Taste Radio

The top podcast for anyone building a business in food or beverage, BevNET’s Taste Radio features interviews with the leaders and rising stars of our fast-evolving industry. The shows also include discussion on emerging trends, innovation and news of the week from our regular cadre of hosts from the BevNET and NOSH teams. Tell us what you think at ask@tasteradio.com. You can also email us if you are interested in Taste Radio sponsorship opportunities. And if you like the podcast, share it with a colleague, will ya?

The New Premium Mindset. Why Quality Matters More Than Ever. 05/08/2026

The New Premium Mindset. Why Quality Matters More Than Ever. As consumers increasingly prioritize quality, functionality and authenticity, brands across food, beverage and wine are redefining what premium means. The hosts explore this evolving dynamic and spotlight innovative brands shaping the future of refreshment and snacking. The episode also features an interview with Jordi Viñals, the managing director of acclaimed Spanish winery Marqués de Vargas. Show notes: 0:20: We’re 30. Eat Your Energy. Pop Up. Chewish Treats & Key Lime ‘Jous.’ Nuttiness Reigns. – The hosts celebrate BevNET’s 30th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from a niche beverage publication into a leading platform for CPG professionals. They also highlight Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk series and preview upcoming Taste Radio meetups and . The conversation then turns to trends in functional snacks and beverages, including alternative energy formats like caffeine gummies, snack bites, and functional candy alongside growing interest in hydration, recovery, and relaxation products. They also sample products from several new and emerging brands, including POPWTR, Jous, Wandel and Dirty Virgo, before closing with lighthearted banter about peanut butter tequila brand Chica Chida and its oversized “nut sack.” 29:00: Interview: Jordi Viñals, Managing Director, Marqués de Vargas – On location at the 2026 Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival, Jordi discussed how Marqués de Vargas is navigating a changing global wine market while staying committed to its premium positioning. He explains why the family-owned winery is focused on quality over scale, how shifting consumer preferences are creating opportunities for boutique producers and why rising interest in Spanish food and culture could help expand the presence of Spanish wines in the U.S. Brands in this episode: Essentia, Trip, Lucky Energy, Culture Pop, Siggi’s, Oku, Gate Drop, Rally, POPWTR, Lemon Perfect, Jous, Wandel, Purposefuel, Dirty Virgo, Chica Chida, Marqués de Vargas /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/41217200

From Oatly To Lasso. How A Veteran CEO Is Building Real Differentiation in CPG. 05/05/2026

From Oatly To Lasso. How A Veteran CEO Is Building Real Differentiation in CPG. Innovation is everywhere, but the majority of what consumers see is incremental change. What does it mean to do something meaningfully different? Lasso is attempting to answer that question. In this episode, CEO Mike Messersmith, the former Oatly executive who helped turn oat milk into a cultural phenomenon, shares how his company is rethinking food from the ground up with breakthrough technology that delivers high-protein, clean-label snacks without compromise. From its origins as a plant-based meat startup to launching creative new brands like Cronch Club and Froobies, Lasso is using its proprietary process to challenge the limits of taste, texture, and nutrition – while aiming to power the next wave of innovation across the entire food industry. Show notes: 0:20: Mike Messersmith, CEO, Lasso – Mike discusses the launch of Oatly in the U.S. and how the company’s strategy of creating a no-compromise product experience – particularly within the specialty coffee landscape – as key to driving widespread adoption and category growth. He talks about how he’s applying similar principles to Lasso and how the former plant-based meat company pivoted as market dynamics shifted, expanding its technology into broader applications that enable high-protein, high-fiber, clean-label foods without relying on traditional processing methods or additives. Mike explains that the company's consumer brands serve as proof-of-concept products that demonstrate the technology’s potential across categories such as snacks and fruit chews, while also helping refine product-market fit through direct-to-consumer channels. He emphasizes that Lasso sits at the intersection of food and technology, aiming to solve consumer demand for better nutrition, taste, and transparency by innovating at the manufacturing level rather than just formulation. Mike reveals that the company’s long-term vision is to partner with established food manufacturers, licensing its technology to enable a new generation of products, while leveraging its own brands to showcase what’s possible and build credibility with both consumers and investors. Brands in this episode: Lasso, Chobani, Oatly, Cronch Club, Froobies /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/41150070

