Scaling Your Healthy Food Product
If you are an enterepreneur or solopreneur selling healthy/ "Better-for you" product to the world looking to scale and commercialize, this podcast is for you. In this podcast you will learn from a food scientist with 12 years plus experience in the food industry. I have successfully helped companies develop, scale and launch their healthy food products. If you are looking to scale your healthy food product by having it listed in more healthy food stores and displayed on more grocery store chains shelves, you are in the right place. This podcast will provide you with actionable steps and tips to help you succeed. You will learn how to correctly prepare your product to scale and commercialize like a pro. Stay tuned.
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52 Episodes Later: A Thank You + Giveaway for Food Founders
12/27/2025
52 Episodes Later: A Thank You + Giveaway for Food Founders
This episode is a celebration. When I set the goal to record 52 podcast episodes, I committed to showing up consistently for food founders navigating the real work of building and scaling their businesses. Reaching this milestone reinforced something I see every day in my work: growth does not come from doing everything at once. It comes from building simple systems and using them consistently. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what recording 52 episodes taught me about consistency, focus, and the behind-the-scenes work that actually supports growth for direct-to-consumer food brands. To say thank you, I’m hosting a giveaway created specifically for DTC (Direct to Consumer) food founders. These are three tools I see founders use every single week — practical essentials that save time, protect margins, and help your brand show up professionally. Giveaway: DTC Food Founder Toolkit One winner will receive: A label printer for shipping and product labels A digital scale for accurate batching and portioning A heat sealer for clean, professional packaging How to Enter the Giveaway There are two ways to enter. Option 1: Podcast Listener Entry Listen to this episode of Scaling Your Healthy Food Product Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Submit the with a screenshot of your review Option 2: Quiz Entry Complete the Submit the using the email address where you received your quiz results Entry Rules One entry per method Founders who complete both methods receive two entries Maximum of two entries per founder or business Important Details Open to food founders selling direct to consumer Open to Canada and U.S. residents Giveaway closes on January 15th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST Winner will be announced via email and on the podcast-January 16th Whether you’re still producing in small batches or refining your fulfillment systems, this episode — and this giveaway — is a reminder that small operational upgrades can make a big difference as you grow.
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Looking Ahead: What 2026 Holds for Food Brands.
12/19/2025
Looking Ahead: What 2026 Holds for Food Brands.
In this year-in-review episode, I reflect on what 2025 taught me about scaling food businesses and the conversations founders truly need as they grow from kitchen production to retail readiness. We revisit key themes from the year including retail readiness beyond buyer meetings, shelf life and formulation stability, co-manufacturing preparation, and the leadership decisions that quietly shape long-term success. I also share what’s ahead for the podcast in 2026, including more ETS Method–aligned episodes, deeper technical discussions, and founder spotlights focused on real scale-up decisions. If 2026 is the year you want to scale with clarity, confidence, and intention, this episode will help you understand what to focus on next. If you are thinking about scaling in Q1 or want to understand exactly where you stand, do not guess.
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Unlocking Retail Success: Specialty Store Strategies
12/06/2025
Unlocking Retail Success: Specialty Store Strategies
In this milestone 50th episode, Jacinta Kemboi reflects on the journey of building the Scaling Your Healthy Food Product podcast and the founders who have grown alongside it. She dives into the power of specialty food stores, one of the most overlooked but highest leverage opportunities for emerging food brands. Jacinta breaks down: • Why specialty food stores are one of the fastest ways to validate demand and build early retail traction • How to confidently approach store owners and buyers without overthinking it • The hidden advantages of local listings, from real-time product feedback to increased visibility in your own community • Why follow up matters more than the first outreach • The relationship building strategies that help you become a preferred brand on their shelves This episode is a practical nudge to take action. Identify the specialty stores in your area, reach out with intention, and prepare yourself for a strong 2026 retail push. If you have been waiting for the right time to knock on local doors, this episode will give you the clarity and the confidence to start now. If you are thinking about scaling in Q1 or want to understand exactly where you stand, do not guess. Takeaways This is podcast number 50, a milestone worth celebrating. Consider listing your products in specialty stores. Specialty stores have fewer regulations than larger retailers. Starting local can significantly boost your brand visibility. Engaging with local stores can provide valuable consumer feedback. You can maintain a higher profit margin with specialty stores. Farmers markets are great for initial product testing. Follow up with store managers to stay top of mind. Aim for a manageable number of stores to approach. 2026 is a year for growth and new opportunities.
