Xtalks Food Industry Podcast
179 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingThis Food Industry focused podcast brings together Xtalks editorial staff to share insights into the latest B2B industry news. Xtalks connects professionals in the life science, medical device, and food industries with useful content like webinars, job opening, articles and virtual meetings.
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Episodes
Food Mashups in 2021 + Teatis Carb-Blocking Teas
September 23, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBWhy have food mashups garnered so much attention in 2021? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney explains why food mashups, ordinary foods that are combined to create unusual pairings, found success throughout the pandemic and gives some notable examples. The team discusses the role of marketing and exclusivity in advertising food mashups, and whether they would try some of the unconventional pairings. Also, in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Teatis carb-blocking teas...
Isochoric Freezing Method + Hershey’s Oat Made Chocolate
September 16, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBCan a new method of freezing food drastically cut down on energy and emissions? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about isochoric freezing, in which foods are stored in a firm, sealed container made of hard metal or plastic, filled with a liquid like water and placed in a freezer. The team discusses why this method is a more sustainable options and reflects on the environmental impact of traditional freezing. Also, in this episode, Mira discusses Hershey’s new Oat Ma...
Poppi Prebiotic Soda + Lab-Made Coffee
September 09, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBCan a prebiotic, better-for-you beverage replace traditional soda? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand that recently received millions in funding from several celebrity investors. The team discusses the role celebrities and social media play when advertising beverages and wonders whether Poppi, which contains apple cider vinegar, could actually help people with stomach issues. Also, in this episode, Mira talks about lab-mad...
WunderEggs Plant-Based Hard-Boiled Eggs + Animal-Free Dairy Products
September 02, 2021 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBAre WunderEggs the world’s first plant-based hard-boiled eggs? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to Crafty Counter, an Austin, Texas-based startup that created WunderEggs, a plant-based dupe that looks, cooks and tastes like a chicken egg. The team compares the analogue to the real thing in terms of price and nutrition and discusses the potential of the plant-based egg market. Also, in this episode, Mira talks about animal-free dairy products, which don’...
How COVID-19 Changed Food Sampling + Apeel’s Plant- Based Produce Coating
August 26, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBHow has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way brands and retailers hand out food samples? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses how food sampling has changed in retail settings and at home, with many companies shifting to e-commerce or online grocery orders as a means to send out samples. The team discusses whether in-store samples will return to their pre-pandemic state and why sample booths are crucial for small and emerging businesses. Also, in this episode, Mira i...
Wendy’s Delivery Kitchens + Red Sea Farms Saltwater Agriculture
August 19, 2021 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBAre delivery kitchens the future money makers for the foodservice industry? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Mira discusses Wendy's new partnership with REEF to introduce 700 new delivery kitchens in the US, Canada and the UK. Hear more from the editorial team as they discuss the opportunities that delivery kitchens can provide restaurants and customers. Also, in this episode, Mira discusses how Red Sea Farms, a Saudi Arabian AgTech startup, will help farmers maintain and grow cr...
That’s It Nutrition + PepsiCo Selling Tropicana and Other Juice Brands
August 12, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBAre short and sweet ingredient lists the latest health trend in snack foods? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to That’s It Nutrition, the maker of snacks with six ingredients or fewer. Hear more from Sydney’s interview with the company’s founder and CEO, Dr. Lior Lewensztain, where they discuss the brand’s philosophy, products and trend-setting abilities in the health foods space. Also in this episode, Sydney discusses PepsiCo’s latest sale of its juice...
Unilever and Rising Commodity Costs + Lay’s Flavor Swap
August 05, 2021 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBHow is a global food player dealing with rising commodity costs? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses how Unilever maintained positive growth in its second-quarter results despite rising costs. The team discusses whether they would be willing to pay more for the same amount of product in the grocery store and whether food companies should be required to inform consumers of higher retail prices. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Lay’s Flavor Swap, a new line o...
Cell-Based Fish + Macadamia Nut Oil
July 29, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBIs cell-based fish the next big food innovation? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the technology behind cell-based fish, in which muscle cells from a fish are extracted and propagated in ideal conditions inside a bioreactor. The team discusses its potential to disrupt the fishing industry and wonders whether there is a large enough consumer market for alt-fish products. Also in this episode, Mira talks about Strength Genesis, an Australian macadamia nut oil brand...
