Taste Radio

Forget Hollywood. For actor and investor Ryan Phillippe, the real drama is unfolding in the beverage aisle. Speaking from BevNET Live L.A. 2025, Ryan – attending alongside Pretty Tasty co-founder Scarlett Leung – explains why functional beverages, credible health benefits, and shelf-grabbing design are the factors that separate forgettable brands from the next breakout hit. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Ryan Phillippe – Ryan recounts attending his first beverage-focused event, sharing what sparked his interest in the industry and his particular attraction to emerging categories. He highlights the value of clear, simple storytelling, vision-driven founders, and strong marketing, drawing parallels between the beverage space and Hollywood. Ryan also reflects on his current investments and industry relationships, expressing a genuine desire to learn, build connections, and make thoughtful decisions moving forward. He closes by briefly hinting at the potential for a sequel to one of his most beloved films. Brands i

She went from selling hydration drinks out of the trunk of her car to building a $20M brand, without outside investors, industry experience or playing by the rules.  In this episode, Jesslyn Rollins, the CEO of Biolyte, reveals how grassroots hustle, relentless sampling, and a medical-grade "IV in a bottle" helped her break into one of the most competitive categories in beverages, and why the brand is now ready to make its boldest move yet. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Jesslyn Rollins, CEO, Biolyte – At BevNET Live L.A. 2025, Jesslyn recounted Biolyte's origins in 2016, when her father developed a medical-grade rehydration formula and she began selling it out of her car to high school athletic programs. She details how success with local football teams led to Biolyte's big break into Kroger's natural store sections, where cold placement and in-store sampling fueled rapid growth. Jesslyn talks about how Biolyte has expanded across regions, launched a rebrand, secured national powder-pack distribution in Walgre

As 2026 approaches, the Taste Radio hosts explore why uncertainty may actually favor emerging food and beverage brands. From changing definitions of value and retailer innovation to AI-driven discovery and standout new products, the episode highlights where real opportunity is taking shape in CPG. Show notes: 0:25: NYE Scaries? Opps. Value ≠ Price. AI For Awareness. Creamy Hummus, Swedish Food & More. – The hosts reflect on year-end anxieties and optimism heading into 2026, discussing the realities of entrepreneurship, resilience through challenges, and reasons for confidence in the food and beverage industry. They highlight ongoing consumer demand for better-for-you products, opportunities created by regulatory changes like the removal of synthetic dyes, continued at-home eating, and strong spending despite economic uncertainty. The conversation emphasizes that consumers are unlikely to abandon healthier or premium choices once adopted, creating space for emerging brands to grow as legacy brands stagnate

Before you hit play, here's the headline — arguably the biggest in CPG in 2025, and one you already know: PepsiCo acquired better-for-you soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion. What follows is a replay of a 2023 Taste Radio interview with founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, recorded back when Poppi was still firmly in disruptor mode — scaling fast, breaking rules, and taking direct aim at Big Soda. In the conversation, the Ellsworths trace Poppi's evolution from a scrappy gut-health drink into a modern soda brand built for culture, not compromise. They discuss launching amid the chaos of COVID, betting early on TikTok, and choosing bold cans and great taste over "health-halo" minimalism. The entrepreneurs also share a rare, candid take on founder ego — why they handed the CEO reins to an experienced operator, how they professionalized early, and what it really takes to scale from zero to thousands of doors without losing the magic. Listen closely and you'll hear the blueprint for the PepsiCo deal years b

Candy-coated dates, cocktails in pouches, collagen-infused beauty drinks and "noise-canceling" tonics. The latest wave of launches begs the question: is niche now the norm in food and beverage? Show notes: 0:25: 'Base Mentality. BBL Winners. Regen For All. Bark-Tinis. Adult Capri Sun. Hippies & Santa.--  Melissa offers a 411 on Nombase, BevNET's integrated platform that combines data tools, a partner directory, educational resources, and a weekly podcast. The hosts reflect on Brewbound Live, praising the event's thoughtfully curated content, attendee engagement and upbeat atmosphere. They also highlight a memorable Pitch Slam moment that spurred an emotional, celebratory scene. The conversation then shifts to regenerative agriculture and the USDA's newly announced $700 million pilot program aimed at expanding the farming approach. They turn their attention to numerous products sampled at BevNET Live and new ones sent to the office including a zero-proof Peppermint "Bark-Tini," dates coated in a candy shel