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How the ETS Method Reveals Your Scale Up Readiness
11/28/2025
How the ETS Method Reveals Your Scale Up Readiness
Many food founders reach a point where they ask the same thing: “How do I actually know if my product is ready for bigger production runs, wholesale, or a co-manufacturer?” It is easy to feel almost ready, but without a clear assessment, it is just guesswork. Food founders either move too early and get stuck in reformulations, packaging issues, and expensive delays, or they hold back because they are unsure what ready really looks like. After helping brands launch millions of units into retail, I created a simple way to evaluate readiness using my ETS Method Framework: Evaluate, Test and Improve, Scale. In this episode, I walk you through how to spot the gaps in your product, process, packaging, supply chain, and business, and how to fix them before scaling. You will learn what true retail readiness looks like and the steps that make scale up smoother, faster, and more profitable. If you are thinking about scaling in Q1 or want to understand exactly where you stand, do not guess. Takeaways Can I produce my product consistently batch to batch? Do I know my exact process at this point? If you have any doubt in terms of those questions... Those questions can really let you think about the evaluating piece. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scale Up and Retail Readiness Assessment 00:27 The Importance of Process Refinement
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Founder Spotlight: The Power of Wholesale — Lessons from The Sea Moss Guy & Co
11/22/2025
Founder Spotlight: The Power of Wholesale — Lessons from The Sea Moss Guy & Co
In this episode, I sit down with Dezie St. Hilaire, co-founder of The Sea Moss Guy & Co, to unpack how a simple wellness habit turned into a fast-growing sea moss brand — and why wholesale became the unexpected growth engine behind their business. We cover the move from home production to a commercial kitchen, navigating perishable shipping, supplying cafés and wellness studios, and the real work behind running a business with your spouse. If you’re an emerging founder considering wholesale, this is a story you need to hear. Attend upcoming workshop on and the hidden gaps that cost founders time and money. If co-manufacturing is on your horizon, you will not want to miss it. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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The Best Time to Approach a Co-Manufacturer
11/14/2025
The Best Time to Approach a Co-Manufacturer
In this episode, I break down a question almost every emerging food founder asks: When is the best time to reach out to a co-manufacturer? The truth is simple. There is no perfect time. There is only a prepared time. Co-manufacturers do not expect perfection. They expect clarity in your recipe, process flow, packaging direction, volume estimates, and cost targets. When you have these pieces, anytime can be the right time. I also share why Q4 is one of the strongest seasons to approach co-manufacturers. Plants are forecasting next year’s capacity, some categories slow down, budgets reset, and you avoid the January to March rush. If you are thinking about scaling in Q1 or you want to understand what readiness really looks like, this episode will give you the confidence and timing strategy you need. At the end of the episode, I share details about my upcoming workshop on and the hidden gaps that cost founders time and money. If co-manufacturing is on your horizon, you will not want to miss it. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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The Leadership Shift Every Food Founder Needs to Make
11/07/2025
The Leadership Shift Every Food Founder Needs to Make
At some point, every food founder has to make the shift from doing it all — production, sales, deliveries — to leading with vision and trust. In this episode, Jacinta Kemboi talks with leadership coach about how to make that transition successfully. They dive into what it means to lead with purpose, build a coaching culture, and create psychological safety within your team. Odette shares practical tools to help you delegate with confidence, reduce burnout, and lead through values — even when tough decisions arise. If you’re ready to grow beyond the kitchen and lead a team that scales with you, this episode is your roadmap. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand. Leadership, coaching, food founders, trust, delegation, burnout, psychological safety, self-reflection, generational differences, decision making
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The After-Hours Founder: Building Your Food Dream While Working 9–5
10/30/2025
The After-Hours Founder: Building Your Food Dream While Working 9–5
Are you running your food business after work — squeezing in production between dinner and bedtime, wondering if it’ll ever be enough to grow? You’re not alone. Thousands of food founders start exactly this way — balancing a full-time job while chasing their dream of bringing better-for-you products to the world. I know what that feels like — the long nights, the doubt, and the quiet determination to keep going when no one’s watching. In this week’s episode, I’m speaking directly to those founders — the ones managing school drop-offs, meetings, and kitchen runs — who are still putting in the work to make their food business real. We’ll talk about those moments that make you question if it’s worth it — and why those moments actually mean you’re becoming the kind of founder who will succeed. I’ll share practical ways to stay encouraged and focused while juggling your 9–5 — from setting realistic goals and managing your time with intention, to finding mentorship and community through the Emerging Food Business Hub. If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind, this episode will remind you: you’re not. You’re building differently — and that’s your strength. P.S. If you’re building your business after hours and want to be part of a supportive space for founders like you, I’m opening the soon — a place to learn, grow, and connect with others walking the same path. [ You’ll be the first to know when doors open and get early access to resources designed to help you scale smarter — not harder. