How Nulliav Went from a Mexican Startup to an FDA-Approved Plant Milk Brand in the U.S.

In a world where more people are choosing healthier, plant-based food options, one Mexican startup came up with a product that solved many problems at once. Most almond milk needs to be kept cold, comes in bulky cartons, and has a short shelf life. But Nulliav, a small brand from Monterrey, Mexico, decided to do things differently. They created a powdered almond milk that can be stored without a fridge, lasts much longer, and is quick to prepare. This article tells the story of how Nulliav started, how they impressed investors on Shark Tank México, and how they managed to enter the U.S. market with a product that’s both practical and eco-friendly.

What Is Nulliav?

Nulliav is a plant-based brand that makes almond milk in a powdered form. Unlike the almond milk you usually find in grocery store refrigerators, Nulliav’s product does not come in a carton and does not go bad in a few days. Instead, it comes as a fine powder that can be mixed with water to create almond milk at home. The powder dissolves quickly, so there are no clumps or gritty textures.

This powdered almond milk offers several advantages. First, it has a much longer shelf life. It does not need to be kept cold, which means it can be stored in a pantry or even carried during travel without spoiling. Second, it saves space and reduces the amount of packaging used. One small pouch can make up to six liters of milk. That’s the same as several cartons of regular almond milk but with less waste. Third, it is very convenient for people who want to prepare fresh almond milk on demand. Instead of buying and storing multiple cartons, users can make just the amount they need.

Nulliav offers its product in three different varieties to meet different tastes and health needs. There is the original flavor, which is simple and clean. Then there is a cocoa flavor, which is chocolate-based and may be appealing to kids or people with a sweet tooth. Lastly, there is a protein-enhanced version, which is designed for people who want an extra nutritional boost, especially those following fitness routines or plant-based diets.

The Early Days: From Idea to Product

The idea for Nulliav did not happen overnight. Around 2012, the people behind the brand began working on a new kind of almond milk that would solve many common problems. Traditional almond milk needs cold storage, spoils quickly, and involves a lot of packaging waste. The team wanted to create something that was more practical, sustainable, and easy to ship or carry.

For the next two years, they focused on research and testing. This was not a simple task. Turning almond milk into powder while keeping its taste, texture, and nutrients is very hard. The product needed to mix well with water without the use of artificial ingredients. It also needed to pass health and safety tests to meet international food standards.

By 2014, after many trials and improvements, the team officially launched the Nulliav brand. While not much is publicly known about the founders, it is clear they either had strong backgrounds in food science and nutrition or worked closely with experts in those areas. The success of their product shows they had a clear plan and were serious about building something new and useful.

One major step they took early on was to make their product FDA-compliant. This means the product met the safety and labeling standards set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. For a small Mexican startup, getting FDA approval is a big deal. It shows that they were thinking ahead about entering the U.S. market, not just focusing on sales in Mexico. This early decision helped them stand out later when they pitched their product on national television.

Shark Tank México: A Big Moment

Nulliav appeared on Season 3 of Shark Tank México, a popular TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors, known as “Sharks.” Getting a chance to pitch on this show is competitive and can lead to major growth for a business. For Nulliav, this was a chance to share their unique product with millions of viewers and experienced business people.

During the pitch, Nulliav presented their powdered almond milk as a solution to several big problems. They explained how their product avoided refrigeration, lasted longer than liquid milk, and reduced packaging waste. These features are important not only for everyday consumers but also for businesses, schools, and areas without reliable refrigeration. The Sharks were clearly impressed by how thoughtful and complete the business model was.

What stood out the most was Nulliav’s focus on being export-ready. They did not just talk about the product; they explained how it was already prepared for international sales, including in the United States. They shared that their product had FDA approval, which is rare for small startups. This told the Sharks that Nulliav was serious about growth and had already done the hard work needed to sell in larger, more competitive markets.

Although we do not know the final outcome of the deal on the show, the attention Nulliav received helped increase public awareness and boosted their reputation as an innovative, sustainable brand with global potential.

Moving into the U.S. Market

After their Shark Tank appearance, Nulliav began to expand. Around 2020, they registered a company in the United States called Nulliav LLC, based in San Antonio, Texas. This move allowed them to handle U.S. business operations more easily. Having a U.S.-based entity is important for legal reasons, shipping, customer support, and even applying for grants or business programs.

They also began selling their products through major online platforms. Walmart.com listed Nulliav’s almond milk powder, making it easy for U.S. consumers to buy it. The product also appeared on other online stores like Tiendamia, which ships Latin American goods globally. These steps helped the company reach more people outside of Mexico.

Nulliav also received support from the SBDC International Trade Center and TexasTrade.org. These are programs that help small businesses enter new markets, especially the U.S. and Latin America. Being featured as a success story on these platforms shows that the company followed a smart path to growth. Their expansion into the U.S. was not just about selling more—it was about building a strong and lasting presence.

What Makes Nulliav Different?

There are many plant-based milk brands on the market today, but Nulliav stands out for several reasons. Most almond milk is sold in liquid form and needs to stay in the refrigerator. This creates limits for storage, shipping, and use. Once opened, the milk needs to be finished in a few days, or it goes bad. This leads to more waste, higher costs, and a need for constant cold storage.

Nulliav’s almond milk powder avoids all of that. It does not need to be kept cold, which saves energy. It has a long shelf life, so people can store it for months without worrying about expiration. Because it comes in a pouch, it uses less plastic and cardboard, which helps reduce packaging waste. This is good for the environment and lowers shipping costs, too.

It is also very convenient. People can mix only what they need, whether it’s a full glass, a small amount for coffee, or several liters for a recipe. This makes it useful for homes, schools, cafés, and even campers or people living off-grid.

Compared to bigger brands like Blue Diamond, Califia Farms, or JOI, Nulliav offers something different: a smarter, lighter way to enjoy almond milk without the hassle of refrigeration or waste.

Where Is Nulliav Today?

As of 2025, Nulliav seems to still be in operation. Their products are available online, and their name appears in official trade directories and success stories. While we do not have exact numbers on how much they are selling or how much the company is worth, their continued online presence shows they are still reaching customers.

They also seem to be focused on both the Mexican and U.S. markets, which is not easy for a small business. This suggests that the company has found a system that works, possibly through partnerships or careful planning. Even though the details of their Shark Tank deal were not confirmed, the exposure from the show likely helped them connect with new customers and advisors.

It is also worth noting that their early FDA approval and U.S. company registration helped them build trust with American buyers. Many food companies struggle with these steps, but Nulliav handled them early, giving them a head start.

What’s Next for Nulliav?

Looking ahead, Nulliav might explore new plant-based products or expand into more countries. Their powdered format could be used with other nuts or seeds, offering more flavors and nutritional options. They may also team up with retailers, gyms, or food service providers to reach more people.

As more consumers look for healthy, easy-to-use, and eco-friendly food, products like Nulliav’s almond milk powder are likely to grow in popularity. Their story shows that even a small team with a smart idea and a long-term plan can make a difference in the global market.

Nulliav’s journey is not just about milk. It is about how innovation, sustainability, and persistence can help a local idea reach the world.