You’ve seen the tins. Usually, they're tucked away near the register at a local pharmacy or sitting in a "healthy" snack aisle at the grocery store. They feature two grandmas and a bear. It's Ice Chips Candy, a brand that basically redefined what people expect from sugar-free treats. Honestly, most people first encountered them on Shark Tank back in 2012, when Charlotte Clary and Beverly Vines-Haines walked into the tank with more energy than most tech founders half their age.
They didn't just sell candy. They sold a solution to a problem that’s plagued dentists and parents for decades: how do you give someone a "sweet" that actually helps their teeth? It sounds like a scam. It isn't.
The Xylitol Secret Behind the Bear
The core of Ice Chips is xylitol. If you aren't familiar, xylitol is a sugar alcohol. It’s natural, usually derived from birch trees or corn cobs. But here’s the kicker—bacteria in your mouth, specifically Streptococcus mutans, can't digest it. They try to eat it, they fail, and they eventually die off. This isn't just marketing fluff. Organizations like the California Dental Association and the American Dental Association have acknowledged that xylitol can reduce the risk of tooth decay.
When you see that little bear on the tin, you're looking at a product that is essentially a dental health supplement disguised as a shard of ice. It’s hard. It’s crunchy. It doesn't have that weird, chemical aftertaste that you get from aspartame or saccharin. It’s just clean.
What Really Happened on Shark Tank?
Let's talk about the business side because that’s where things get interesting. Charlotte and Beverly weren't just "cute grandmas." They were savvy entrepreneurs who had already built a following before they ever met Mark Cuban. When they appeared in Season 4, they were seeking $250,000 for a 10% stake.
The Sharks were skeptical at first. Why? Because the "candy" looks like broken glass. It’s literally shards. But once they tasted the flavors—we’re talking Root Beer Float, Lemon, Clove, and Ginger—the mood shifted. Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban eventually teamed up to offer $250,000 for 33% of the company.
It was a massive deal.
Most Shark Tank businesses fizzle out or get buried under the "Shark Tank Effect" where they can't handle the sudden surge in orders. Ice Chips didn't just survive; they scaled. They moved into a massive facility in Yelm, Washington, and started pumping out tins by the thousands. They’ve stayed relevant because they didn't try to become a "Big Candy" brand. They stayed niche. They stayed "Ice Chips."
Why the "Shard" Shape Matters
Most candy is molded. Think of a Life Saver or a Jolly Rancher. They are uniform. Ice Chips are different because they are poured and then smashed. This creates a high surface area. When you put a shard in your mouth, it dissolves at a rate that maximizes the xylitol's contact with your teeth and gums.
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It’s tactile.
Some people find the sharp edges a bit weird at first, but that’s the appeal. It feels "raw." It feels like something made in a kitchen, not a lab. This "homemade" aesthetic—the bear, the photos of the founders, the irregular shapes—is exactly what keeps people coming back. It feels authentic in a world of over-processed junk.
The Health Nuance: It's Not Just for Teeth
While the dental benefits are the big selling point, there is a secondary market that basically keeps Ice Chips in business: the diabetic community. Xylitol has a very low glycemic index. We're talking about a 7 to 13 range compared to regular sugar's 60 to 70.
For someone managing blood sugar, finding a candy that doesn't cause a spike is a game-changer. However, there is a catch. You have to be careful with the "whoops" factor.
The Digestion Warning
If you eat a whole tin of Ice Chips in one sitting, you're going to have a bad time. Xylitol is a laxative if consumed in high quantities. Your body doesn't fully absorb it in the small intestine, so it travels to the large intestine and pulls in water. It’s not dangerous, but it is... uncomfortable. Moderation is the key word here.
The Dog Danger
This is the most important "pro-tip" for anyone buying the brand with the bear. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause a massive insulin surge in canines, leading to liver failure or death. Because Ice Chips look like ice cubes to a dog, they might be tempted to snatch a dropped piece. You have to be incredibly diligent about keeping these tins away from pets.
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Making Sense of the Flavors
They have over 20 flavors. Some are hits; some are acquired tastes.
- Root Beer Float: This is the gold standard. It tastes exactly like the soda.
- Clove: This is the "old school" flavor. Clove has natural numbing properties, so some people use these for sore throats or toothaches.
- Menthol/Eucalyptus: These are essentially natural cough drops without the syrupy coating.
- Sour Cherry: It’s tart, but because there’s no sugar, it doesn't leave that sticky film on your molars.
The Reality of Small-Town Manufacturing
Unlike many brands that outsource to massive co-packers in China or Mexico, Ice Chips has historically kept things close to home. Their facility in Washington became a local staple. This matters for E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). When you know the founders are actually overseeing the "smashing" of the candy, the trust level goes up.
They’ve faced challenges, of course. Rising costs of xylitol (which is often imported) and the logistical nightmare of shipping small tins across the country have forced price increases over the years. You'll likely pay between $5 and $7 for a tin. That’s a lot for "candy," but it’s cheap for "medicine for your teeth."
How to Use Ice Chips Effectively
If you want the dental benefits, don't just chew and swallow. You're supposed to let them dissolve. Dentists who recommend xylitol generally suggest the "Strive for Five" rule—five exposures to xylitol throughout the day. A chip after breakfast, one after lunch, one after a snack, one after dinner, and one before bed.
By keeping the pH level in your mouth neutral, you prevent the acid attacks that lead to enamel erosion. It’s a passive way to take care of your mouth.
Actionable Steps for the New Buyer
If you're looking to jump into the Ice Chips world, don't just buy a random pack on a whim.
- Check the Source: Ensure you are getting "Birchwood Xylitol" if you have a preference for non-corn sources, though the chemical structure is identical.
- Start Small: Buy a variety pack. Your stomach needs to get used to sugar alcohols. Start with two or three chips a day.
- Secure the Area: If you have a dog, designate a "safe zone" for your candy. Never leave the tin on a coffee table where a curious snout can get to it.
- The "Dry Mouth" Hack: If you take medications that cause dry mouth (xerostomia), these are a lifesaver. Keep a tin in your car for long drives.
- Listen to Your Teeth: Notice if your teeth feel "slicker." Users often report that their teeth feel like they’ve just been professionally cleaned after a few days of consistent use.
Ice Chips Candy isn't a miracle cure, but it is one of the few Shark Tank success stories that actually lived up to the hype. It’s a rare instance where the product is actually better for you than the stuff it’s trying to replace. Just remember: keep it away from the pup and don't eat the whole tin at once.