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand. #FoodFounders #EmergingFoodBrands #FoodEntrepreneurship #ScalingWithConfidence #SideHustleToStartup #BetterForYouBrands #ETSMethod#FoodBusinessGrowth #FoundersJourney #WorkLifeBalance #EntrepreneurEncouragement #FoodStartupCommunity #KitchenToMarket #FemaleFounders #SmallBusinessGrowth
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Following Your Bliss: How Ananda Elixirs Turned Functional Mushrooms into a Soda Alternative.
10/23/2025
Following Your Bliss: How Ananda Elixirs Turned Functional Mushrooms into a Soda Alternative.
How Samantha and her husband turned a kitchen experiment into a functional mushroom soda brand redefining what it means to “follow your bliss.” In this Ottawa Founder Spotlight episode, I sit down with Samantha Dreiling, co-founder of , to talk about building a beverage brand rooted in intuition, wellness, and bliss. After rediscovering her energy and health through functional mushrooms, Samantha set out to create a soda alternative that actually made people feel good — no sugar spikes, no crash, just clean, sparkling bliss. From early kitchen extractions to pitching on Dragon’s Den, Samantha shares the highs, hurdles, and heart behind bringing a wellness beverage to life — and how trusting her gut (literally and figuratively) helped her find the right co-manufacturer, fulfillment partners, and rhythm in business. Tune in for an inspiring story about resilience, intuition, and building from the heart — right here in Ottawa. I have tried the Shroom Soda's myself and I have enjoyed them so far. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Expert Segment: Clean Labels, Cocoa Volatility, and the Power of Upcycling — with Brad Buchholz of POM Wonderful
10/18/2025
Expert Segment: Clean Labels, Cocoa Volatility, and the Power of Upcycling — with Brad Buchholz of POM Wonderful
In this expert segment, , VP of Business Development at POM Wonderful, shares how clean-label innovation, upcycling, and grit are shaping the future of food. From the MAHA movement and microbiome health to rising cocoa costs and ingredient reformulation, Brad reveals how founders can create products that are both sustainable and scalable — without sacrificing performance. We also dive into one of the most overlooked growth levers for better-for-you brands: shelf life. Brad explains how natural antioxidants and polyphenol-rich upcycled ingredients can extend product stability while meeting clean-label expectations — a critical insight for any founder preparing to scale. If you want to learn how to strengthen your product’s shelf life, reduce waste, and prepare for co-manufacturing success, join my — where we’ll cover real-world testing, natural preservation strategies, and formulation tools that protect your margins. 🎟️ Reserve your spot now and make your product shelf-ready with confidence. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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3 Things You Must Get Right Before Scaling Your Recipe
10/10/2025
3 Things You Must Get Right Before Scaling Your Recipe
Scaling a recipe sounds simple — just make more of it, right? Not quite. In this episode, I’m breaking down the three most overlooked things food founders need to pay attention to before scaling their recipe — and how to avoid costly mistakes that could derail your growth. You’ll learn: Ingredient & Process Consistency: Why your small-batch process doesn’t always translate in manufacturing — and how to adjust for scale without losing quality or taste. Formulation Costing & Margin Clarity: How scaling impacts cost per unit, ingredient sourcing, and your retail pricing strategy — and what to calculate before you commit. Shelf Life & Product Stability: Why scaling can change your product’s texture, flavor, and safety — and what tests you should run before your first production run. If you’ve ever wondered “How do I make my recipe ready for retail?”, this episode will give you the roadmap — and it’s the perfect primer for my upcoming Scaling Your Recipe Workshop on October 16th. Join the workshop: We’ll go deeper into testing, troubleshooting, and scaling your formulation for consistent, profitable growth. → [] Because when you scale smart, you protect your product, your margins, and your peace of mind. #ScalingYourRecipe #RetailReady #FoodFounderTips #BetterForYouBrands
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Leadership Lessons Every Food Founder can steal From The Global Leadership Summit
10/04/2025
Leadership Lessons Every Food Founder can steal From The Global Leadership Summit
I just returned from the Global Leadership Summit, and while the speakers came from different professions, their lessons couldn’t be more relevant for food founders like you. In this episode, I’m breaking down three powerful leadership takeaways and translating them into practical steps you can apply in your business today. You’ll learn: Vision Casting – how to think beyond your next production run and create a clear roadmap for where you want your brand to be in 3–5 years. Empowering Others – why leadership means building people and systems, and how to start delegating so you’re not wearing all the hats. Impact Mindset – shifting your focus from just profit to legacy, values, and the difference your product can make in people’s lives. Whether you’re at $250K or pushing toward $1M, these leadership lessons will help you step into the role of CEO with confidence. Because scaling isn’t just about recipes and retailers—it’s about how you lead yourself, your team, and your vision. Book referenced - Range by David Epstein to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Expert Segment: Food Ethnographer June Jo Lee- How Food Shapes, Culture, Care and Belonging.
