How a Mom Turned Paleo Bars Into a £135K Business Before Shark Tank

Shauna Sledge, a former fitness instructor and mother of three, created Paleo Diet Foods after meeting the 'Godfather' of the Paleo movement, Dr. Loren Cordain. The company produces nutrition bars made from whole, unprocessed ingredients—free from dairy, gluten, and soy. Before appearing on Shark Tank, she had already grown the business to £135,000 in sales. Sledge first developed the idea for Paleo Diet Foods after connecting with Dr. Cordain, who later endorsed her product as high-quality. Together, they designed bars based on the belief that human metabolism remains largely unchanged since the Paleolithic era. The bars contain nine essential amino acids and 17 grams of protein, using ingredients like eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and berries.

On Shark Tank, Sledge and her husband sought £150,000 in exchange for a 20% stake in the company. The business had already gained traction, with products sold in major retailers such as Walmart and Shaw’s. In 2016, the company rebranded as The Paleo Ranch and expanded its reach, launching an Amazon store alongside its retail presence. The Paleo Ranch continues to sell bars made from Paleo-approved ingredients, avoiding dairy, gluten, and processed additives. The brand’s growth reflects demand for high-protein, whole-food snacks. Products remain available through large retailers and online platforms.