Fave, Phony & Fading. Brands, Deals & Trends Defining CPG. 05/01/2026

Elevator Talk: Farmwell, umma juice, Last Rep, Madpop, Afropop 04/29/2026

Discipline, Not Dollars. How Paul Hobbs Builds Global, Enduring Brands. 04/28/2026

The Grüns Boom, Peak Protein & Water’s Shifting Health Halo 04/24/2026

The Grüns Boom, Peak Protein & Water’s Shifting Health Halo Grüns landed a $1.2 billion acquisition less than three years after launch. Added protein still dominates shelf space – but how much runway does the trend really have left? Meanwhile, bottled water is facing growing scrutiny as its long-standing “health halo” begins to crack. We unpack the headlines and trends shaping innovation across food and beverage – and what they reveal about where CPG is headed next. Show notes: 0:20: Brad Is Back. Big Green Deal. Do We Need Protein In This? On To Austin. The Plastic Problem. – BevNET and Nosh senior reporter Brad Avery joins the show as the hosts unpack Unilever’s acquisition of fast-growing functional gummy brand Grüns, and why strong repeat purchase and DTC momentum can drive outsized valuations even without broad retail distribution. From there, the conversation turns to the still-surging “protein in everything” wave, with a look at new protein-forward launches spanning chips, pasta, soda, and coffee, and a candid debate over which formats feel intuitive versus engineered. The hosts also dig into how brands are factoring in the rise of GLP-1 drugs when shaping innovation pipelines. Ray thanks attendees of Taste Radio NYC Meetup, highlights the upcoming Austin meetup, and previews BevNET Live NYC 2026. Brad shares insights from his recent reporting on the bottled water category, where concerns around microplastics and packaging are beginning to chip away at its long-standing health halo – though behavior change remains early. The episode wraps with a tasting of sour innovations, from date-based candy alternatives to low-sugar gummies. Brands in this episode: Grüns, Goli, Athletic Greens, Liquid I.V., Koia, Khloud, Purely Elizabeth, Kaizen, Protein Pints, Pop Tarts, Laird Superfoods, Crisp Power, Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop, C4, Bloom, Ballpark, Essentia, Path Water, Open Water, Icelandic Glacial, DADDL, Behave, Warheads /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/41003800

The Playbook That Turned Nutrabolt Into A Billion-Dollar Disruptor 04/21/2026

The Playbook That Turned Nutrabolt Into A Billion-Dollar Disruptor What does it take to turn a scrappy supplement startup into a billion-dollar beverage powerhouse competing with industry giants? In this episode, Nutrabolt founder & CEO Doss Cunningham breaks down the inflection points that turned C4 into a cultural contender. From capital discipline to distribution-first thinking, Doss shares hard-earned tactical advice, including why he advises founders not to overspend on marketing before your product is widely available, the importance of focusing on high-margin categories to fund growth, investing early in product innovation, and prioritizing talent that believes in the long-term equity of a brand. Show notes: 0:20: Doss Cunningham, CEO, Nutrabolt – Doss Cunningham reflects on the company’s evolution since 2019, when it was still an early stage entrant in the energy drink market with C4. He explains how the business has grown into a major player in performance beverages, powered by a disciplined financial strategy, a focus on high-margin products, strategic distribution partnerships, continuous innovation, strong talent recruitment, and a culture of constant improvement. Cunningham also discusses Nutrabolt’s breakthrough into mainstream relevance, emphasizing capital efficiency and a philosophy of raising funds only when necessary. He points to shifting consumer behavior – particularly among Gen Z, who prioritize health-oriented products, authenticity, and discovery through platforms like TikTok – where Nutrabolt has built a performance-based creator network. The conversation also covers Nutrabolt’s investment in Bloom, which he viewed as a complementary brand capable of reaching new demographics and scaling into a meaningful beverage platform. Finally, he outlines a long-term vision of building Nutrabolt into the “Procter & Gamble of health and wellness,” driven by both internal innovation and strategic acquisitions. Brands in this episode: C4, Red Bull, Monster, Bloom /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40955910