09/27/2025
Expert Segment: Food Ethnographer June Jo Lee- How Food Shapes, Culture, Care and Belonging.
Expert Spotlight: June Jo Lee on Food Ethnography In this episode, I sit down with June Jo Lee, a leading food ethnographer, to explore how food is more than fuel — it’s culture, rhythm, and care. June shares how observing the way people live with food reveals powerful insights for founders building products that stick. Here are 6 takeaways from our conversation: Food is culture, not just fuel. Pay attention to rhythm — meals are routines and rituals. Design for care, not just nutrition. Observe how people live with food, not only what they say. Global perspectives matter. The real opportunity is moving from product to lifestyle. June’s wisdom will inspire you to think differently about how your product fits into people’s lives — and how to scale with purpose. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Mini Series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. Part 3: Mastering Communication with Co-Manufacturers
09/20/2025
Mini Series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. Part 3: Mastering Communication with Co-Manufacturers
Clear, consistent communication can make or break your co-manufacturing partnership. Misunderstandings around production runs, timelines, or specs often lead to costly mistakes — but with the right systems, you can build trust and avoid surprises. This week on the podcast, I’m diving into the final part of our mini-series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. We’ll talk about how to set up communication practices that protect your product, your margins, and your peace of mind. And yes, this ties directly into Step 3 of my ETS Method — Scaling & Selling with Confidence. Because scaling isn’t just about bigger runs — it’s about managing relationships that support sustainable growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why poor communication is one of the top reasons co-man partnerships fail The key updates you should always request from your co-man (and how often) How to document and track conversations to avoid “he said, she said” Relationship management tools that keep everyone aligned on expectations If you’re ready to strengthen your co-manufacturer relationship and scale with confidence, this episode is for you. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Mini Series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. Part 2: Protecting Your Product Integrity
09/13/2025
Mini Series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. Part 2: Protecting Your Product Integrity
Scaling often means tweaks in formulation, process, or packaging — and one of the biggest challenges founders face is making sure the product still tastes, looks, and performs the same when produced in large runs. This ties directly into my ETS Method Framework — Step 3: Scale & Sell. When you scale, protecting your product integrity is what allows you to move with confidence into co-manufacturing, distribution, and retail partnerships. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to safeguard your product’s integrity as you scale: -Why product consistency is harder (but non-negotiable) at scale - How to use testing and validation to protect quality - The role of quality control in co-manufacturing partnerships - What to do if your product shifts during production runs If you’re a food founder preparing to scale, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to keep your product true to its promise — and strengthen your path to profitable growth. Next week: Part 3 – Mastering Communication with Your Co-Manufacturer to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Mini Series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. Part 1: Cracking the MOQ Code
09/05/2025
Mini Series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. Part 1: Cracking the MOQ Code
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) are one of the biggest hurdles food founders face when scaling. They can feel like an impossible barrier — too big for your budget, too risky for your stage, and too overwhelming to manage. But here’s the truth: MOQs aren’t just numbers pulled out of thin air. They signal how your co-manufacturer operates, their efficiencies, and even their willingness to partner with you for the long haul. In this episode of the Scaling Your Healthy Food Product Podcast, I break down the “why” behind MOQs and show you how to approach them strategically. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Why MOQs exist and what they reveal about your co-manufacturer How to negotiate smaller runs without burning bridges Why relationship management is your secret weapon in co-manufacturing 👉 This episode is part of my mini-series: 3 Things Food Founders Struggle with in Co-Manufacturing. ✨ And don’t miss next week’s Part 2: Protecting Your Product Integrity — where I’ll share how to make sure your product stays true to your vision once it’s in the hands of a co-manufacturer. If you’re a food founder ready to scale but feeling stuck at the MOQ hurdle, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Founder Spotlight: From Facetime to Grocery Aisles; Building BeLov and Redefining Baby Food.
