Pinole Blue on 'Shark Tank': What is the cost, who is the founder and how to add pinole to your diet
When it comes to nutrients and supplements, people are certainly spoilt for choice. But, if you've been looking for some healthy alternatives to boost your energy, then Pinole Blue has the products you're looking for. Pinole is a dry mix made from blue corn that is often used in smoothies and other drinks for an instant boost of energy.
While Pinole Blue has certainly made a mark with its growing consumer base, the question now is will it be enough to impress Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner and guest judge Emma Grede? Let's find out!
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What is Pinole Blue?
Pinole Blue has a range of products, all made using organic blue corn which the brand sources from family farms in Chihuahua, Mexico. High in fiber, protein and rich in antioxidants, Pinole Blue's products promote a healthy lifestyle and also celebrate heritage. As per the brand's website -- "Pinole Blue uses the same ancient ingredients and processes as the Tarahumara, an indigenous group famous for their running culture. Tarahumaras drink roasted ground corn or pinole for energy, and are known to run more than 26 miles a day. A portion of all proceeds is donated to the Tarahumara".
Who is the founder?
Eddie Sandoval is the founder and CEO of Pinole Blue. Before this, he was a Finance/Accounting Summer Intern at Solomon Corporation. He studied at the Wichita State University and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance, as well as a Minor in Accounting and Spanish. Sandoval's family is from Chihuahua, Mexico. He soon realized that there was a demand pinole and sought to fill it.
As per the brand's website -- "While studying business finance at Wichita State, Eddie realized his family wasn’t the only one that missed having easy access to pinole, a dry mix used in coffee drinks or smoothies. He also realized many locals were unaware of pinole and its extensive health benefits. Pinole originates from the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico, who would drink it for energy before running long distances. Today, it’s used by some of the best distance runners in the world for endurance and energy. An entrepreneur at heart, Eddie bought a half ton of heirloom organic blue corn and drove across the country to get it. He started processing and packaging pinole between classes to sell to locals. Soon, his dorm room transformed into Pinole Blue headquarters and Eddie invented his own Pinole-based protein blend to appeal to athletes. He entered Pinole Blue in an annual venture competition at Wichita State – and won the $10,000 grand prize."
What is the cost and where to buy?
While Pinole Blue has a wide range of products, the Original Blue Corn Pinole: All-Natural Energy Booster & Endurance Fuel retails for $18.50 and can be purchased on the brand's website. Their products are all backed by highly positive reviews, as Sylvia Rincon a consumer wrote -- "I felt like I was back in my hometown having a cup of fresh Pinole. The taste is delicious! Specially before a long run it made me remember that this is the way our Raramuri people how the energize and recover after their long runs con una taza de pinole. Blue Pinole the BEST!".
Another consumer, Michael Mitchell wrote -- "Long ago I was helped through a very rough stretch by a very old Navajo Man. He shared his Pinole with me and it helped immeasurably. Pinole Blue is the closest I have come to the flavor and re-energizing in almost 40 years. It has a smooth texture and mixes well with whatever you want to use. I mixed the first batch according to the recipe and the only mistake was it was late afternoon and I was up until 1:00 in the morning. Have a shake in the morning and be energized all day long.. Excellent, recommend for everyone, mix and enjoy!!"
Where is Pinole Blue now?
Pinole Blue seems to be garnering attention on social media, as more and more people are discovering the benefits of nutrient-dense pinole.
Who will steal the deal?
Depending on the numbers, there is a good chance that Kevin O'Leary might make a deal, seeing that it would be a great addition to his Chef Wonderful line.
'Shark Tank' Season 13 Episode 14 airs on ABC on February 25, 2022, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Junobie, Pinole Blue, Diaper Dust and Range Beauty.
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.
