The Founding Story of HLTH Code
HLTH Code's roots trace back to the collaborative efforts of two brothers: Joel Bikman, a nutrition industry executive, and Dr. Ben Bikman, a leading metabolic scientist and author. Their decade-long dream was to create a nutritionally complete and science-backed meal replacement shake, driven by personal family health challenges. They launched the brand in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, with a clear mission to provide optimal health products based on meaningful research, not fleeting health fads.
Joel Bikman spearheads the business operations, focusing on manufacturing and distribution, while his brother, Dr. Ben Bikman, originally developed the shake's metabolic-focused formula. The formulation is famously based on principles that prioritize high-quality protein and healthy fats while limiting excess carbohydrates. Another co-founder, Sargon Daniel, is also a key figure in the company, contributing to its strategic direction.
Dr. Ben Bikman's Evolving Role
It is important to note that while Dr. Ben Bikman was instrumental in the product's formulation and co-founded the brand, his active involvement with the company has since changed. As of a July 2025 report, Dr. Bikman decided to step back from an active role to focus exclusively on his academic career as a professor of cell biology and clinical researcher at Brigham Young University. His legacy remains in the scientific foundation of the product, but day-to-day management and ownership are primarily handled by Joel Bikman and his team.
HLTH Code vs. HLTH Inc.: A Critical Distinction
Due to the similar-sounding names, it is easy to confuse the HLTH Code meal replacement brand with the healthcare conference organizer, HLTH Inc. These are two completely separate and unrelated entities. HLTH Inc. is a global health innovation platform that hosts large-scale industry events. In a notable development, the Hyve Group announced its acquisition of HLTH Inc. in late 2024, confirming that the conference business is under different ownership. The table below clarifies the key differences between the two entities.
| Feature | HLTH Code (Meal Replacement) | HLTH Inc. (Health Conference) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Sell nutritionally complete meal replacement shakes. | Host large-scale health innovation and tech events. |
| Current Owner | Privately owned by co-founders Joel Bikman and Sargon Daniel. | Acquired by and is owned by the Hyve Group. |
| Industry | Nutrition, dietary supplements, e-commerce. | Events, healthcare technology, community building. |
| Founder(s) | Joel Bikman, Dr. Ben Bikman, Sargon Daniel. | Jonathan Weiner (and others). |
HLTH Code's Product Philosophy and Expansion
The brand's core mission is to provide an optimal nutritional solution for busy people who want to improve their metabolic health without sacrificing convenience. The shakes are designed to support a low-carb, keto-friendly lifestyle by balancing macronutrients and using high-quality, natural ingredients.
Here are some of the key product features that define HLTH Code's offering:
- High-Quality Protein and Fats: The formula is based on a 1:1 ratio of protein to healthy fats, using sources like whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen.
- Free from Artificial Ingredients: The product contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors and is non-GMO.
- Nutrient-Dense Formula: In addition to core macros, HLTH Code includes apple cider vinegar, probiotics, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Dairy-Free Options: The brand has expanded its offerings to include a plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free shake to serve a wider range of customers.
The company has experienced significant growth since its founding, demonstrating that there is a strong demand for its science-backed and nutritionally robust products in the competitive meal replacement market. For more details, you can visit the official HLTH Code website.
Conclusion
In summary, HLTH Code is owned by its founding team, primarily led by entrepreneur Joel Bikman and co-founder Sargon Daniel. The product's initial, science-driven formulation was developed by metabolic scientist Dr. Ben Bikman, whose involvement has since shifted to an advisory role. HLTH Code remains a privately held company focused on the nutrition and supplement market and is entirely separate from the health conference organizer, HLTH Inc., which is owned by a different entity entirely. This clarification helps ensure potential customers and stakeholders understand the true ownership and nature of the HLTH Code brand.