08/30/2025
Founder Spotlight: From Facetime to Grocery Aisles; Building BeLov and Redefining Baby Food.
In this episode, we sit down with Laurie, co-founder of BeLov, to uncover the inspiring story behind creating nutritious, better-for-you baby foods. What began as two friends trying to feed their little ones wholesome meals quickly grew into a bold mission: redefining the baby food aisle. Laurie shares: How started with textured meals and expanded into cereals and snacks The reality of pivoting from commercial kitchens to co-manufacturing — and calling 30+ facilities before finding the right fit The patience and grit it took to wait 24 months before seeing their first product on shelves The incredible journey of acquiring , a legacy baby food brand, less than a year after launching Lessons on resilience, partnerships, and staying true to your vision when the industry — and even family — doubt your choices Laurie’s story is one of heart, hustle, and holding onto a vision bigger than yourself. Whether you’re a parent, an entrepreneur, or a founder scaling your food brand, you’ll walk away inspired and armed with insights on how to grow with purpose. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Scaling Lessons from Dubai Chocolates Recall; Don't drop the basics in Exponential growth.
08/22/2025
Scaling Lessons from Dubai Chocolates Recall; Don't drop the basics in Exponential growth.
When your food brand starts to grow fast, it’s exciting — but it also comes with hidden risks. The recent Dubai Chocolates recall is a powerful reminder that when exponential growth happens, you can’t afford to drop the basics: compliance, product safety, and operational checks. In this episode, I break down: ✅ What went wrong in the Dubai Chocolates recall ✅ The key blind spots that many food founders miss during rapid scaling ✅ How to apply the ETS Method (Step 3: Scale with Confidence) to avoid costly mistakes If you’re a food founder aiming to grow into retail and beyond, this episode is a must-listen to ensure your business scales safely, sustainably, and profitably. to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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ETS Method Series: Step 3 — Scale with Confidence: Commercializing & Selling Your Product
08/15/2025
ETS Method Series: Step 3 — Scale with Confidence: Commercializing & Selling Your Product
Is your food business ready to scale — or are you about to hit avoidable roadblocks? Scaling isn’t just making more product. It’s about producing at a larger scale while protecting your quality, profit margins, and brand reputation. In one of my recent projects, a founder rushed into large-scale production without the right systems in place. The result? Delays, quality issues, and thousands in lost revenue. With a few strategic changes — including choosing the right co-manufacturer and refining their distribution plan — they turned things around and hit their biggest retail order yet. This week on the podcast, I’m diving into Step 3 of the ETS Method — Scale & Sell, where we focus on building a production and distribution system you can trust. If you’re a food founder who wants to grow without losing control of your product (or your sanity), this episode is for you. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss all upcoming tips and visit to Download resources including "Questions to Ask Potential Co-Manufacturers" to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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From Recipe to Retail: Scaling Better-for-You Food Products That Sell.
08/09/2025
From Recipe to Retail: Scaling Better-for-You Food Products That Sell.
