Taste Radio

Tips from trailblazing brands, strategies to captivate venture capitalists, the explosive growth of the RTD coffee category and much more. This packed episode features highlights from Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and an in-depth look at Nutrabolt’s $200 million investment in Bloom Nutrition. The hosts also dive into the next wave of coffee innovation and examine whether energy or indulgence is driving consumer demand. Show notes: 0:25: DO Buy? Ninety Seconds. ‘Bolt & Bloom. A Tost. Coffee Talk. No Pistachio? – The hosts revisit Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and preview upcoming events in San Diego and San Francisco, reminding listeners how easy it is to register. The conversation turns to Nutrabolt’s increased investment in Bloom Nutrition and how smaller, fast-growing brands are leveraging relationships with “mini-strategics” rather than selling to giants like PepsiCo or Coca-Cola. They also spotlight non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternative Tost and its recent funding round, before discussing the evolvin

When Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy joined Woody Creek Distillers, it wasn’t a Hollywood deal – it was a neighborhood one.  Living just down the road from the founders in Woody Creek, Colorado, Bill – known for starring roles in the hit TV series “Shameless” and iconic films “Fargo” and “Boogie Nights” – became a true partner in the craft distillery, not just its face. Now, he’s helping build a spirits brand rooted in authenticity, local sourcing, and uncompromising quality – all while writing songs about it and leading surprise ukulele performances at distributor events. In this episode, Bill and award-winning bartender and spirits educator Sean Kenyon discuss how Woody Creek evolved from a small-town operation into a nationally respected brand, all while staying true to its roots: crafting world-class spirits at accessible prices. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Willam H. Macy & Sean Kenyon, Woody Creek Distillers – Ray opens the conversation by asking Bill about his collaboration with musician John

From college campuses to cannabis aisles, this episode explores how emerging CPG brands are carving out space in crowded categories. The hosts unpack Better Sour’s rapid retail expansion – including an exclusive Sprouts flavor and placement on United Airlines – while also spotlighting Toom’s strategic refresh that helped turn a niche garlic dip into a national brand. Plus, the challenges of adaptogen overload, and how design influences consumer trust. Show notes: 0:15: Joe Who? Better Breakfast. Too(m) Good. Old Gold? Stock & Shot. Review & Win. – Jacqui’s unfamiliarity with football legend Joe Montana sparks lighthearted banter about generational divides and the pitfalls of marketing to “old men.” While Mike is understandably deflated by the moment, he and Ray quickly pivot to recap a recent breakfast with the co-founders of Better Sour, a better-for-you gummy brand. The brand has secured new retail placements at Boston University, Total Wine, United Airlines, and is gearing up to launch an exclusive

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Juicybite, Send Bars, Date Smarter, Keya's Snacks and Elephant Green Chili Chutney. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Ken Collis, the founder and CEO of TLK Fusion. He 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.

How did Clio Snacks evolve from a homemade Greek yogurt bar created in a New Jersey garage into a national brand approaching $90 million in annual sales? In this episode, company CEO John McGuckin shares the strategic blueprint behind the brand’s explosive growth, from prototype to distribution in nearly every major grocery and mass retail chain across the U.S. On location at Clio’s 80,000-square-foot facility in New Jersey, John dives into how the brand is riding the wave of health-conscious snacking trends. He discusses the complexities of managing a vertically integrated business, where Clio controls both manufacturing and marketing, and how that structure has been key to their agility and innovation. John also highlights the critical role of transparency and emotional investment from Clio’s board in driving the brand’s remarkable rise. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: John McGuckin, CEO, Clio Snacks – Ray details a behind-the-scenes tour of the Clio bar production process, highlighting its proprietary methods

The hosts dissect Spindrift’s decision to discontinue its Spiked line and spotlight rising CPG stars Mooski and Painterland Sisters, each of which recently announced major funding rounds. They also preview upcoming Taste Radio meetups in the U.S. and U.K., before taking bites and sips of oat bars, cookies and a Patrick Mahomes-backed coffee brand. Show notes: 0:15: Shu-Cation. Spin-Cycle. Moo-Money. Meet-Up. Fruit-y Tea. – Ray is still MIA, but Mike is here to handle his responsibilities. The hosts discuss the discontinuation of Spindrift Spiked and speculate on the reasons behind the move. They also highlight seven-figure funding rounds secured by Mooski and Painterland Sisters and commend both brands for their quality, strong branding and founder-led focus. The discussion moves to upcoming Taste Radio events planned in San Diego (Sept. 16), San Francisco (Sept. 18) and London (Oct. 2), before the hosts sample products from Throne Sport Coffee, Al’s Real Goods, KACE fruit tea and a new “calm” variety of Crun

Aishwarya Iyer built one of the fastest-growing premium CPG brands by doing what many startups overlook: putting product integrity, brand trust, and strategic timing ahead of rapid retail expansion. In this episode, Aishwarya, the founder and CEO of admired pantry staples company Brightland, shares how discovering a major gap in the olive oil industry sparked the creation of her mission-driven, design-forward brand. She dives into her philosophy of disciplined growth, reveals why she turned down Whole Foods twice, and explains why building a lasting business starts with knowing your customer better than anyone else. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Aishwarya Iyer, Founder & CEO, Brightland – Aishwarya draws parallels between her personal journey as a new mother and entrepreneur, and emphasizes the importance of belief and mindfulness in the growth of and success of Brightland. She talks about how Brightland was born out of a conviction that consumers deserved better olive oil, the company’s focus on sourcing