How CPG Shelves Are Becoming A Sensory Battlefield 04/17/2026

How CPG Shelves Are Becoming A Sensory Battlefield Packaging and color have always influenced buying decisions, but in today’s CPG landscape they’re becoming two of the most powerful levers – capable of shaping perceived flavor and even determining whether a product makes it into the cart. In this episode, the hosts explore how Kind Snacks’ shift to paper wrappers surfaced unexpected changes in taste perception, while the explosive rise of ube and other visually striking ingredients underscores how “camera-ready” products are driving real demand. It’s a deep dive into how sensory cues and social media aesthetics are reshaping what wins on the shelf. Show notes: 0:20: TX Time. Rising In S.D. Tune In Today (And Tomorrow). Paper & Purple. Liv Real, With A Flip Phone. - The hosts preview upcoming meetups in New York City and Austin, alongside BevNET Live NYC 2026 and Naturally San Diego’s Naturally Rising pitch competition. They thank a pair of “angels” for stopping by the office and tease an upcoming interview with Supernatural Ventures’ Chris Robb on the Nombase Podcast. Ray highlights a Taste Radio episode chronicling the growth story of Toom garlic dip, before the conversation shifts to Mars’ work scaling sustainable packaging for Kind bars and its potential influence on taste perception and consumer behavior. They also examine how vibrant colors – such as ube’s striking purple – fuel social media buzz and inspire product innovation. The episode closes with product tastings spanning ube-coated macadamia nuts, nostalgic-style juice drinks, and a better-for-you energy beverage, followed by a creative marketing campaign featuring a redesigned flip phone aimed at encouraging real-world engagement over screen time. Brands in this episode: Kind Snacks, Mars, Toom, Nutrabolt, C4, Bloom, Svedka, Fila Manila, Sweety Mochi, Hawaiian Host, Umma Juice, Mauna Loa, Liv Real, Riot Energy, Hippie Energy /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40909430

Elevator Talk: Sleet Pops, Dime, Joy Supply, Sidepiece 04/15/2026

Building An Under The Radar Superstar. How Toom Is Taking Over. 04/14/2026

Flops Or Future Hits? Rethinking Failed CPG Products. 04/10/2026

Flops Or Future Hits? Rethinking Failed CPG Products. Were they flops – or just ahead of their time? In this episode, the hosts dig into one of the food and beverage industry’s most intriguing debates: whether discontinued products failed because they were poorly conceived, or because the market simply wasn’t ready. From drinkable soups and early functional shots to better-for-you snacks and non-alcoholic cocktail concepts, they revisit ideas that may have been too forward-thinking for their moment. The conversation expands into how today’s shifting trends, like functional ingredients and alcohol-free innovation, could give these once-shelved products a second chance at success, where timing, not taste, may have been the real barrier. Show notes: 0:20: A Week Away. Real Chocolate Debate. Never Had A Shot/Ahead Of Its Time. Chips & I.V. – Ray gives a . Melissa highlights The Hershey Company’s plan to return all Reese's and Hershey’s products to classic milk and dark chocolate recipes by 2027, sparking a discussion about whether a shift back to “real” ingredients could reshape consumer expectations and premium chocolate demand. The hosts then explore discontinued products, debating whether they failed due to poor execution or were simply ahead of their time, including drinkable soup, better-for-you fruit snacks, non-alcoholic cocktails, and functional shots. They wrap with notable new products, including refreshed pita chip branding, a non-alcoholic “brew,” and a quirky collaboration between Grillo's Pickles and Liquid I.V. Brands in this episode: Hershey, Reese’s, Culture Pop, Feastables, Nantucket Nectars, Terranean, Just Ice Tea, Honest Tea, Poland Spring, Liquid IV, Grillo’s, Fly By Jing, Fishwife, Justin's, Butterfinger, Tony's Chocolonely, Eat the Change, Welch's, Proposition Cocktail Company, Taki Mai, Spacho, Ahhmigo, Karma, Activate, Mello, Coca-Cola, GoodBelly, Cheribundi, Rhinestone, Poland Spring, Daily Crunch, Fly by Jing, Fishwife, Evergreen, V8, Superfoodio /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40796695