I recently joined OnPod Studios’ Expert Seat to share my insights on scaling better-for-you food products from recipe to retail. We covered what it really takes to get a product retail-ready — from perfecting the recipe for shelf stability and scaling production, to navigating co-manufacturing and meeting buyer expectations. I shared practical tips for founders looking to move from the kitchen to national retailers, while keeping quality, profitability, and brand integrity intact. If you want to watch the video on Youtube- Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss all upcoming tips and visit to Download resources to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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Founder Spotlight: From Habit to Healtea: How One Question Sparked a National Brand
08/02/2025
Founder Spotlight: From Habit to Healtea: How One Question Sparked a National Brand
How do we replace a bad habit with a good one? That single question drove Leila to create Healtea — a refreshing, functional tea brand she co-founded with Francesco. What started as an idea during a car ride became a shelf-stable, better-for-you beverage stocked in 1,500 stores across Canada. In this week’s Founder Spotlight episode of Scaling Your Healthy Food Product, I sit down with Leila to unpack their journey — from bootstrapping beginnings to national growth. 💡 What we covered: – Turning values into a brand mission – Navigating early challenges in formulation – Going shelf-stable without compromising quality – Finding the right co-manufacturer – Lessons learned while scaling fast If you're building a food or beverage brand, this episode will spark fresh ideas and give you a look behind the scenes of scaling a health-focused product. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss all upcoming tips and visit to Download resources to help you as you grow your better-for-you food brand.
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ETS Method Series – Step 2: Test & Improve Your Product to Strengthen Your Brand
07/26/2025
ETS Method Series – Step 2: Test & Improve Your Product to Strengthen Your Brand
In this week’s episode of the Scaling Your Healthy Food Product podcast, we’re diving into Step 2 of the ETS Method: Test & Improve. If your goal is to bring a consistent, high-quality product to market — one that customers love and retailers trust — testing and improving your product is not optional. It's a critical step that can reveal hidden weaknesses before they show up in distribution, production, or on the shelf. I share how founders I’ve worked with were able to catch costly mistakes early and turn their product into a stronger contender by running the right kinds of tests — from sensory trials and process tweaks to packaging evaluations and shelf-life studies. What you’ll learn: ✅ The real reason product testing isn’t just for big brands ✅ How small changes can unlock major improvements in quality and cost ✅ The types of tests every founder should run before scaling ✅ What testing reveals about your brand promise and product performance ✅ How to use feedback to strengthen both your product and your confidence Got a question, comment, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! You can leave me a quick voice message — it might even be featured on a future episode. Just head to [] and share your thoughts To grab a copy of the
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E.T.S Method Series: Step 1 — Evaluate Your Product to Scale Profitably
07/18/2025
E.T.S Method Series: Step 1 — Evaluate Your Product to Scale Profitably
] and share your thoughts
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Introducing the ETS Method: A Simple Framework to Scale Your Food Product with Confidence
07/12/2025
Introducing the ETS Method: A Simple Framework to Scale Your Food Product with Confidence
Scaling your food product isn’t about rushing to retail — it’s about building intentionally so you don’t burn cash, compromise quality, or stall your growth. In this episode, I’m introducing the E.T.S. Framework, a 3-step roadmap designed to help early-stage food founders grow with strategy and confidence. Whether you’re still in your kitchen or prepping for co-manufacturing, this framework will help you ask the right questions, run the right tests, and scale at the right time. This episode is for you if: You feel overwhelmed by what it takes to scale your product You’re not sure if your recipe, process, or packaging are ready You want a roadmap that helps you scale without guesswork Got a question, comment, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! You can leave me a quick voice message — it might even be featured on a future episode. Just head to [] and share your thoughts To grab a copy of the
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3 Local Gems Every Food Founder Should Know About
07/04/2025
3 Local Gems Every Food Founder Should Know About
You don’t have to look far to find powerful support for your food business—sometimes, the best resources are right in your backyard. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 local gems that every food founder should know about. These are community-based resources, programs, and partners that can help you grow, scale, and stay inspired—whether you're still making products at home or prepping for retail. If you're building a better-for-you brand and want support that’s accessible, affordable, and aligned with your mission, this episode will help you tap into what’s already around you. Got a question, comment, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! You can leave me a quick voice message — it might even be featured on a future episode. Just head to [] and share your thoughts To grab a copy of the