While alcohol consumption is cooling, the battle between clean-label ingredients and high-protein performance foods is heating up. The hosts examine what’s driving these massive shifts in consumer behavior, and how brands like David, Crisp Power and Athletic Brewing are responding. Show notes: 0:15: Not Jail, Maybe. Chicago Dollars. Less Sauce, More Protein. Live In L.A. Hot Coffee. – Ray and Mike are “off the grid” this episode, but luckily, NOSH managing editor and CPG Week podcast host Monica Watrous steps in to join the conversation. The hosts kick things off by recapping the recent Taste Radio meetup in Chicago, which attracted over 100 attendees and showcased strong participation from investors. They also preview upcoming Taste Radio events scheduled for San Diego (September 16), San Francisco (September 18), and London (October 2). Next, they dive into insights from a new Gallup survey revealing that only 54% of Americans currently consume alcohol. The discussion centers on whether this decline signals

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Whole Moon, Solstice, Raya Fruit Water, Hawaiian Soda Co. and Elixir Shots In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Allison Ball, the founder & CEO of Food Biz Wiz. She 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.

How do you turn seawater into a cult food brand? Ben Jacobsen did just that – and changed the way America thinks about salt. In this episode, we sit down with Ben, the founder of Jacobsen Salt Co., whose journey began with a single, revelatory bite of tinned fish topped with a few flakes of sea salt. That moment sparked a passion that led him to the windswept Oregon coast, where he began hand-harvesting salt, and ultimately to building one of the most iconic artisanal food brands in the country. Ben shares how he bootstrapped the business from scratch, earned the trust of renowned chefs, and turned Jacobsen Salt into a symbol of quality, craft and flavor. He speaks candidly about the entrepreneurial rollercoaster – the risks, the resilience, the moments of doubt – and the deep creative drive that continues to fuel his work. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Ben Jacobsen, Founder, Jacobsen Salt Co. – The conversation begins with Ben’s recent culinary experiences in NYC and his growing appreciation for restaurants s

Monster just posted its first-ever $2 billion quarter, Celsius saw revenue jump 84% year-over-year and energy drink sales in C-stores are booming. What’s fueling this explosive growth, and where’s the white space for emerging brands? The hosts break it down. They also ponder beef tallow’s potential to power a fried food revival and highlight new mushroom lattes, clean-label cookies and sparkling teas. Show notes: 0:35: A Future Chicago. L.A. Is Near. We’re So Energized, But Why? Beefy Frites. Oats, Roots & Citrus. – The hosts share updates on recent and upcoming Taste Radio meetups in Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and London, as well as highlighting BevNET’s December events: NOSH Live, BevNET Live, and Brewbound Live. They turn their attention to the thriving energy drink category and examine how the space is expanding to include niche audiences like women, gamers, and wellness consumers, noting trends like zero-sugar options, adaptogens, and alternative caffeine. Ray spotlights Jesse and Ben’s, a bra

What happens when a Marvel superhero and an indie filmmaker ditch the script and attempt to build the next great beverage brand? In this episode, actor Wyatt Russell – best known for his role as U.S. Agent in the Marvel film “Thunderbolts” – and producer Richard Peete pull back the curtain on their journey launching Lake Hour, a fast-growing canned cocktail brand that’s making waves far beyond the red carpet. What began as a lighthearted idea in a hot tub quickly evolved into a deep dive into flavor formulation, production logistics, and the steep learning curve of the beverage alcohol world. Wyatt and Richard share the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship and how they’ve stayed focused on creating a premium product that resonates with today’s drinkers. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Wyatt Russell & Richard Peete, Co-Founders, Lake Hour – Wyatt reveals he's currently in London filming an upcoming Marvel movie, while Richard is preparing for a short-term move to Vancouver. The co-founders reflect on how

Gen Z is reshaping the frozen food game… and they’re not settling for TV dinners. But while they’re hungry for health and convenience, there's a catch: the price tag. Can wellness-focused frozen meals stay accessible, or are they becoming a luxury in disguise? The hosts discuss, and also sample Korean-style hard seltzers, culturally-inspired craft sodas and a potentially game-changing brand of non-alcoholic spirits. Show notes: 0:35: Voice Nail. A Notable List. Investors Here. Bites & Chews. So Long, Stouffer’s. Trash Panda. NA Negronis. – The hosts chat about disliking the sound of their own voices before spotlighting the release of the 2025 NOSH Notables list, which honors leaders and innovators in food. They also highlight the number of investors registered for Taste Radio’s Chicago Meetup, which takes place on August 14. Mike and John discuss standout finds from a recent UNFI show, including latke-inspired crisps, “baguette bites,” and low-sugar gummies. The hosts then turn their attention toward the

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Sohha Savory, Coro Foods, La Pêche, SaladSprinkles, and Cedar F&B. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Beth Brown, founder and principal advisor at growth-stage consultancy S3 Connect. She 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.

