OATDEAL The Healthy Choice

George Barrerras and Hiscay Rivera, from Saskatoon, asked for $250,000 for 20% of Oatdeal, an oat-based smoothie mix sold as a dry powder that is mixed with hot or cold water and can be added to coffee. The product contains calcium, protein, vitamin D and probiotics, is gluten free, and is sold for $5.99 a bag at Save on Foods and Federated Co-op stores in Western Canada. The company has been producing for just over a year, with sales of about $185,000 last year; it costs $2.19 to produce a bag, which wholesales for $4.19, and the product has an 18 month shelf life.

Wes Hall went out over the valuation being too high at six times sales, and Joe Mimran went out due to his aversion to products with expiry dates. Jim Treliving offered $250,000 for 30%, citing experience with a similar Hispanic-market beverage. Michele Romanow offered $250,000 for 25% wanting some say in the business but withdrew when the founders proposed 30% split between Jim Treliving and Manjit Minhas. Manjit Minhas joined Jim Treliving's offer, and the founders accepted $250,000 for 30% split between the two of them.

OATDEAL The Healthy Choice is still operating and sells through its website.