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Founder Spotlight: Yohannes Petros on Building a Better-For-You Hummus Brand
06/28/2025
Founder Spotlight: Yohannes Petros on Building a Better-For-You Hummus Brand
In this inspiring Founder Spotlight episode, I sit down with Yohannes Petros, founder of Hanes Hummus, to unpack his journey of turning a simple, better-for-you product into a beloved brand. From making small batches at home to building his own manufacturing facility and navigating retail setbacks, Yohannes shares the real behind-the-scenes of scaling a food brand — the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. We talk about: ✅ What inspired Yohannes to start Hanes Hummus ✅ How he scaled from home kitchen to manufacturing and co-packing ✅ The importance of shelf-life in retail success ✅ Why building close relationships with retailers and customers is critical ✅ How to navigate rejection and bounce back stronger ✅ The mindset every food founder needs to thrive through challenges If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to grow a food business — this candid conversation is a must-listen. Plus, Yohannes shares his best advice for any founder preparing to scale and insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Got a question, comment, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! You can leave me a quick voice message — it might even be featured on a future episode. Just head to [] and share your thoughts To grab a copy of the
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Before the Plant Trial: 5 Essentials Every Food Founder should Prepare
06/21/2025
Before the Plant Trial: 5 Essentials Every Food Founder should Prepare
Getting ready for a plant trial? Don’t just wing it. Whether you’re scaling from a commercial kitchen or working with a co-manufacturer for the first time, your plant trial is a critical moment in your food business journey. It’s where your product meets real-world production — and the stakes are high. In this episode, I share 5 essential things every food founder should prepare before stepping into a plant trial. From confirming your batch size and ingredient specs to knowing what to bring (and what to ask), this episode will help you show up confident, clear, and ready to get the most out of your trial. Got a question, comment, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! You can leave me a quick voice message — it might even be featured on a future episode. Just head to [] and share your thoughts or Send an email to jacinta@camaresearch.com To grab a copy of the
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You Don’t Have to Do This Alone: The Power of Mentorship for Food Founders
06/13/2025
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone: The Power of Mentorship for Food Founders
Being a food founder can feel lonely — especially when you’re the one making all the decisions. But what if you didn’t have to figure it all out alone? In this episode, we’re talking about the game-changing role of mentors in helping food founders grow with confidence. I’ll share how mentorship has shaped my own journey and why every founder—whether you're just starting or scaling—can benefit from the wisdom of someone who’s been there. Got a question, comment, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! You can leave me a quick voice message — it might even be featured on a future episode. Just head to [] and share your thoughts To register for Upcoming 1 Hr Online Workshop-June 19th at 12PM EST visit
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This Podcast is for You- Let me Know what you Need Next.
06/06/2025
This Podcast is for You- Let me Know what you Need Next.
After 20+ episodes supporting food founders, I want to hear from you. What questions are on your mind? What challenges are you facing right now? What topics would help you move your business forward? This podcast was created to support founders like you—those building purpose-driven food brands, navigating growth from the kitchen or Comm ercial kitchensto manufacturing, and doing it all while balancing family, work, and the dream of freedom. In this short episode, I’m opening up the mic to hear your voice. Whether it’s a quick question, a topic suggestion, or feedback on what’s helped you most so far—your input will shape future episodes. Got a question, comment, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! You can leave me a quick voice message — it might even be featured on a future episode. Just head to [] and share your thoughts To grab a copy of the To register for Upcoming 1 Hr Online Workshop-June 19th at 12PM EST visit
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Smart Ingredients, Bigger Margins: How to Optimize Your Recipe and Save
05/30/2025
Smart Ingredients, Bigger Margins: How to Optimize Your Recipe and Save
Want to grow your food business without squeezing your profit margins? It starts with your ingredients. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—ways to improve your bottom line: ingredient optimization. Whether you’re scaling up production, sourcing more consistently, or just trying to make your recipe more efficient, the right ingredient strategy can unlock serious savings without compromising on quality. You’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps to help you keep more money in your business and create products that are built to scale. Congratulations to Listener Michelle for winning the 1hr Food business Scaling Strategy Consultation :) Send your questions to or Send Your Voice Message or Note Using To grab a copy of the To register for Upcoming 1 Hr Online Workshop-June 19th at 12PM EST visit
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