Jada Spices

Jada Spices is best known for its plant-based Chicken Salt, a vegan seasoning that delivers a savory, chicken-like flavor without any animal ingredients. The blend riffs on the Australian seasoning-salt tradition and aims to add depth to fries, popcorn, vegetables and more. Founders Khasha Touloei and Maynard Okereke built the brand around clean, plant-based seasonings, with Okereke also known publicly as a science communicator nicknamed Hip Hop M.D.

On Season 12 they asked for 250,000 dollars for 20 percent. The sharks taste-tested the seasoning, and Barbara Corcoran was the one who bit, offering 250,000 dollars for 33 percent. The founders accepted on air, drawn by the chance to work with Barbara, even though the higher equity ask reflected the early-stage nature of the business at the time of filming.

Chicken Salt stood out because it nailed a specific craving. Plenty of vegan products try to replace meat itself, but Jada focused on the flavor people miss, the savory seasoning, in a shaker you can sprinkle on anything. That simplicity, plus a genuinely useful all-purpose seasoning, gave it broader appeal than a single niche product and made the pitch easy to remember.

After the episode, the company leaned into its momentum, expanding its lineup and drawing press attention. It broadened beyond the original Chicken Salt into additional plant-based seasonings and mixes, and operates under the wider Jada Brands name as it grew its offerings.

Reporting indicates the on-air deal with Barbara Corcoran did not ultimately close, which is common for Shark Tank handshakes. Even so, the company kept going on its own. As of 2026 the Jada Brands website remains active and selling, and the brand has continued to develop new plant-based products since the show.