'Shark Tank' fans slam Sip Herbals founder for 'trading off an age-old viral myth'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Believe it or not, there's an organic and herbal alternative to traditional coffee available. If you're looking to decrease your caffeine intake while still savoring the warm and comforting experience of coffee, SIP Herbals is the solution for you.
By bringing the coffee brand to the sharks' notice in ABC's 'Shark Tank' season 15, in the hopes of landing a deal with one of them, the creator gained visibility for their business and drew hundreds of other target consumers, particularly due to the inclusion of beaver butt juice, commonly known as Castoreum.
Castoreum, commonly referred to as beaver butt, is one of several compounds that could fall under the classification of "natural flavor." However, there are numerous other "natural flavors" that may be present in your meal.
Hence, when the founder walked in seeking $100K for 10% of her company, fans took to Reddit and wrote, "She’s trading off an age old viral myth. Yes, castor gland extract was once used as a tiny component of perfume and artificial flavours. But it has long since been mostly eliminated. To put it in perspective, total global production is under 1000 pounds a year, most of that in perfumes. But it’s a way more viral story to tell people their vanilla ice cream is full of “beaver butt” I guess."
Another person added, "I’m not sure if it was just me, but her emphasis on this in the beginning of the pitch had the opposite effect as it gave me a bit of a negative association with her tea. Sip is a cool concept interested in trying but I now associate it with beaver anus. Blech!"
One user wrote, "I googled it out of curiosity, it's close to the butt (glands), but "beaver butt" has more shock value I guess. Despite what she said, it looks like it's rarely used in foods now." On X, one person wrote, "I wish her luck but I have to be out on beaver butt."
I wish her luck but I have to be out on beaver butt. #SharkTank
— Phil Lemos (@Phil_Lemos) May 4, 2024
What is 'Shark Tank's SIP Herbals?
In 2020, the founders recognized that their daily morning coffee habit was negatively impacting their health and well-being. They compiled a list of coffee's drawbacks, including caffeine, sustainability, and anxiety problems.
Working in the genuine food sector for over a decade, both co-founders could relate to the anguish of losing their daily coffee routine owing to health difficulties. With an autoimmune problem, one of them suggested switching to an anti-inflammatory diet, which included giving up coffee.
But unwilling to give up coffee entirely, she took advantage of her biology knowledge and created a healthy, herbal mix that tasted like coffee - Faux Joe, and thus SIP Herbals.
Who are the founders of 'Shark Tank's SIP Herbals?
SIP Herbals and its creators, Orleatha and Kelly, had a hard road before arriving at the coveted 'Shark Tank' stage. Orleatha Smith, a graduate of Western Governors University, began her professional career with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority as an Organizational Development & Training Specialist.
She began her career teaching biology at a variety of institutions, including Excel Academy - Academy of Arts and Sciences, Millikan High School, and the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Orleatha co-founded 20 Dishes as her first business venture, followed by InclusivePay in 2014. However, Kelly Raulerson, who co-founded InclusivePay with Orleatha, had previous work experience with the latter at InclusivePay. Kelly earned a bachelor's degree in English language and literature/letters from Northern Arizona University.
Subsequently, she assumed the position of Content Manager and collaborated with Orleatha to establish 20 Dishes. She seized the chance to join "A Girl Worth Saving" as a content director in November 2011.
What is the cost of 'Shark Tank's SIP Herbals?
If you want to enjoy the taste and comfort of coffee while also receiving the health benefits of herbs, go to SIP Herbals' official website and get your favorite coffee flavor. Sign up with your email address and receive a 10% discount on your first purchase.
Although certain varieties, such as Signature Roast, Royal Mocha, and Cinnamon Roll, start at $10, there are other higher-priced options available, like French Vanilla, which is $29.99.
If you want to try a variety of tastes, the Starter Bundle is $75 and includes 30 Signature Roast, 30 Salted Maple Blondie, and 30 Coconut Creamers, as well as a measuring spoon and a tea strainer. You may even subscribe to your favorite herbal coffee mix and save 10%. Aside from the main website, some items are also available on Amazon.
For those who missed the episode, it will be available on demand the following day and on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can explore past 'Shark Tank' seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
