Taste Radio

Jaksot

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  From $2M To $24M In Three Years. Why Katie's Is Thriving. 15.09.2026 34min

  Building a thriving CPG brand wasn't Katie Lee's plan. It was a crisis response that evolved into a national business. When the COVID-19 shutdown threatened her four St. Louis restaurants and the livelihoods of 150 employees, the chef and restaurateur created a line of frozen pizzas simply to keep her team working. That pizza became the foundation for Katie's, a CPG brand that has grown from roughly $2 million in revenue in 2023 to a business on pace to surpass $24 million in sales this year. The brand is also headed for more than 6,300 retail doors by year-end, including every Target and Sprouts nationwide, along with Whole Foods, Publix, Wegmans and other major retailers. That kind of growth hasn't come without some serious operational challenges. When Target awarded Katie's a national rollout, Lee suddenly had to figure out how to produce 400,000 pizzas in three months. Now, as the brand expands beyond pizza into new categories, she's building a new manufacturing facility while working to preserve the restaurant-level standards and culinary approach that set Katie's apart in the first place. Katie shares what she's had to learn the hard way about CPG, how she and her team navigated the brand's explosive growth, and why she's ultimately more motivated by the freedom to create, build and make an impact than by a big exit. Show notes: 0:20: Katie Lee, Founder & CEO, Katie's – Katie discusses her new book, Unemployable, which chronicles the unconventional path that took her from dropping out of high school at 15 and struggling with addiction to becoming a successful restaurateur and entrepreneur. She explains how she essentially brought the restaurant experience to the freezer aisle, using hand-stretched dough, wood-fired cooking and premium ingredients to create KATIE'S first line of pizzas. She talks about the brand's Walmart Golden Ticket and full-chain Target rollout, including the challenge of meeting the massive production demands that came with those opportunities. Lee also explains how her restaurant background gives KATIE'S an advantage in CPG: her team can develop products quickly, test them with thousands of restaurant customers and apply decades of culinary experience to ingredients, technique and hospitality. She believes consumers are increasingly looking for restaurant-quality food at home, but says the experience extends beyond the food itself to storytelling, presentation and the people and craft behind the product. Brands in this episode: Katie's
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  What Goodles' $500M Acquisition Says About CPG Innovation 11.09.2026 31min

  This week, we dig into Barilla Group's acquisition of Goodles and how the mac and cheese brand's success reflects growing demand for better-for-you versions of familiar, legacy products. We also look at David Protein maker Medici Brands' $2.2 billion valuation following its Series B raise, the launch of its better-for-you candy brand HallPass and how the company is rethinking two of the most familiar formats in CPG.  Show notes: 0:20: Incremental Betterness. Medici Momentum. Shelf Impact. Dance & Drink. A Trip To London. – Ray highlights Taste Radio's upcoming meetups in San Diego and San Francisco before the hosts unpack Barilla Group's acquisition of Goodles, including the brand attributes that made it attractive to consumers and acquirers alike. They also explore the broader trend of "incremental betterness," as Ray puts it, and why improving established categories can be just as powerful as creating something entirely new. The conversation turns to Medici Brands and how founder Peter Rahal has fueled its rapid expansion beyond David protein bars into new formats, including HallPass, which the hosts sample and review. They also taste David's new pumpkin spice bar and discuss how brands can use "training wheels" to make better-for-you products more approachable before potentially improving their formulas further. Melissa spotlights new flavors of Koia's Protein Pop line, while Mike showcases Golden Disco's non-alcoholic cocktails. Melissa also highlights a new Nombase course from packaging expert Fred Hart focused on designing products for maximum shelf impact. Finally, the hosts discuss Kendall Jenner joining U.K.-based functional beverage brand Trip as a shareholder and global ambassador, and look ahead to Taste Radio's upcoming meetup in London. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Goodles, Culture Pop, Annie's, RXBAR, David Protein, HallPass, Thirsty Buddha, Rise Kombucha, Trip, Koia, Golden Disco
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  Five Brands Shaping CPG's Next Wave 09.09.2026 1t 1min