Khloud Has Khloé, But Community Builds The Brand 04/07/2026

M&A Isn’t Slowing. It’s Getting More Focused. 04/03/2026

From $7K To 10,000 Stores. The Protein Pints Playbook. 03/31/2026

From $7K To 10,000 Stores. The Protein Pints Playbook. How did two 20-something founders turn a $7,000 investment into one of the fastest-growing brands in CPG, now selling one unit every three seconds? It started with a deceptively simple idea, relentless sampling, meticulous planning and a confident bet that protein ice cream could outshine the biggest names in the game. I met up with Protein Pints co-founders Paul Reiss and Michael Meadows at Expo West 2026 to discuss the origins and development of their high-protein ice cream brand They share why leading with “protein” was key to standing out, how years of sampling and iteration shaped the product, and how they scaled from just 14 stores to over 10,000 in just under one year. Fueled by strong branding, great taste, and relentless execution, their rapid rise highlights the power of product-market fit and founder conviction. Show notes: 0:20: Interview: Michael Meadows & Paul Reiss, Co-Founders, Protein Pints – Paul and Michael reflect on their longtime friendship and how their college experiences ultimately led them to start a company together. They explain that including “protein” in the brand name was a deliberate choice, meant to clearly signal the product’s core benefit in a crowded frozen aisle. They also detail the more than two years they spent preparing for launch, rigorously testing recipes, packaging, and branding through extensive sampling and feedback. To fund the business, they reinvested earnings from a small service venture and supplemented that capital with prize money from pitch competitions. They credit strong sales, clear positioning, and a relentless focus on taste as the primary driver of repeat purchases. They acknowledge concerns about scaling too quickly, but lean on conviction in their product and timing, bolstered by a growing team and a network of mentors. Brands in this episode: Protein Pints, Taste Radio, SkinnyPop, Muscle Milk, Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Van Leeuwen, Super Coffee, Sauz /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40668095

Your 'Crazy' Idea Could Be Worth $1 Billion. Proda Is Up Next. 03/27/2026

Your 'Crazy' Idea Could Be Worth $1 Billion. Proda Is Up Next. Billion-dollar deals, breakout brands, and “crazy ideas” that actually worked. The hosts dive into a wave of recent CPG acquisitions and what they signal for founders. Plus, a look at brands going global, a buzzworthy Negroni-inspired sparkling water, and a conversation with industry veteran Jeff Church and “Peaky Blinders” actor Matthew Postlethwaite on their upstart protein soda brand, Proda. Show notes: 0:20: Registration Reminder. Linked Deals. Pond Crossing. Lapping It Up. Mex-BBQ. – The hosts kick off with reminders about and before diving into recent acquisitions involving Huel, Monaco RTD cocktails, and Dirty Shirley. They note that these deals underscore the importance of long-term persistence, strong execution, and adapting to shifting consumer trends, emphasizing that most brands take years to reach such milestones. The conversation also touches on the challenges of expanding between the U.S. and U.K., highlighting how cultural differences and varying levels of consumer familiarity can influence success. Later, Ray shares sips of Lapo’s latest opus, Melissa spotlights an innovative tea, and John features a flavorful nut butter and Mexican BBQ sauces, the latter sparking a broader discussion about the rise of similar products. 30:29: Interview: Jeff Church & Matthew Postlethwaite, Co-Founders, Proda – On location at Expo West 2026, Jeff and Matthew talk about how Proda was designed to deliver nutrition in a lighter, refreshing format. They discuss the inspiration behind the brand, their focus on taste and positioning, and how they’re approaching a competitive beverage landscape with an exclusive Sprouts launch. Brands in this episode: Proda, Huel, Monaco Cocktails, Dirty Shirley, Soylent, Sunnie, RXBAR, Vitaminwater, Goodles, Pop Chips, Liquid Death, Living Things, XOXO, Peeps, Crush, Slice, Suja, Lapo’s, Sanzo, Mabi Tea, Bachan’s, Ground Up, Paco Jones, Arriba, Tia Lupita, Tierra Negra, Oh My Dessert Butters, Olipop, Poppi, Rowdy Energy /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40637000

