Entertainment

'Shark Tank's Brazi Bites Are Cheesy Heaven

Healthy, unique foods coming from Portland, Oregon may not be a surprise, but healthy, unique products that are inspired by a traditional Brazilian food are definitely intriguing. On Nov. 20, the Portland-based Brazi Bites will be featured on Shark Tank and the name of the product comes from the food's origins. Brazi Bites are a cheese bread based on a traditional Brazilian food and on that description alone, I honestly see no reason why anyone would need to pitch this product (it's an automatic "yes" for me), but owners Junea and Cameron Rocha will be getting in front of the Sharks on the ABC show to help build their brand.

Brazi Bites Original Brazilian Cheese Bites, Amazon

According to the product's website, Junea is from Brazil and she moved to the U.S. to be with her husband. While craving the cheesy bread "pão de queijo," she tapped into the old, tapioca flour-based recipe that has become a staple in Brazil and thus, the snack Brazi Bites were born in the U.S. The food comes frozen but is simple enough to prepare since you only need to heat them up in the oven — and out comes cheesy goodness.

The married couple has been selling their take on pão de queijo since 2010 and Shark Tank will give their treat more exposure to the ABC-watching world. Before you watch the Rochas negotiate with the Sharks, read about what Brazi Bites have to offer.

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They Are Made Of Cheese!

As hinted at previously, the presence of cheese is the main selling point for me in any financial decision. Brazi Bites' original flavor uses cheddar and parmesan. "C" is for "cheese" and that's good enough for me.

It's A Family Recipe

Junea Rocha wanted pão de queijo after moving to the U.S. and called her mom in Brazil for the family's recipe. Although the Rochas had to make one major change — the type of cheese they use (Brazilian Minas cheese is not available in the U.S.) — you can still feel good about a recipe derived from the owner's family.

The Ingredients Are 100 Percent Natural

...not to mention naturally gluten free! Even though the product is frozen, Brazi Bites are made with simple, natural ingredients, so you can feel good about eating your cheesy bread.

The Bites Are Available Now

If you're already sold on Brazi Bites, you can find them in the freezer sections of some supermarkets, even outside of the Portland area. Of course, Shark Tank should help with the company's distribution if the product gets backed, but in the meantime, you can visit the location map on Brazi Bites' website to see if they are available near you.

They're More Than Just A Snack

While I don't really need anything else to accompany my cheesy bread, the Brazi Bites website provides fun recipe ideas, like these tasty looking mini-burgers. Other yummy takes on the product include sharp cheddar and grilled apple Brazi Bites and provolone and salami Brazi Bites stromboli.

Did I Not Mention The Cheese?

With original, garlic asiago, nitrate-free bacon, and jalapeño pepper jack flavors, I don't see any reason why I need to debate the merits of investing in this company. Let's hope that the Sharks feel the same way.

Images: Michael Desmond/ABC; Giphy (2)