  In the latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk, leaders from five emerging CPG brands -- Tamarind Heads, Cozy, Samsara, Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps and Nadas Empanadas -- introduce their businesses, share what's changed since launch and offer a look at where they're headed next. Joining regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of Taste Radio, is Can Koyuncu, the co-founder and CMO of Chapter Foods, who brings sharp questions, candid feedback and an investor's perspective to each pitch. Want to put your brand in front of experienced CPG operators and investors? Applications are open for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and founders get the chance to pitch their products, share company news and get unfiltered feedback from industry leaders. Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.
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  Keurig Dr Pepper's Former CEO Has A Beefy Take On Growth 08.09.2026 28min

  What if the smartest growth strategy for your CPG brand is to stop chasing growth? Larry Young spent nearly 50 years in the beverage business before trading corporate boardrooms for a cattle ranch. The former CEO and president of Keurig Dr Pepper and his wife, Colette, now own Texas-based 10-2-4 Ranch, where they're building a premium beef brand on their own terms. In this episode, Larry and Colette explain why they've resisted the pressure to grow fast, raise money and chase scale; how they've made premium quality accessible without premium pricing; and why customer relationships, authenticity and simply delivering on your promises can be more powerful than any conventional growth strategy. They also share lessons on educating consumers, building word of mouth, choosing the right partners and hiring people who genuinely care about what they do. Show notes: 0:20: Larry & Colette Young, Owners, 10-2-4 Ranch – Larry discusses how a lifelong career in the beverage industry ultimately led him and Colette to ranching and the creation of a consumer beef brand. They talk about the 10-2-4's origins as a hunting ranch, how it evolved into a cattle operation and, eventually, a premium beef business built around Wagyu-influenced cattle, quality, traceability and affordability. The Youngs explain why their goal isn't to become the biggest beef brand, but the best, why taste is the most powerful selling point, how affordable pricing makes premium beef more approachable, and why educating consumers about lesser-known cuts and the nutritional benefits of beef is central to their strategy. They also share how word of mouth, restaurant partnerships, steak nights and social media help build the brand, while emphasizing personal relationships and customer service as key differentiators. The conversation also explores their decision to avoid political debates and carefully choose media and influencer partners so the brand remains focused on food rather than ideology. Finally, the Youngs reflect on entrepreneurship, defining success on their own terms, the importance of hiring people with passion and integrity, and the unexpected fulfillment of building a business that aligns with their lifestyle and values. Brands in this episode: 10-2-4, Bai
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  Is It A Trend Or A Distraction? 04.09.2026 27min

  How do you know when a trend is an opportunity – and when it's just a distraction? In CPG, the pressure to add protein, fiber, adaptogens, nootropics and every other buzzy benefit can be relentless. But more isn't always more. We dig into why some brands are winning by keeping things simple, how Purely Elizabeth has managed to embrace trends without losing its identity, and why Pathwater's evolution beyond bottled water may offer a lesson in building a brand around what consumers actually value. Plus, we swap samples, trade founder war stories and discover a few products that made us stop and pay attention. Show notes: 0:20: Clear Messaging. Too Much Function. Trend Chasing. Founder Hustle. Snack Time. — The hosts explore the tension between simplicity and functionality, comparing straightforward products like Bare Brew and Cherrish with more complex concepts like Vera. They discuss why emerging brands are often better off with one clear benefit and a simple consumer message. They also look at how Purely Elizabeth has embraced trends like protein and fiber while staying true to its core, and how Pathwater has turned its broader sustainability and hydration positioning into an advantage. Along the way, they share some funny realities of building CPG brands and highlight new products from Hol Health Club and Peppertux. Brands in this episode: Bare Brew, Narra, Pure Leaf, Doritos, Mamma Chia, Cherrish, Vera, Purely Elizabeth, PathWater, SmartWater, Bodyarmor, Hol Health Club, Melo, Doosra, Peppertux
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  Replay: After The Caulipower Sale, Gail Becker's Words Hit Differently 01.09.2026 40min