Elevator Talk: Tart, Soulkist Elixirs, Black Beverly Hills, boop, Area 51 Energy 03/25/2026

The Evergreen Strategy Generating Millions… And Better Products 03/24/2026

The Evergreen Strategy Generating Millions… And Better Products Evergreen founder and CEO Emily Groden arrived at Expo West 2026 leading one of the fastest-growing brands in frozen breakfast. But just a few years earlier, she was hand-making waffles in a shared kitchen and pitching corner stores with a toaster tucked into a duffel bag. In this episode, Emily explains how she turned a personal frustration into a breakout brand built on clean-label frozen waffles and pancakes made with real, whole-food ingredients. She shares why she refused to compromise on quality, even when it made manufacturing more difficult, and how Evergreen is leveraging protein innovation, strong retail data and a sharper family-focused brand identity to scale across channels. It’s a candid look at what it takes to build a modern CPG company – from zero experience to category leadership – while staying anchored to the mission of getting better food into more kids’ hands. Show notes: 0:20: Emily Groden, Founder & CEO, Evergreen – Emily discusses the launch of Evergreen’s new pancakes and a clean-label protein line made with Greek yogurt and egg whites. She reflects on the brand’s origins and how she built the company from scratch with no CPG background, self-funding the business and landing early retail accounts through scrappy, hands-on efforts. She explains how a recent rebrand helped better communicate Evergreen’s core audience of families, shifting from a health-first perception to a more joyful, accessible identity. The conversation also covers Evergreen’s broader mission to improve kids’ nutrition at scale, its focus on affordability and mass distribution, and how strong retail data has fueled expansion by proving the brand brings new, high-value shoppers into the category. Emily also touches on fundraising, founder discipline, and why staying anchored to a clear personal “north star” has been critical to building the brand without compromising its values. Brands in this episode: Evergreen /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40598735

David Got Sued. Is This What Success Looks Like? 03/20/2026

Gary Vee On Marketing, Micro-Quitting & His New CPG Brand 03/17/2026

Target’s Bigger Grocery Play & Angel Investors On What’s Next 03/13/2026

Target’s Bigger Grocery Play & Angel Investors On What’s Next Target is expanding its food and beverage footprint with new store concepts and larger grocery sections – potentially creating more space for emerging brands. In this episode, the hosts discuss what it means for startups and also spotlight notable trends and brands from Expo West. We also revisit interviews from our Miami meetup, including a conversation with angel investor Spencer Slaine on what he looks for in early-stage brands. Show notes: 0:20: Expo Energy. IRL All Year. Nom News. Bullseye, Babe. Mez & The Gang. Citrus Boost. – The hosts recap the energy and standout trends from Expo West and preview upcoming industry events, including BevNET Live and Taste Radio meetups. Melissa highlights a and revealed how they think about pricing, ingredients, and growth. The hosts also discuss Target’s expanding focus on food and beverage and how founders can take advantage, highlight a major funding round for protein bar brand Mezcla and reflect on brands born during the COVID era. They sample several new products, including espresso sodas, probiotic mouthwash (yep) and cocoa-flavored bone broth. 32:27: Interviews from Taste Radio’s Miami Meetup – We kick things off with Spencer Slaine, a founding member of The Angel Group, who explains how the early-stage investment network helps early-stage CPG brands bridge the funding gap with both capital and operator expertise. He is followed by Little Saints founder and CEO Megan Klein who shares how her functional, non-alcoholic cocktail brand was born out of a personal shift toward moderation and has become an anchor in the fast-growing adult non-alcoholic beverage category. Rounding out the discussion is AB InBev’s Conrad Barrett who talks about PerfectDraft, a countertop system designed to bring bar-quality draft beer into the home, highlighting how consumer feedback and AI-driven insights are shaping its growth. Brands in this episode: Little Saints, PerfectDraft, Stella Artois, Guinness, Athletic Brewing, Lucky Energy, Kate Farms, Trip, Mingle Mocktails, Cadooz, Mezcla, Poppi, Fishwife, B.T.R. Nation, Unite Foods, Folkland, Farmwell, Painterland Sisters, One Degree Organics, Moozy, Singing Pastures, Esspo, Manhattan Special, Basicase, Pikora, PWR UP, Good & Gather /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40424470