When Mike Rypka launched Torchy’s Tacos out of a trailer in Austin, he wasn’t thinking about private equity or market expansion. He just wanted to serve “damn good tacos.”  Fast forward to today, and Torchy’s has grown into a revered fast-casual chain with national ambitions, fueled by strategic investment and a fiercely loyal customer base. But the real engine behind the brand’s success isn’t just craveable food. It’s culture. Torchy’s differentiates itself through scratch-made food and a willingness to take creative risks with its menu. Behind the scenes is a deeply human company culture built around second chances, internal growth and genuine care for employees.  In this episode, Mike opens up about the humble beginnings of the company, how word of mouth and grassroots marketing initially drove Torchy’s success and why “clean, craveable food” keeps the customers coming back. He also explains why it was critical to find an investment partner that provided not just capital, but deep operational and consumer

What’s the point of PepsiCo’s new sub-line of prebiotic colas? Is it addressing genuine consumer demand for functional ingredients, or just riding the wellness wave? The hosts once again weigh in. They also highlight emerging shot brands gaining traction and take a closer look at how the viral “WaterTok” phenomenon may have influenced Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of Dyla Brands. Show notes: 0:25: Take Two. Fun > Function. We Gotta Have More Ginger. Sturring The Pot. Thin Or Thick? Mike Takes A Hit. – The team kicks things off with behind-the-scenes banter, including a powdered drink spill mishap and Ray’s failed frother. The hosts dive into PepsiCo’s introduction of a prebiotic cola and debate its real consumer appeal, questioning whether health claims like “prebiotics” are more about marketing than meaningful function. They also discuss the rise of functional shot brands like GNGR Labs and Canada-based Slapp, and highlight Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of Dyla Brands, the maker of Stur drink mixes. Ray pr

Convenience and quality don’t always go hand in hand, but Tip Top Cocktails is changing that perception, one perfectly crafted drink at a time. Founded in 2019, Tip Top is an Atlanta-based brand known for its spirit-forward, bar-quality offerings. Childhood friends Yoni Reisman and Neal Cohen launched the company with a simple mission: make great cocktails more accessible, no bartender required. Tip Top’s lineup includes time-honored classics like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, and Margarita, as well as modern favorites such as the Paper Plane, Penicillin, and Naked & Famous. Each cocktail is precisely mixed and served in a sleek 100 mL lowball-style can. The products are available in over 25 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and carried by national retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Gelson’s Markets, and Total Wine & More. Amid a rapidly expanding market for RTD cocktails, Tip Top has earned high praise from The New York Times, Food & Wine, and other publications. Perhaps surprisingly, the

How did GNGR Labs’ organic, cold-pressed wellness shots become a staple in New York City bodegas and land nationwide distribution at Wegmans? Founder Namik Soltan shares a story powered by purpose, product and unrelenting persistence. The hosts also unpack PepsiCo’s unexpected – and gutsy – announcement and explore how excellence fueled Tia Lupita’s acquisition. Show notes: 0:35: Shot Hoarders. Hey, Pepsi. You Forget Something? Honoring Tia. Chomping At The Bit. Good Sips. -The hosts open by heaping praise on GNGR Labs’ shots, followed by a few laughs and questions about Mike’s recent “pen vacation.” The conversation pivots to PepsiCo, earning both some head-scratching and applause for its newly announced prebiotic sub-line under the flagship Pepsi brand. Ray then highlights Coca-Cola’s news of a new cola sub-line made with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Mike puts the spotlight on Feisty, a UK-based protein soda brand, before the team celebrates Vilore Foods’ acquisition of Tia Lupita. They c

The latest installment of Elevator Talk features leaders from Brainfood, BaoBlast, AVSOME, Bad Mermaid and High Ground Elixir. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Dayton Miller, a managing partner with BFG Partners, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants. He is joined by Ray Latif, the editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Founders and CEOs of early stage food or beverage brands are invited to join future shows to pitch their products, discuss recent news and get feedback from industry experts. It is free to participate and interviews will be conducted remotely. Apply for a future episode of Elevator Talk.

Yerba Madre is a brand nearly synonymous with its namesake ingredient. But in a country where most consumers have never even heard of yerba mate, a caffeine-laden herbal infusion native to South America, how do you build a household name around it? Guiding that vision is Ben Mand, who was named CEO of Yerba Madre in March 2024. Formerly known as Guayakí, the company has been pioneering yerba mate-based beverages since 1996, offering both loose-leaf and ready-to-drink formats. Today, the brand generates nearly $200 million in annual sales and is stocked in natural and conventional retailers nationwide. In this episode, Ben shares how Yerba Madre is evolving beyond its West Coast roots with a bold mission: to introduce yerba mate to the 96% of Americans who still don’t know what it is. But this is about more than a beverage. Ben sees it as an opportunity to reshape how people think about clean, plant-based energy. He discusses the balance between visionary leadership and operational discipline, reigniting innov