  Caulipower's sale to Urban Farmer in November 2025 marked the latest chapter in one of the most remarkable founder stories in modern CPG.  Before the acquisition, the company was generating more than $120 million in annual sales and had established a dominant position in better-for-you frozen food. But for founder Gail Becker, building a successful company was never just about creating enterprise value — and that makes this conversation worth revisiting. When Gail joined Taste Radio in March 2025, she spoke candidly about the motivations behind Caulipower, the company she built after seeing an opportunity to make the foods people loved more accessible and better for them.    With the benefit of hindsight — and knowing where the Caulipower journey ultimately led — Gail's perspective on success feels especially resonant. She opens up about the emotional rewards of entrepreneurship, the relationships she developed with consumers and the leadership lessons she learned while scaling Caulipower into a market leader with a national retail footprint of more than 25,000 stores. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting it with the outcome of Caulipower's sale in mind, Gail's message is clear: building a valuable company is one thing. Building something that genuinely matters is something else entirely. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Gail Becker, Founder, Caulipower – Recorded at the lively Caulipower booth at Expo West 2025, Gail Becker takes us behind the development of the brand's new dill pickle pizza, a product that spent two years in development before reaching shelves. She outlines the three must-have criteria for every new Caulipower product and explains why expanding access to better-for-you food remains central to the company's mission. Gail also discusses the brand's willingness to challenge conventions and reflects on the intensity and optimism that defined Caulipower's early days. Despite being naturally private, she became the public face of the brand and shares what she's learned about navigating that role — including the importance of knowing when to say no. Brands in this episode: Caulipower
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  The Private Opportunity That Could Be Worth Millions 28.08.2026 22min

  As inflation, margin pressure and shifting consumer behavior reshape the CPG landscape, private label is having a major moment — and brands need to decide how they'll respond. The hosts unpack why more retailers are embracing private label, how brands can leverage it to strengthen cash flow without undermining their own business, and why saying no to an opportunity could simply hand it to a competitor. Show notes: 0:20: Meetups & Mingling. Honey Mama's Mashups. Private Label, Big Moment. Networking Pays. CPG Wins & Woes. Weird Snacks. – The hosts kick off the episode with some playful banter about Ray's absence before reflecting on Taste Radio's recent Chicago Meetup and previewing upcoming events in San Diego, San Francisco and London. They sample a variety of new Honey Mama's products and discuss how the brand has evolved its product line without losing its core identity. The conversation then turns to the resurgence of private label amid inflation and a K-shaped economy, with Melissa highlighting a recent Nombase podcast focused on how brands can use private label to generate cash flow without diluting their core business. The hosts also make the case for attending industry events, emphasizing that networking can lead to unexpected opportunities and that founders should consistently invest in their networks rather than scrambling to build one when they need it. They spotlight several entrepreneurs and brands, including Goldie Lemonade founder Sean Rosenberg, Plainspeak Water from Sara Brooks, and Bake Me Healthy founder Kimberly Lau, whose decision to wind down her business underscores just how difficult building a successful CPG company can be. Finally, they sample a uniquely Canadian snack called Long Chips, debate whether the bacon flavor is actually bacon, and marvel at the product's unusual format. Brands in this episode: Honey Mama's, Stumptown Coffee, Prana, Goldie Lemonade, GNGR Labs, Plainspeak, Bake Me Healthy, Kodiak Cakes, Long Chips, Pringles
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  Why Her 'Cheeky' Strategy Is Paying Off 25.08.2026 28min

  The fastest way to find out if your strategy holds water? Put it in the market.  For more than a decade, Cheeky Cocktails has built a following with premium syrups and juices designed to elevate at-home cocktails.  Now, founder and CEO April Wachtel is pushing the brand into a first-of-its-kind functional tonic, and shares how real-world feedback is reshaping everything from where the product belongs on the shelf to how she's thinking about Cheeky's next chapter. For CPG founders, it's a compelling case for embracing iteration rather than waiting for perfection. Show notes: 0:20: April Wachtel, Founder & CEO, Cheeky Cocktails – April discusses her unconventional path from working in restaurants as a teenager to becoming a craft cocktail bartender, spirits brand ambassador and consultant before launching her own company. She reflects on the evolution from her original brand, Swig and Swallow and how she ultimately relaunched the business just as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated at-home cocktail culture. April explains how her experience as a bartender, cocktail instructor and consumer shaped Cheeky's portfolio of premium syrups and juices, as well as its newest product, Cheeky Lime Tonic, which she describes as a functional tonic with fiber and 40–70% less sugar than traditional tonics. April details the extensive R&D and consumer feedback that went into developing the tonic and explains why she believes entrepreneurs should get products into the market quickly to test their assumptions and learn from real-world reactions. She also discusses Cheeky's evolving retail strategy and the challenge of building a company around two distinct product lines and the possibility that the tonic could eventually become the primary focus of Cheeky. April  also shares how intuition, personal experience and data have each influenced her entrepreneurial decisions, emphasizing the importance of following instinct while validating ideas with market research and consumer feedback. Brands in this episode: Cheeky Cocktails, Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop
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  When Raising Millions Starts With A 'FirstLook' 21.08.2026 45min