Elevator Talk: Sous Casa, Love&Cookies, Caltein, Madres Churros, TofuGo 03/11/2026

Why Thrive Market's Co-Founder Sees AI-Powered, Personalized Health As The Future 03/10/2026

Why Thrive Market's Co-Founder Sees AI-Powered, Personalized Health As The Future Eight years after his first appearance on Taste Radio, Nick Green, co-founder and CEO of pioneering online grocer Thrive Market, returns with a clear message: the future of healthy living will be shaped less by trend-chasing and more by trust, technology and simplicity. In this episode, Nick explains how Thrive is navigating a rapidly evolving wellness landscape molded by AI, GLP-1 drugs and growing consumer skepticism, while staying grounded in its mission to make healthy living more accessible and affordable. He also shares how Thrive evaluates brands, why taste matters most, and why he increasingly sees the company – which generated over $900 million in revenue in 2025 – not just as an online grocery store, but as a personalized health platform for modern consumers. Show notes: 0:20: Nick Green, Co-Founder & CEO, Thrive Market – Nick reflects on how both he and Thrive Market have evolved since his first appearance on the podcast in 2018. While acknowledging volatility across the natural products industry, he explains why Thrive remains focused on enduring trends around health, transparency and accessibility. Nick discusses how Thrive defines “healthy,” how it uses data to personalize discovery for members, and why he believes AI will deepen the company’s relationship with subscribers. He also explains how Thrive’s membership model attracts a nationwide base of “wellness champions,” and how its strict quality standards guide its curation strategy. He shares why authenticity and taste matter most when evaluating brands, and how Thrive serves as a launchpad for emerging companies. Nick also discusses Thrive’s growing own-brand business, weighs in on trends like protein, functional mushrooms and non-alcoholic beverages, and describes how the company increasingly sees itself not just as an online grocer, but as a technology platform helping consumers navigate healthy living. Brands in this episode: JOON, SkinnyDipped, Mud\Wtr, Four Sigmatic, Quantum Energy Squares /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40375900

Expo West 2026: Protein Dominates, But Flavor Decides 03/06/2026

Expo West 2026: Protein Dominates, But Flavor Decides Expo West 2026 made one thing clear: food and beverage brands are racing to add function, but the ones that nail flavor have the best chance of winning. The hosts break down the show’s biggest trends, from protein-packed everything to standout brands in candy, beverages, frozen treats, and snacks, while sharing the products and ideas that reinforced a simple truth: in modern CPG, taste still comes first. Show notes: 0:23: Barking Dogs. Plenty Of Protein. Where’s The Fiber? Blurring Lines. Sweet (Date) Treats. – The hosts are wiped but loquacious as they break down the biggest themes and trends from Expo West. They highlight the surge of protein across nearly every category – from popcorn, chips, and pretzels to beverages and ice cream – and debate whether some applications make sense today or may become more relevant in the future. Ray emphasizes that taste remains the ultimate test, spotlighting standout brands such as high-protein ice cream maker Protein Pints. The team also notes that added fiber was surprisingly less visible at the show and wonders whether it faces a bigger consumer education hurdle than protein. They examine emerging beverages like spiked prebiotic or probiotic sodas and question their long-term appeal. Beyond functional products, they highlight innovative brands discovered around the show, including crispy jerky chips, soy-based high-protein yogurt, sea moss lemonade, non-alcoholic cocktail alternatives, a modern MSG brand, and date-based candies positioned as better-for-you sweets. Brands in this episode: Khloud, Jam Packed, Lumen, Sky Pop, David, Protein Pints, Manitoba Harvest, Belly Well, Poppi, Pop Sips, Beast, YAY’s, Tezza, Bitter Love, Tips, Mother Root, OSIA, Dime MSG, Black Beverly Hills, Oh My Dessert Butter, Sleet Pops, Chara, Benny Bites, Ohum, Kias, Gato, Lasso Jello, Wobbled Jello, Very Lucky, True Dates, Joolie’s, Smood, Daddl, Harken Sweets, Farmwell, Quip, House of Joy, Crafty Ramen, Prickly, Fresh Fizz, Leisure, RXBAR, Häagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry’s, Van Leeuwen, Swedish Fish, Mounds, Almond Joy, High Noon /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40345395

