Boulder-based Nude Foods Market, a zero-waste grocery store founded by Rachel Irons and Verity Noble, appeared on Shark Tank Season 17, Episode 13 (airing March 11, 2026) to pitch their sustainable, packaging-free shopping model. The company operates in Colorado, offering local, organic products in returnable glass jars, aiming to eliminate single-use plastics.
The idea for Nude Foods Market began when Rachel and Verity realized there were no grocery stores that completely avoided plastic packaging. Determined to change that, they envisioned a store where customers could shop entirely without single-use packaging, leading to the launch of Nude Foods Market in January 2020.
Their first storefront opened in Boulder in October 2021, followed by a second location in Denver in April 2024. Items are sold in returnable containers, which customers return after use to be professionally cleaned, sanitized, and reused. From their first store alone, the company reached $5 million in lifetime sales.
When they appeared on Shark Tank, the founders originally asked for $250,000 in exchange for 5% equity. Ultimately, they secured a deal from Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec: $250,000 for 20% equity.
Nude Foods Market is a compelling example of a business combining sustainability with profitability, proving that eco-friendly practices can thrive in the retail space.
About Nude Foods Market
Nude Foods Market is a Colorado-based, woman-owned zero-waste grocery store that removes single-use packaging by using a reusable glass jar system. The company was co-founded by Verity Noble and Rachel Irons. The store provides organic and locally sourced produce, prepared meals, and pantry staples. It serves customers in Boulder and Denver through physical stores and delivery services. Customers receive their groceries in reusable glass jars. After use, the jars are returned to the company, where they are cleaned and sanitized for reuse. Nude Foods Market focuses on offering local and organic groceries, meals, and household products in zero-waste, reusable, and returnable containers.