  What does it take for an emerging CPG brand to go from promising to investable? Brian Folmer, founder of FirstLook and FirstLook Ventures, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he evaluates the next generation of consumer brands. FirstLook is a "Shark Tank in a box" platform that vets hundreds of brands before putting a select group of products in the hands of nearly 100 investors, while FirstLook Ventures takes that deal flow a step further by funding emerging companies alongside its investor community.  Brian reveals what catches his attention—from traction and valuation to market potential, founder quality and the elusive "X factor"—and shares why some brands make the cut while others don't. He also explains why overpricing a company can stall a fundraise, how potent consumer pain points can create breakout opportunities, and why today's shift toward cleaner, less-processed products is creating new opportunities for CPG founders. Show notes: 0:20: Brian Folmer, Founder, FirstLook & FirstLook Ventures – Brian chats about his background and foray into CPG investment before explaining First Look's model and the criteria the company uses to vet hundreds of brands and select a group of products to present monthly to its investor members. The First Look Ventures founder also breaks down the factors that influence investment decisions, including valuation, sales traction, retail interest, market size, pricing, category potential and founder quality. Using Laurel's Coffee, Miils, Boost Cous, SUUS, Awesome Aminos, Zoli Gummy Pops and Magna as examples, he discusses what makes brands stand out and the importance of solving a clear consumer need. He also addresses regulatory and legal risk, the shift toward cleaner and less-processed products, the growing use of AI to build more efficient companies and the "X factor" he looks for in founders. Folmer explains why an inflated valuation can slow a fundraise, why a large market matters and what founders can do to get investors' attention, including keeping outreach concise and making pitch decks mobile-friendly. Brands in this episode: Laurel's Coffee, Miils, Boost Cous, SUUS, Awesome Aminos, Gruns, Zoli Gummy Pops, Poppi, Vita Coco, Siete, Vaquero Bandito, Primal Queen, Magna, Ugly Drinks
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  How A Veteran VC Sizes Up Five Early-Stage CPG Brands 19.08.2026 1t 5min

  The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights emerging leaders from Gold Crush Cocktails, Roadie Brew, Ample Hydration, Pesche and Gingerbug, who introduce their brands, share recent company updates, and highlight key milestones. This week's special co-host is Dayton Miller, a managing partner with venture capital firm BFG Partners. Dayton brings insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and a strategic perspective to the conversation alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of Taste Radio. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are invited to apply for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and the series offers a unique opportunity to pitch your product, share company news, and get candid feedback from experienced industry leaders. Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.
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  A Front-Row Seat To One Of CPG's Hottest Cities 18.08.2026 23min