Food Monopolies + How Vegan Wines Differ From Other Wines
July 22, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBHow much choice do consumers actually have at the grocery store? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses food monopolies, a few big food brands that control the majority market share of almost 80 percent of dozens of grocery items. The team discusses the implications of food monopolies on consumers, small producers and the environment, and how there needs to be a paradigm shift in food systems. Also in this episode, Mira talks about a segment of the beverage market that...
Nature’s Fynd Fungi-Based Meat + Beyond Meat Chicken Tenders
July 15, 2021 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBWill a fungi-based meat backed by Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Al Gore gain traction in the alt meat market? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses Nature’s Fynd, a fungi-based meat copmany whose main source of protein is derived from a volcanic microbe from Yellowstone National Park. With heavy competition and a potentially hefty price, will its novelty be enough to attract consumers? Also in this episode, Mira talks about Beyond Meat’s new Chicken Tenders being rolled ...
Safety of Titanium Dioxide in Food + Soft Robotics AI Technology
July 08, 2021 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBWill titanium dioxide soon be eliminated from thousands of foods in the EU? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) review of titanium dioxide, a food additive found in ultra-processed and sugary foods. The team discusses the potential harms of titanium dioxide, safer alternatives and whether the EFSA’s review will encourage the FDA to re-evaluate the additive. Also in this episode, Mira talks about Soft Robotics’ $10 million...
Rise of Seed-Based Foods + Lay’s RePlay Repurposing Packaging
July 01, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBWill seed-based foods experience the same rise in popularity as plant-based foods? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses how seed-based foods have the potential to be an allergy-friendly, nutritious alternative to nut-containing foods. She introduces the team to two seed-based companies, Blake’s Seed Based and 88 Acres, and they discuss the potential of seeds as a core ingredient. Also in this episode, Mira talks about Lay’s’ newest sustainable initiative called Lay’...
Tyson and JBS Net-Zero Emissions + Ready, Set, Food! Allergen Additive
June 24, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBWill Tyson and JBS, two of the world’s largest meat producers, ever reach their goals of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses Tyson’s and JBS’ plans to become net-zero by 2050 and 2040, respectively. The team wonders whether these goals are misleading marketing tactics since livestock unavoidably emits GHG and whether consumers will be more inclined to buy their products. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Ready...
Nestlé and Mondelez Rethinking Portfolios + Chobani’s Zero Sugar Yogurt
June 17, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBWhy are two of the world’s largest food companies, Nestlé and Mondelez, rethinking their portfolios? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses why the two food giants are planning to ditch some of their most popular brands and products. The team reacts to Nestlé’s vastly unhealthy food and beverage portfolio and considers whether selling off its junk food brands would be a smart move. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Chobani’s new Zero Sugar Yogurt. The ...
JBS Cyberattack + RXBAR’s First Plant-Based Bar
June 10, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBJBS, the world’s largest meat company, experienced a sophisticated cyberattack, compromising normal operations in the US, Canada and Australia. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the JBS ransomware attack and how no company, large or small, is fully protected from this type of attack. The team gives their thoughts on the attack and emphasizes the need for more cybersecutiry in the food industry. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to RXBAR’s first plant-...
Limitless Sparkling Water + Tillamook’s Campaign for Creamier Ice Cream
June 03, 2021 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBWill a lightly caffeinated, better-for-you beverage have the potential to be the next soda replacement? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to Limitless Sparkling Water, a beverage brand with two lines of flavored sparkling waters; one for energy and another for relaxation. The team discusses the crowded sparkling beverage market and whether Limitless could replace soda and/or coffee. Also in this episode, Mira asks the team a fundamental question: is a f...
Climatarians Changing the Food Industry + Tea Drops Tea Bombs
May 27, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBWill a new climate-centered diet have the potential to change the food industry for the better? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the climatarian diet, a growing trend in which individuals consume foods that are least harmful for the environment. The team has a thoughtful discussion about the environmental impact of importing out-of-season produce and how food and beverage brands can reduce their carbon footprints. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team t...
Seafood Safety Innovation + General Mills Acquires Pet Food Business
May 20, 2021 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBWill a new artificial material help improve seafood safety from catch to purchase? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses new research highlighting a color-changing material that can detect spoilage levels in seafood. The team debates whether this material could have other applications in food safety, a market that has been growing steadily since the onset of the pandemic. Also in this episode, Mira talks about General Mills’ acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treat bus...
