Have you ever wondered about the twists and turns of an entrepreneurial journey, especially when it involves a unique product, a reality TV show, and the roller coaster of success and setbacks? If so, then the story of Delighted by Hummus is a fascinating one to delve into. More than just a dip, Delighted by Hummus introduced a revolutionary product – dessert hummus. This delicious twist on a beloved classic caught the attention of the nation when it was presented on the famous reality TV show, Shark Tank.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Delighted by Hummus |
| Founder | Makenzie Marzluff |
| Industry | Food and Beverages |
| Product | Chickpea-based dessert hummus |
| Investment Asking For | $600,000 for 12% equity |
| Final Deal | $600,000 for 25% equity with Mark Cuban |
| Valuation at Shark Tank | $5 million |
| Sales Achievement | $1 million in sales within 13 months |
| Peak Sales | $5 million in 2018 |
| Business Status (2024) | Out of business (net worth: $0) |
| Rebranding | Renamed to Delighted By Desserts; ceased operations |
| Location | Initially Bozeman, MT |
The Concept Behind Delighted by Hummus
Origin Story
The story of Delighted by Hummus starts with its passionate and visionary founder, Makenzie Marzluff. With a background in holistic health coaching, Marzluff was inspired to create an innovative product that combined health and indulgence. The result was a sweet twist on traditional hummus.
Product Overview
Delighted by Hummus introduced a variety of dessert hummus flavors like brownie batter, snickerdoodle, and more. This innovative product retained the nutritious base of chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, but swapped the garlic and lemon for sweet and indulgent ingredients, offering a healthier alternative to sugary desserts. This was a striking deviation from the savory profiles usually associated with hummus.
The Shark Tank Pitch
The Pitch Details
The turning point for Delighted by Hummus came in 2017 when Marzluff presented her unique product on Shark Tank. She sought an investment of $600,000 for a 12% equity stake in her company, valuing it at $5 million.
The Deal
The Shark Tank pitch resulted in a deal with Mark Cuban, who saw potential in Marzluff’s unique product. However, Cuban’s investment came with a higher equity demand – $600,000 for 25% of the company. This adjusted the valuation of Delighted by Hummus to $2.4 million, a significant decrease from Marzluff’s initial valuation.
Early Success and Growth
Initial Market Response
The Shark Tank appearance boosted the brand’s visibility, contributing to impressive sales figures. Within just 13 months post-Shark Tank, the company generated over $1 million in sales.
Expansion Efforts
Following the initial success, Delighted by Hummus undertook ambitious expansion efforts. These included securing shelf space in over 1,200 stores across the country, as well as launching a targeted marketing campaign to introduce dessert hummus to a wider consumer base.
Challenges Faced Post-Shark Tank
Increased Competition
Success often breeds competition. The unique concept of dessert hummus attracted various competitors into the market, leading to a more crowded and competitive landscape.
Operational Challenges
Delighted by Hummus faced various operational challenges post-Shark Tank, leading to a rebranding as Delighted By Desserts. These challenges were largely related to production, distribution, and maintaining quality standards.
Impact of COVID-19
Like countless other businesses, Delighted by Hummus was not immune to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis significantly affected business operations and delayed plans for a relaunch.
Current Status and Net Worth Analysis
Current Business Status
As of 2025, Delighted by Hummus, now Delighted By Desserts, is in the process of restructuring and relaunching their unique dessert hummus.
Net Worth Evaluation
The net worth of Delighted by Hummus has been a point of interest and speculation. As of the most recent reports, the net worth stands at $0. This surprising figure can be attributed to various factors, including the operational challenges, increased competition, and impacts of the pandemic.
Lessons Learned from Delighted by Hummus Journey
Entrepreneurial Insights
The journey of Makenzie Marzluff provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. It is a testament to the importance of innovation, resilience, and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Market Viability
The story of Delighted by Hummus also sheds light on market trends in the food industry. The initial success of dessert hummus reflects the growing consumer interest in health-focused, innovative products.
Also Read termites professional control vs diy natural solutions.