  Chicago's CPG scene is thriving, and we got a taste of it firsthand. Fresh off our latest Taste Radio meetup, we spotlight the city's vibrant brand community and sample a fascinating lineup of products discovered at the highly touted, unceremoniously shuttered and ultimately resurrected Foxtrot Market. The haul includes a wildly complex salted lemonade, a Mexican-inspired sparkling tonic, a soda-meets-sparkling-water brand, a caffeine-plus-protein bar and a "chai baby." Along the way, we unpack what these products reveal about flavor, functionality, packaging and the increasingly unconventional ways brands are competing for consumers' attention. Show notes: 0:20: A First For Us. Chi Fourth. Pilots, Battlers, Angels. A Trot For A Haul. Eye-Popping Innovation. – Ray's hotel room becomes a temporary studio as the hosts recap Taste Radio's Chicago Meetup at Pilot Project Brewing in Logan Square, which drew about 120 founders, operators and CPG professionals. They reflect on Chicago's vibrant and increasingly influential CPG scene, including a visit to the revamped Foxtrot Market, rebuilt after its collapse in 2024. The hosts sample and discuss emerging beverage brands including Five Corners Beverage Company, Aire, Ruby and Barbet, highlighting a growing appetite for complex, distinctive flavors and unconventional combinations, particularly among brands positioned as non-alcoholic cocktails. They also explore Beanies' coated soybeans, Freeman House's microbrew chai made with Oatly and Jilly's Jerky. The conversation then turns to Hall Pass, the new better-for-you chocolate brand from RXBAR founder Peter Rahal, which is launching exclusively at Walmart and reflects his broader strategy of creating lower-calorie, lower-sugar versions of familiar foods. The episode closes with a look ahead to upcoming Taste Radio meetups in San Diego, San Francisco and London. Brands in this episode: Five Corners Beverage Company, Aire, Ruby, Barbet, Beanies, Unhinged, Honey Mama's, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Freeman House, Oatly, Jilly's Jerky, Hall Pass, RXBAR, David Protein, Pilot Project Brewing, Battle Bars, Ghia, Spindrift, Biena Snacks, TalkBack
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  Do Consumers Give An F About Functionality? 14.08.2026 23min

  Functionality is everywhere – but are consumers buying the benefit or seeing right through it?  This week, we dig into the rise of protein- and fiber-enhanced snacks from Khloud, Doritos and Smartfood, the growing buzz around colostrum, and a troubling new study on avocado oil authenticity. Plus, we explore the enduring appeal of pickle flavor, Grillo's winning collaboration strategy, premium dates and the surprising technology behind Air Up.  Show notes: 0:20: Ken's Leftovers. A Function-Forward Discussion. Educate Me. It's Not What You Bought. Slurp Up. – Ray digs into a grab bag The Beverage Whisperer left behind after his recent visit to the office, including a zero-sugar sports drink from the U.K. that sparks a conversation about better-for-you sports drinks and the growing popularity of alcoholic sports beverages. The hosts then turn to functionality, sampling Khloud's new protein- and collagen-enhanced chips, Doritos Protein chips and Smartfood Fiber popcorn. They discuss whether consumers actually care about added functionality in familiar products – or if brands are simply layering trendy benefits onto legacy favorites. The conversation continues with the growing buzz around colostrum and the education required to make sense of increasingly popular functional ingredients. The episode then moves to a troubling study on avocado oil, the enduring popularity of pickle flavor and Grillo's remarkable track record of brand collaborations, before wrapping with premium Rancho Meladucco dates and Air Up's unusual approach to flavoring water through scent. Brands in this episode: Posca, Super Lyte, Goldilocks, Khloud, Quest, Doritos, Smartfood, Ancient Nutrition, Mission Craft Cocktails, Grillo's, Firehook, Ithaca, PBR, V8, Utz, Liquid I.V., Pop-Up Bagels, Burt's Bees, Hippeas, Rancho Meladucco Date Farm, Date Fix, Air Up, Szent
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  Threading The Future: Five Emerging Brands To Watch 12.08.2026 1t 5min

  The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights emerging leaders from Oddball, The Spice Drops, Good Greed, Little Twists, and Gamsa Foods, who introduce their brands, share recent company updates, and highlight key milestones. This week's special co-host is Yola Blake Page, the founder Violet Thread Strategy, an Austin-based independent brand consultancy. Yola brings insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and a strategic perspective to the conversation alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of Taste Radio. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are invited to apply for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and the series offers a unique opportunity to pitch your product, share company news, and get candid feedback from experienced industry leaders. Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.
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  A Whisper Away From A Billion: Ken Sadowsky On What's Next 11.08.2026 54min

