She brought buckwheat milk to Shark Tank, pitched a $2.5M vision, and walked away empty-handed. But that rejection? It might’ve planted the seed for something bigger.
The Bold Pitch That Sparked a Conversation
When Paige Hansen stepped into the Shark Tank in early 2025, she wasn’t just introducing a new plant milk. She was introducing a movement, built around buckwheat, soil regeneration, and the future of American farming.
Her brand, BAM Buckwheat Milk (short for “Because Agriculture Matters”), was billed as the first-ever milk made from buckwheat. The pitch was heartfelt, the branding on point, and the mission compelling. Paige asked for $250,000 in exchange for 10% of her company, valuing BAM at $2.5 million.
But while the Sharks listened, and even sipped, none were ready to invest.
Shark Tank Reactions: Mixed Taste, Real Respect
Each Shark had something to say.
Kevin O’Leary was unimpressed by the watery consistency and bluntly described the vanilla version as having a “barnyard nose.”
Mark Cuban liked the smoothie variant but worried that the mission was hard to translate at the shelf.
Lori Greiner praised Paige’s passion but passed on the product.
Daymond John felt the valuation was too high for such an early-stage brand.
Rashaun Williams questioned the excitement factor and customer demand.
Still, every Shark acknowledged Paige’s dedication and the growing relevance of regenerative agriculture.
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Why Buckwheat?
Unlike the name suggests, buckwheat isn’t wheat. It’s a gluten-free seed packed with nutrients and naturally regenerative. It grows fast, improves soil health, supports pollinators, and doesn’t rely heavily on pesticides or water. Paige saw an opportunity to take a forgotten crop and turn it into a climate-smart product.
She had already poured $250,000 of her own savings into launching BAM in 2023, piloting the drink in 25 Southern California stores. But scaling brought challenges, especially around manufacturing. By fall 2024, she had to hit pause on retail expansion.
No Deal, But Not Defeat
Despite walking away without a check, BAM saw a major post-show bounce. Website traffic surged. Instagram followers grew. Paige used the momentum to raise $225,000 in funding from Naturally San Diego and the Whole Foods Local & Emerging Accelerator Program.
These funds helped BAM fix its production issues and gear up for a relaunch, starting again in California in mid-2025.
If you were a Shark, would you have invested in BAM Buckwheat Milk’s $250,000 for 10% equity pitch?
What Makes BAM Stand Out?
Besides the environmental benefits of buckwheat, BAM’s milk is:
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Packed with complete protein (all nine essential amino acids)
- Rich in antioxidants and magnesium
- Free from gums, fillers, and dairy
It’s also priced as a premium product: $8.29 to $10.99 per bottle, with a cost of goods at $2.94 and wholesale price at $4.95.
Though taste remains divisive, BAM’s customers are drawn by the mission, clean-label credentials, and curiosity for something new.
BAM Buckwheat Milk Net Worth in 2025
So what is BAM worth today?
Based on verified investment, inventory, IP value, and its upcoming relaunch, BAM Buckwheat Milk has an estimated net worth of $1.2M to $1.6M in 2025.
This range factors in:
- $225K raised post-Shark Tank
- Pre-revenue asset value
- Product differentiation in the alt-milk market
- Media coverage and Whole Foods backing
A successful relaunch could push BAM past $2M+ by 2026, especially if it secures broader retail or direct-to-consumer channels.
The Soil-First Mission Driving Growth
More than just another alt-milk, BAM is part of a larger conversation about sustainable farming. Paige is vocal about regenerative agriculture, advocating for crop diversity, and fixing America’s depleted soil.
In her words: “We’re not just selling a drink. We’re trying to shift how people think about food and farming.”
That clarity of purpose has helped BAM stand out in a crowded space, and earn loyalty from eco-conscious shoppers, even if mass-market success is still in the making.
What’s Next for BAM?
BAM is set to relaunch in California by June 2025 with improved production and packaging. The company is also aiming for Regenerative Organic Certification, which would give it a major credibility boost.
From there, Paige hopes to scale nationally, expand into new product lines, and continue building a brand that’s as much about the land as the liquid.
Final Word
BAM didn’t land a deal in the Tank, but it walked away with something more powerful: a clear story, a committed founder, and a mission that’s growing deeper roots by the day.
As soil health becomes a mainstream concern and climate-smart foods gain traction, BAM might just become the buckwheat-powered underdog that proves the Sharks wrong.
🔹 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
BAM Buckwheat Milk Net Worth 2025: After a Shark Tank rejection, BAM is relaunching with a $1.6M valuation and a bold soil-first mission.
FAQs
Is BAM Buckwheat Milk still in business in 2025?
Yes, BAM is preparing for a California relaunch in mid-2025 after resolving manufacturing issues and raising new funding.
Did BAM Buckwheat Milk get a deal on Shark Tank?
No, founder Paige Hansen did not secure a deal from any of the Sharks during her Season 16 pitch.
What is BAM Buckwheat Milk’s net worth in 2025?
BAM Buckwheat Milk is estimated to be worth between $1.2 million and $1.6 million in 2025.
Who is the founder of BAM Buckwheat Milk?
BAM was founded by Paige Hansen, a climate-focused entrepreneur passionate about regenerative agriculture and crop diversity.
Where can I buy BAM Buckwheat Milk?
As of 2025, BAM plans to relaunch in select California stores. Updates are shared via their website and Instagram.
Is BAM Buckwheat Milk gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, BAM is 100% gluten-free and vegan, made primarily from buckwheat, a nutrient-dense, climate-resilient seed.
Why didn’t the Sharks invest in BAM?
Sharks cited taste concerns, early-stage challenges, and a high valuation as reasons for passing on the investment.
