Colorado zero waste grocer Nude Foods Market set for national spotlight on upcoming Shark Tank episode

Colorado’s Nude Foods Market brings its zero-waste grocery model to Shark Tank on March 11, seeking to automate and expand its sustainable jar-based system.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 6:25 AM EST

From delivery service to retail expansion

Nude Foods Market began as a response to the environmental challenges of the pandemic, launching as an online delivery service in Boulder that utilized reusable glass jars. The business model proved resilient, leading to the opening of a brick and mortar location in Boulder within a year and a second store in Denver. The company distinguishes itself from traditional bulk stores by pre filling and weighing all glass containers, allowing customers to shop with the same convenience as a conventional grocer while participating in a closed loop system.

Strategic preparations for the Shark Tank stage

The path to national television involved a rigorous preparation process for co founders Rachel Irons and Verity Noble. After being approached by show producers, the duo developed a comprehensive list of over 100 potential questions and rehearsed their pitch approximately 250 times. The founders noted that the production team encouraged an "over the top" presentation style to suit the television format, though they described the Sharks themselves as surprisingly professional and less aggressive than anticipated during the filming process.

Leveraging Colorado’s eco-conscious culture

The founders attribute much of their early success to the unique demographic profile of Colorado, where a strong outdoor culture fosters a natural interest in environmental conservation. This localized support has helped Nude Foods Market reach significant milestones, including generating five million dollars in lifetime sales. The company recently achieved its first profitable month in early 2025 and has utilized community crowdfunding via Wefunder to support its growth, recently increasing its fundraising target to 800,000 dollars ahead of the television broadcast.