  What makes a brand worth betting on? Ken Sadowsky, affectionately known as "The Beverage Whisperer," returns to Taste Radio with a sharp look at where the biggest opportunities — and potential pitfalls — are emerging across the beverage category.  A senior advisor at Verlinvest, board director at Vita Coco and Icelandic Glacial, and early-stage investor in several emerging beverage brands, Ken explains why coconut water still has plenty of runway, what founders can learn from playing the long game, and why he believes colostrum could represent the next big functional beverage opportunity. Ken also shares his perspective on the rise of caffeine-free energy, hydration, matcha, protein and functional beverages. He also offers candid takes on celebrity-backed brands, flavor versus function, packaging, category positioning and the question he asks when evaluating any new beverage. Show notes: 0:20: Ken Sadowsky, Sr. Advisor, Verlinvest – Ken kicks things off by praising his beloved Red Sox before sharing his perspective on why coconut water has quietly become one of beverage's fastest-growing categories. He explains how strategic decisions by major beverage companies can temporarily shape retailer perceptions of an entire category, and why occasion- and benefit-based shopping may increasingly blur traditional category lines, particularly in smaller-format stores. Ken also discusses several emerging brands in his investment portfolio, including Rite, a caffeine-free energy drink powered by ketones and paraxanthine, and Leisure Hydration, which he sees as a function-first product with a more relaxed approach to hydration. He and Ray also evaluate products from Stillers, Yass, Gimber, Fizzin Protein and Grind. At the heart of Ken's philosophy is a simple question: Why will a consumer buy the product again? While functional benefits can drive trial, he argues that taste remains critical to repeat purchase in most categories. For founders, he emphasizes the importance of spending time in stores, studying the competitive set and allowing consumers to determine where a product belongs rather than relying too heavily on conventional category definitions. Ken also weighs in on celebrity-backed brands, arguing that celebrity involvement can drive discovery but is far more powerful when the celebrity genuinely invests in and believes in the business. He reflects on the extraordinary velocity of beverages compared with other CPG categories and explains why he often asks if a brand has the potential to sell a billion cans. Brands in this episode: Vita Coco, Harmless Harvest, Zico, Gatorade, Red Bull, Monster Energy, Celsius, Rite Energy, Parch, Subourbon Life, Ponyboy Slings, MOTH Cocktails, Spikedade, Super Lyte, Yass, Orange Toucan, Leisure Hydration, Spindrift, Coca-Cola, Neau Water, Eatyx, Oshee, Stiller's, Gimber, Vitaminwater, Pirate's Booty, AriZona Beverages, Ancient Nutrition, Fair Life, Fizzen Protein, Protein Pop, Grind, Onyx Coffee, Donpon Energy  
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  What Are The Most Fundable Concepts In Food & Beverage? 07.08.2026 35min

  Even in a tough fundraising market, investors are still writing checks. The question is: to whom? This week, we break down the latest CPG investment data and examine why protein-packed, dye-free, and ingredient-conscious startups continue to stand out with investors. We also take a closer look at the emerging products generating buzz – including protein candy, mushroom lemonade, snacking croutons, and tinned protein bars – and what they say about the future of food and beverage. Show notes: 0:20: A Timely Story. Which Direction? Head North. Algae Oil Is Hot. Jacked Up. Crunch, Sip, Snack. – The hosts open the episode by discussing the rapid rise of better-for-you candy, prompted by a recent New York Times article highlighting the category's momentum. While debating the role of alternative sweeteners and whether consumers ultimately prefer lower-sugar formulations or products made with real sugar, they also discuss how the success of brands like Poppi has inspired entrepreneurs to apply similar better-for-you playbooks to adjacent categories. The conversation then shifts to investment trends, drawing on Northhall's Q2 2026 Food, Beverage & CPG Financing Report to examine which early-stage concepts are attracting the most investor interest. They highlight recent funding rounds for companies such as Buffs and Algae Cooking Club, along with large-scale M&A activity driven by major corporations repositioning their portfolios around evolving consumer preferences. The hosts also turn their attention to a range of new products, including protein bars packaged in sardine-style tins, snacking croutons, Korean-style bone broth, and mushroom-infused sparkling lemonade. They discuss merchandising strategies, consumer appeal, and whether these unconventional formats and flavors have the potential to break into the mainstream. Brands in this episode: Rotten, Original Tiniez, Chewerz, Happy Candy, Better Sour, SmartSweets, Joyride, Good Greed, Poppi, Olipop, Buffs, Algae Cooking Club, Jacked Granny, RXBAR, David, Croots, Kushi,  Pepperidge Farm, Reclamation, Brodo, Brio Drinks, Goldie
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  What Betting On Brands Taught Darren Rovell About Building One 04.08.2026 40min