She Built A ‘Nation’ Of Millions In CPG’s Toughest Category 03/03/2026

She Built A ‘Nation’ Of Millions In CPG’s Toughest Category Nationwide Whole Foods distribution. A seven-figure DTC engine. A five-person team. In this episode, Ashley Nickelsen, the founder and CEO of nutrition bar and chocolate brand B.T.R. Nation, breaks down the systems behind her brand’s growth, from using DTC zip-code data to unlock retail expansion, to building a creative-first Meta ads strategy that drives real revenue (not just impressions). She shares why velocity is her North Star metric, how she thinks about omnichannel as a flywheel – not separate businesses – how she evaluates when syndicated data is worth the cost, and why she chose to self-warehouse to maintain margin and operational control. Ashley also unpacks her approach to pricing across channels, portfolio expansion beyond a single hero SKU, and constant creative testing in one of grocery’s most competitive categories. Show notes: 0:20: Ashley Nickelsen, Founder & CEO, B.T.R. Nation – Ashley talks about her deep ties to New York City and a life largely spent on the road for work. She also shares her path into CPG from a master’s in higher education and then into the supplement world and applied lessons from her experience to B.T.R., Ashley’s discusses evolution as a spokesperson and her belief that brands need a consistent “face,” explains B.T.R.’s origin story and how losing both parents to rare cancers before age 30 shaped her mission and her decision to avoid natural flavors. She describes how trust and community grew “organically” through direct customer engagement and helps generate retail discovery and online reorders across channels. She also details how B.T.R. approaches growth with constant iteration while keeping affordability and velocity in mind, and shares practical learnings on Meta advertising and how to pair digital attribution with retail data stories to win new accounts. Brands in this episode: B.T.R. Nation, Spindrift, Mid-Day Squares, Graza, Simple Mills, Siete, Perfect Bar, Lily’s, Unreal, Heinz, Crumbl /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40273805

Is Big Food Catching Up To Startups? And, A Legend Signs Off. 02/27/2026

Elevator Talk: Shyft Energy, Drink H2O, Psilly Goose, Kaviva, Pink Palm 02/25/2026

