Episodes

Aishwarya Iyer, the founder of premium olive oil and pantry staples company Brightland, built one of the fastest-growing premium CPG brands by doing what many startups overlook: putting product integrity, brand trust, and strategic timing ahead of rapid retail expansion.

While alcohol consumption is cooling, the battle between clean-label ingredients and high-protein performance foods is heating up. The hosts examine what’s driving these massive shifts in consumer behavior, and how brands like David, Crisp Power and Athletic Brewing are responding.

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Whole Moon, Solstice, Raya Fruit Water, Hawaiian Soda Co. and Elixir Shots. This week’s special co-host is Allison Ball, the founder & CEO of Food Biz Wiz.

Ben Jacobsen, founder of Jacobsen Salt Co., shares how an entrepreneurial journey that began with a few flakes of sea salt led him to creating one of the country’s most iconic artisanal food brands. He explains how he bootstrapped the business from scratch and speaks candidly about the deep creative drive that continues to fuel his work.

Monster just posted its first-ever $2B quarter, Celsius saw revenue jump 84% year-over-year and energy drink sales in C-stores are booming. What’s fueling this explosive growth, and where’s the white space for emerging brands? The hosts break it down. They also ponder beef tallow’s potential to power a fried food revival and highlight new mushroom lattes, clean-label cookies and sparkling teas.

Actor Wyatt Russell – best known for his role as U.S. Agent in the Marvel film “Thunderbolts” – and producer Richard Peete pull back the curtain on their journey launching Lake Hour, a fast-growing canned cocktail brand that’s making waves far beyond the red carpet.

Gen Z is reshaping the frozen food game… and they’re not settling for TV dinners. But while they’re hungry for health and convenience, there's a catch: the price tag. Can wellness-focused frozen meals stay accessible, or are they becoming a luxury in disguise? The hosts discuss, and also sample Korean-style hard seltzers, culturally-inspired craft sodas and a potentially game-changing brand of non-alcoholic spirits.

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Sohha Savory, Coro Foods, La Pêche, SaladSprinkles, and Cedar F&B. This week’s special co-host is Beth Brown, founder and principal advisor at growth-stage consultancy S3 Connect.

Mike Rypka, the founder of revered fast-casual chain Torchy’s Tacos, opens up about the humble beginnings of the company and how deliberate growth has helped preserve its identity and quality. He also talks about why “clean, craveable food” is the key to customer retention and how his personal struggles shaped a company culture rooted in redemption and opportunity.

What’s the point of PepsiCo’s new sub-line of prebiotic colas? Is it addressing genuine consumer demand for functional ingredients, or just riding the wellness wave? The hosts once again weigh in. They also highlight emerging shot brands gaining traction and take a closer look at how the viral “WaterTok” phenomenon may have influenced Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of Dyla Brands.