  The best founders know that great products don't win on their own. Investor, entrepreneur, and longtime business journalist Darren Rovell joins Taste Radio to share the lessons he's learned backing breakout brands like Athletic Brewing, PopUp Bagels and Biena Snacks, building his own company, Kickstand Cocktails, and evaluating hundreds of startups every year.  He explains what separates investable founders from the rest, why adaptability beats stubbornness, and how emerging brands can carve out an advantage – even in the most competitive categories. Show notes: 0:20: Darren Rovell, Founder, Kickstand Cocktails & Tastemaker Capital  – Darren offers his perspective on the widespread adoption of testosterone therapy and GLP-1 drugs before diving into the investment philosophy behind Tastemaker Capital, explaining why he favors backing exceptional founders and differentiated products over rigid venture capital playbooks. He reflects on successful investments like Athletic Brewing and the consumer insights that led him to recognize the potential of non-alcoholic beer years before it entered the mainstream. Darren also discusses lessons learned from missed opportunities and the collapse of Foxtrot Market, emphasizing the importance of founder communication, adaptability, and conviction. He then shares his journey as the founder of Kickstand Cocktails, a premium line of spicy craft vodka sodas inspired by a disappointing bar experience, detailing how the brand has evolved through continuous iteration while staying true to its core promise of balanced, approachable spice. Along the way, he candidly discusses the challenges of building an alcohol brand within the three-tier distribution system, why supermarket distribution has been central to Kickstand's growth, and how he evaluates startups today—arguing that product quality and founder adaptability matter more than branding, while warning that AI-generated pitch decks make it harder than ever to separate substance from polish. Brands in this episode: Biena, BODYARMOR, Athletic Brewing, Saint Pauli Girl, O'Doul's, Guinness, Fisher Island Lemonade, Kickstand Cocktails, Cutwater Spirits, High Noon, Long Drink, On The Rocks, Surfside, Spikeade, Super Lyte, Gatorade, Powerade, Coca-Cola, PopUp Bagels
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  PepsiCo Is Paying Attention. Are You? 31.07.2026 28min

  Consumer expectations are changing fast, and brands of every size are being forced to adapt.  In this episode, we discuss what PepsiCo's response to GLP-1s and inflation signals for CPG. We also dive into Vita Coco's acquisition of a super-premium rival, and sample everything from cereal-inspired protein shakes and date-sweetened cola to birch water and caffeinated banana milk. Show notes: 0:20: Chi, Summer. Is Ce Real? Pep Rally. Coco + Copra. Date Drink. The Two a Yous. It's French. — Ray and Melissa lament how quickly summer is slipping away, but they're looking ahead to Taste Radio's upcoming meetup in Chicago. Meanwhile, Mike is mixing up an unconventional concoction he swears will improve his physique. Melissa then leads a conversation about PepsiCo's response to GLP-1 adoption and persistent inflation, prompting a discussion about how major CPG companies are balancing lower prices on core products with innovation in premium and functional offerings—a dynamic that's creating both headwinds and opportunities for emerging brands. The hosts also examine Vita Coco's acquisition of premium coconut water brand Copra, viewing it as a strategic move to expand across multiple price tiers and compete more directly with Harmless Harvest. Ray samples Unpop's date-sweetened cola and highlights Tuyyo agua fresca hydration sticks, NYMBL high-protein ice cream, and OOZ birch water, while Melissa gives high marks to Halfday iced tea and Matcha DNA's powdered matcha lattes. Brands in this episode: Spylt, Miils, Doritos, Carbone, Copra, Vita Coco, Harmless Harvest, Jolt Cola, Olipop, Poppi, Nixie, Stiller's, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Halfday, Nymbl, Protein Pints, David, Tuyyo, Unpop, OOZ, Matcha DNA, Minor Figures
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  Whole Foods Said Wait. Little Spoon Built A $150M Brand Instead. 28.07.2026 29min