The Tito’s of Snacks? How Mi Niña Is Building a Big Small Brand. 02/24/2026

Expo West Is Pricey. Here’s How To Make It Pay Off. 02/20/2026

They Backed Poppi. Now The Angel Group Wants to Back You. 02/17/2026

They Backed Poppi. Now The Angel Group Wants to Back You. Behind nearly every breakout CPG brand is an early believer willing to write the first check. In this episode, Adam Spriggs — a founding member of the early-stage investor community The Angel Group and a general partner at its funding arm, Supernatural Ventures — shares how a casual investing experiment evolved into a 275-member syndicate backing the next generation of emerging brands. Along the way, The Angel Group has invested in standout companies including Painterland Sisters, Poppi, Siete, Goodles, Bachan’s, and Jesse & Ben’s — a track record that underscores its eye for breakout potential. Adam breaks down how his team evaluates nearly 1,000 opportunities each year, why founder quality remains the ultimate differentiator, and what he means by backing brands that are both “interesting and obvious” — concepts that feel fresh yet inevitable in hindsight. He also discusses the firm’s evolution from early-stage “signature” checks to larger growth investments, how they support founders beyond capital, and why categories ranging from THC beverages to frozen potatoes and premium tortilla chips still hold significant untapped upside. Show notes: 0:20: Adam Spriggs, Founding Member, The Angel Group – Adam discusses his background in CPG branding and business development, explaining how his path to angel investing began with informally reviewing deals alongside industry peers before ultimately formalizing the Angel Group. He talks about how the group has completed 35 investments, primarily in brands generating less than $1 million in revenue and why its members have increasingly pursued “top-shelf” opportunities in more mature, high-growth businesses. He outlines the group’s funnel along with the core signals they prioritize and ranks key investment criteria, including the founder, retail velocity, COGS, and price point, and illustrates these principles with examples such as Poppi and emerging categories like THC beverages. Adam explains how the group supports portfolio companies through regular check-ins, industry introductions, and structured updates. He closes with advice for aspiring angel investors: don’t invest alone, recognize the inherent risk of early-stage bets, and seek curated deal flow and a strong community where investors can add value through expertise and connections. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Garage Beer, Olipop, Goodles, Siete, Nowadays, Shift Naturals, Painterland Sisters, Ayoh!, Jesse & Ben’s, El Nacho, Wild Monkey Bar, Magic Spoon, Graza, Truff, Coyotas, Stone & Skillet, Modelo /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40130855

A $198M IPO & The ‘Healthy’ Divide. Is CPG Changing? 02/13/2026

A $198M IPO & The ‘Healthy’ Divide. Is CPG Changing? Once Upon a Farm is officially public — and it could mark a turning point for better-for-you brands. In this episode, the hosts break down the baby food company’s $198 million IPO, what its $724 million valuation signals for the CPG landscape, and why going public may be emerging as a viable alternative to traditional acquisition. Is this the start of a new era for mission-driven food brands looking to scale on their own terms? Plus, they dig into the growing battle over how “healthy” gets defined at retail. Kroger adopted FoodHealth’s nutrient scoring system, which aims to guide shoppers with a balanced approach to nutrient density and ingredient quality. Meanwhile, the Non-GMO Project’s stricter Non-UPF Verified certification draws a hard line against processed oils, gums, and natural flavors. Are these systems complementary, competitive, or just confusing? Show notes: 0:23: Fiber Bowl. AMA In MIA. OFRM’s IPO. UPF, Maybe Or No? A Burst Of Mayo, Protein & Powder. – The hosts kick things off with lighthearted Super Bowl banter and a recap of their game-day food spreads before previewing the upcoming Taste Radio Miami Meetup at Casa La Rubia on Feb. 18. The team highlights event features including live podcast interviews, networking, brand sampling, and a new “Ask Me Anything” table hosted by Atomos Strategic Marketing, encouraging founders and industry professionals to attend. The conversation then shifts to industry news, notably Once Upon a Farm’s IPO, which raised $198 million and valued the baby and kids food brand at over $724 million. The hosts discuss the rarity of successful CPG IPOs, the tradeoffs between going public and selling to a strategic buyer, and what the move could signal for other better-for-you brands. From there, they explore evolving nutrition standards, comparing FoodHealth’s nutrient scoring system with the stricter Non-UPF Verified certification from the Non-GMO Project, touching on hot-button topics like processed oils, natural flavors, and consumer education. The episode also features commentary on innovative products such as Graza’s olive oil mayonnaise strategy, protein soda from Joyburst, protein-enhanced fruit spreads from BamJam, and the straightforward drink mix brand Fave. Brands in this episode: Royo Bread, Once Upon a Farm, Annie’s, Vita Coco, Bai, Graza, Koia, Joyburst, BamJam, Drippy, Dappie, Fave, BTR Nation, Cadence, Spindrift, Duke’s /episode/index/show/tasteradio/id/40094655

Taste Radio

TOPICS