The Rise And Fall Of Minus Cal: A Shark Tank Story

Chadd McClure 29 May 2025

Can a protein bar truly be a magic bullet for weight loss? Minus Cal, a product that boldly claimed to block fat absorption, captivated audiences with its promise, only to ultimately fade into the annals of failed Shark Tank ventures. Its story serves as a cautionary tale of ambitious marketing, the importance of scientific backing, and the unforgiving nature of the weight loss industry.

Minus Cal burst onto the scene in 2020, featured on Season 11, Episode 1 of Shark Tank. Entrepreneurs Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael pitched their seemingly revolutionary protein bar, infused with a patented ingredient called "Choleve," derived from fermented green tea. They claimed Choleve could block fat absorption, offering a shortcut to weight loss. Their energetic pitch, complete with song and dance, initially charmed the Sharks. They offered samples of their chocolate, peanut butter, and apple cinnamon flavored bars, painting a picture of a healthier, slimmer future for millions of Americans grappling with obesity. They sought a $500,000 investment in exchange for 20% of their company. The valuation, reflecting their confidence in Minus Cals potential, ultimately proved to be far too optimistic.

Name	Personal Information	Career/Professional Information
Barrett Jacques	Limited public information available. Co-founder of Minus Cal.	Entrepreneur, focused on health and wellness products. Experience prior to Minus Cal is not widely known.
Crom Carmichael	Limited public information available. Co-founder of Minus Cal.	Entrepreneur, partnered with Barrett Jacques on Minus Cal. Background information prior to Minus Cal is limited.

Reference: Shark Tank Blog - Minus Cal

However, the Sharks, seasoned investors known for their sharp business acumen, quickly began to poke holes in the Minus Cal proposition. The core issue was the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Choleve. While the founders touted its fat-blocking properties, they failed to present compelling clinical trials or research to validate their claims. This lack of scientific rigor raised red flags for the Sharks, particularly Mark Cuban, who engaged in a heated debate with Jacques and Carmichael. Further scrutiny revealed negative reviews and concerns about potentially misleading statements, further eroding the Sharks confidence. Ultimately, Minus Cal walked away without a deal.

The fallout from the Shark Tank appearance was swift and brutal. Minus Cals social media presence went silent in 2019, even before their television debut. Their online store followed suit, and the product disappeared from Amazon. By 2020, Minus Cal had officially ceased operations. No sales figures were ever released, leaving the financial performance of the company shrouded in mystery. The rapid decline underscores the importance of due diligence and the crucial role of scientific validation in the competitive health and wellness market.

While Minus Cal's claims targeted the estimated 70% of Americans struggling with weight issues, the companys narrative ultimately became one of caution. Their story illustrates the pitfalls of relying on marketing hype over scientific substance. The weight loss industry is saturated with products promising quick fixes, but sustainable weight management requires a holistic approach encompassing diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Minus Cal attempted to offer a shortcut, a magic bullet in the form of a protein bar. However, the absence of scientific backing and the discerning eyes of the Sharks exposed the flaws in their strategy, ultimately leading to the companys demise.

The rise and fall of Minus Cal serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs. While innovation and a compelling narrative are essential, they must be underpinned by rigorous scientific evidence, particularly in industries with significant health implications. The failure to secure a deal on Shark Tank, coupled with the subsequent collapse of the business, underscores the importance of transparency, verifiable claims, and a solid foundation of research when bringing a product to market. In the end, the promise of Minus Cal proved to be just that a promise unfulfilled.

The story of Minus Cal reinforces a fundamental principle of weight loss: there are no quick fixes. Sustainable, healthy weight management requires a comprehensive approach, not just a single product. While Minus Cal attempted to capitalize on the desire for a simple solution, their lack of scientific validation and the scrutiny of the Sharks revealed the limitations of their approach, ultimately contributing to the company's downfall.