  How do you build a $150M CPG brand when your first retail opportunity falls apart? For Little Spoon, the answer was to stop waiting for the shelf and start building a relationship with the customer. After its initial plans to launch fresh baby food with Whole Foods hit a roadblock, co-founder and chief product officer Angela Vranich helped steer the company toward a DTC-first strategy that transformed Little Spoon into the largest direct-to-consumer baby and kids food brand in the U.S. The company has since expanded into more than 100 products, entered retail through an exclusive partnership with Target, and built a business around understanding what modern parents want. In this episode, Vranich breaks down the decisions, challenges, and operating principles behind Little Spoon's rise — from product innovation and customer education to scaling a complex food business without compromising quality. Show notes: 0:20: Angela Vranich, Co-Founder, Little Spoon – Angela discusses how a setback with Whole Foods ultimately shaped Little Spoon's trajectory, prompting the company to pivot to a direct-to-consumer model. After selling more than one million meals in its first year, Little Spoon validated an opportunity to disrupt kids' nutrition and build a deeper relationship with families. She talks about the company's commitment to premium ingredients, rigorous testing, and transparency, as well as the operational complexity of managing more than 25 co-manufacturers, six fulfillment centers, and products across ambient, refrigerated, and frozen categories. Angela also shares how Little Spoon built a brand centered on education and content, recognizing that parents were looking not just for food, but guidance and support as they navigated feeding their children. She also highlights the company's culture, where transparency and collaboration help ensure that ideas can come from anywhere within the organization. Finally, Angela explains why Little Spoon entered retail through a major Target launch in 2025 and how the company is using insights from its DTC platform to inform its retail strategy and thoughtful expansion into additional chains. Brands in this episode: Little Spoon
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  The Good, Bad & Ugly Of Mission-Driven Brands 24.07.2026 33min

  Can a brand built on purpose survive when its mission is put at risk?  The hosts dive into the escalating conflict between Ben & Jerry's and its parent company over funding cuts to the ice cream maker's philanthropic foundation, debating whether a brand so closely tied to a social mission can preserve its identity after acquisition and how the dispute could influence consumer loyalty in an increasingly competitive premium ice cream category.  The discussion also examines how founders should approach purpose-driven branding, with early-stage sparkling water brand Atomico serving as an example of a young company that integrates its mission into its business without overshadowing the product itself.  The hosts also sample and review a variety of emerging products, including South Chicago Packing's Wagyu Beef Tallow Spray, Cozy's refrigerated snack bars made with grass-fed butter, Bakeful's better-for-you brownies, muffins and donuts, MixMix THC beverage stick packs, and Muffits protein mini muffins. Show notes: 0:20: On Tap. Social Scoops No More? Space Age Sparkling Water. Tallow & Butter. Munchin' On Muffins. The hosts preview two upcoming community events: the Taste Radio Chicago Meetup at Pilot Project Brewing on Aug. 13 and a Nombase webinar featuring executives from Goodles and Culture Pop on July 28. They then explore whether a purpose-driven brand can preserve its identity after being acquired, and how changes to its philanthropic commitments could reshape consumer perception. As a counterpoint, they spotlight an emerging functional sparkling water brand that supports STEM education through NASA Space Camp scholarships. Later, Melissa highlights a beefy cooking spray, Ray shares a pair of brands—one making better-for-you yet indulgent snack bars and another reimagining Hostess-style treats for today's consumers. Mike stirs things up with powdered drink mixes, and the episode wraps with a discussion of protein snacks—because, of course, it does. Brands in this episode: Goodles, Culture Pop, Nantucket Nectars, Annie's, Ben & Jerry's, Stonyfield, Jeni's, Van Leeuwens, Salt & Straw, Tillamook, Atomico, Spindrift, South Chicago Packing, COZY, Bakeful, MixMix, Muffits
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  Pitching An 'Empire' Builder: Hover, Purple Drop, Atomico, Ola Mate & ChamCham 22.07.2026 1t 6min

  The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Hover, Purple Drop, Atomico, Ola Mate and ChamCham. The founders and operators introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week's special co-host is Rebecca Bernard, the founder and CEO of Empire City Brand Builders, a sales and marketing broker focused on growing brands in the New York Metro area. Rebecca offers insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and strategic perspective alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and it's a unique opportunity to pitch your product, share news, and receive expert feedback from industry leaders.  Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.