Making CBD and THC Infusions Safer + Olive Oil-Based Ice Cream
May 13, 2021 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBCan a food emulsification company make CBD and THC Infused foods and beverages safer? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to SōRSE, a Seattle-based food emulsification company on a mission to improve the dispersion and efficacy of CBD and THC oils in edibles and beverages. Hear clips from Sydney’s interview with Loni Mowbray, SōRSE’s quality control manager, to learn about the company’s emulsion process and cannabis regulation. Also in this episode, Mira...
Epicurious Ditches Beef Recipes + Gen Z Water
May 06, 2021 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBWill a recipe website’s move to ditch beef actually help fight climate change? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses Epicurious’ recent move to stop publishing new beef recipes to help consumers make more sustainable cooking choices. She shares some thoughts on why the stance against beef may be excluding other climate change culprits, and the team weighs in as well. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Gen Z Water, a “transparent, flavorless liquid” des...
Upcycled Food Certification Mark + Omnipan Marketed to Millennials
April 29, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBWill an upcycled certification mark on food packaging resonate with consumers? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the new, first-of-its-kind upcycled food label from the Upcycled Food Association (UFA). She shares some insights from an interview with the UFA’s marketing director, Leah Graham, and asks the team whether they would consider spending more money on a product with upcycled ingredients. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to the Omnipan, a new...
Food Companies Going IPO + Replacing Synthetic Food Dyes
April 22, 2021 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBDid the COVID-19 pandemic help drive growth for some plant-based food brands and food delivery companies? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses six food and beverage companies that have gone IPO, or announced plans to go public, in 2021. The team questions to what extent the pandemic helped push IPO plans forward and whether the trends of trying new plant-based foods and ordering food delivery will last. Also in this episode, Mira talks about how natural food dyes fr...
Plant-Based Food Sales + New Wave Foods Shrimp
April 15, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBPlant-based food sales shot up in 2020, but will the trend continue? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses new data showing that the US market for plant-based foods grew by 27 percent to $7 billion last year, sparking a debate on whether processed foods are actually regarded as healthier if they don’t contain animal products. Also in this episode, Mira talks about how Seaspiracy, a new Netflix documentary covering unsustainable fishing practices, inspired a movement ...
Food Supply Chain Resiliency + Rowdy Mermaid’s Mushroom-Based Sparkling Beverage
April 08, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBHow did COVID-19 impact the food supply chain? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses how the pandemic caused significant food shortages last fall. Hear clips from Sydney’s interviews with Nader Mikhail, CEO and founder of Elementum, and Sam Agyemang, co-founder of HaulerHub, who discuss the media frenzy that caused food hoarding and how tech will eventually help improve the efficiency of the food supply chain. Also in this episode, Mira talks about Rowdy Mermaid’s ne...
Baby Food Safety Act + Mango Pepsi
April 01, 2021 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBIs there arsenic in your baby food? In this week's episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021 which aims to help the FDA regulate heavy metal contamination in baby food. Also in this episode, Mira talks about Pepsi’s unique social media campaign surrounding the launch of its new flavor Pepsi Mango. The team discusses why mango Pepsi may have been chosen as the brand’s first new permanent flavor in five years, and whether Pepsi’s social media-based...
GoodSport Milk-Based Sports Drink + Carbon-Neutral Food Companies
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBThis podcast was recorded on March 15, 2021 What exactly is a sports drink made “from the goodness of milk”? In Episode 3 of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Mira tells the team about a sports drink made with an upcycled byproduct of the dairy industry. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about what it means to be carbon neutral in the food industry, and how even food giants like Maple Leaf can achieve this sustainability goal. Hear a clip from Sydney’s interview with Austin Whitman, the founder a...
Nestlé Acquires Essentia + Canopy Growth's CBD-Infused Sparkling Water
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBThis podcast was recorded on March 10, 2021 In Episode 1 of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses Nestlé's acquisition of functional beverage brand Essentia Water, a decision announced after the food giant dumped its bottled water portfolio. Essentia's premium positioning may have motivated the purchase; however, the acquisition of a plastic bottled water brand calls into question Nestlé’s global sustainability goals. Also in this episode, Mira talks about the US launch of Canopy Growt...
Slate Chocolate Milk + Aunt Jemima Rebrands
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBThis podcast was recorded on February 23, 2021 Sydney tells the team about a new chocolate milk called Slate, which was designed for adults, in Episode 2 of the Xtalks Food Podcast. Tune into this episode to hear a clip from Sydney's interview with Manny Lubin, one of the co-founders of Slate, who shares why chocolate milk was in need of a rebrand. In this episode, Mira also discusses Aunt Jemima's rebranding to Pearl Milling company in an effort to eliminate the company's role in perpetu...