Archer's journey to $300 million in annual sales has been driven by an unwavering focus on operational excellence. In this episode, founder and CEO Eugene Kang shares how disciplined execution, vertical integration, and precisely timed innovation transformed Archer from an upstart jerky brand into one of the fastest-growing meat snack companies in the U.S. Eugene unpacks Archer's recent rebrand, how the company positioned itself ahead of the explosive growth of meat sticks, and the importance of building durable partnerships with retailers like Whole Foods. He also explains why patience and long-term thinking remain critical traits for CPG founders navigating scale. Show notes: 0:25: Eugene Kang, Founder & CEO, Archer – At Nosh Live L.A. 2025, Eugene discusses the rebrand from Country Archer to "Archer," revisits the company's early breakthrough – a partnership with Huy Fong Sriracha – and its expansion into meat sticks in 2018. He talks about Archer's rapid scale and how disciplined execution and new hou

The hosts recap a whirlwind week of back-to-back events in L.A., celebrating standout competitions, emerging brands, and generous mentorship from seasoned founders at Nosh Live and BevNET Live. From Projo's big win in the New Beverage Showdown to celebrity cameos by Ryan Phillippe and Khloé Kardashian, the energy never let up.  Show notes: 0:25: A Fickle Judge. Generous Sharks. Competition BTS. Mochi Magic. A "Dirty" Brand. – The hosts reflect on the high level of professionalism from their teams, enthusiastic attendee feedback, and the inspiring presence of seasoned founders who generously mentored early-stage entrepreneurs. They highlight BevNET's New Beverage Showdown and its winner protein coffee brand Projo, and the Nosh Pitch Slam, won by BFY gummy brand Rotten Candy. The team also celebrates memorable founder presentations, global flavors, and emerging brands across food and beverage. Ray recalls celebrity moments that added extra buzz, from Ryan Phillippe's surprise appearance as a beverage enthusiast

Hiyo's founders turned a personal wake-up call into one of the fastest-growing adult non-alcoholic beverage brands in the country. Built on sharp strategy, standout design, and disciplined execution, Hiyo is now scaling nationally — including a newly inked Live Nation partnership placing the brand in major venues across the U.S.  In this episode, we sit down with Hiyo's three co-founders, Evan Quinn, Cygne Cooper and George Youmans, who discuss how this SoCal-born "social tonic" is redefining moderation, unlocking category whitespace, and proving that thoughtful focus can outpace flashy niche plays. Show notes: 0:25: Evan Quinn, Cygne Cooper & George Youmans, Co-Founders, Hiyo – Evan and George reflect on how simultaneous family crises related to alcohol prompted them to cut back on drinking and inspired them to create Hiyo. Cygne discusses how she crafted the SoCal-inspired brand identity and sunset-themed packaging. George notes that Hiyo was initially a DTC brand and grew carefully into retail once ope

Nosh Live is buzzing — but did Mike snag that selfie with Khloé? On location in Marina Del Rey, the hosts sip on Erewhon's spicy bone-broth hot chocolate, unpack two landmark lawsuits, and dream of their next visit to 7-Eleven (yes, really). They also serve up hot takes on everything from tempeh chips and plant-based cookie dough to "cultured" drinks and cheese crisps. Show notes: 0:25: Runway Ruckus. Excited About Events. Bones & Chocolate. S.F. & Costco File Suit. Eggs, Tempeh & Dough. – Travel mishaps hit Mike once again, but everyone's amped for the L.A. events. Ray sips on Spindrift's yuzu mandarin sparkling water before John shares cups of Erewhon's bone-broth hot chocolate and Jacqui munches on one of Unite's globally inspired protein bars. The conversation shifts to industry news, including San Francisco's lawsuit against makers of ultra-processed foods, Costco's legal effort to recoup tariffs, and Hershey's limited-edition Dubai chocolate bar. Ray heralds the U.S. arrival of 7-Eleven's vi

Bringing a hit international food brand to the U.S. sounds glamorous, but behind every success story is a maze of challenges most consumers never see. In this special crossover episode of Taste Radio and the Nombase Podcast, Lucía Conejo-Mir of Ines Rosales and Jennifer Donnellan of Lakrids by Bülow reveal the real work behind breaking into the American market.  From reinventing packaging and pricing to navigating cultural habits, supply-chain surprises, and the art of getting consumers to try something new, their stories are rich with hard-won insights and candid surprises. Show notes: 0:25: Lucía Conejo-Mir, Ines Rosales & Jennifer Donnellan, Lakrids by Bülow – Lucía highlights the origins of Ines Rosales – founded in Spain in 1910 – and how the brand adjusted its approach to marketing, packaging and merchandising for the U.S. market. Jennifer outlines a similar but more modern journey for Lakrids by Bülow, founded in 2007 to elevate Scandinavian licorice. Despite Germany being the company's primary mar

Prebiotic cola, plant-based (and AI-inspired?) pulled chicken and protein-packed marshmallows. The hosts crack open Pepsi's new prebiotic cola and discuss whether a stevia-sweetened "functional" soda can win over classic cola fans. They also dig into Just Meat's big win at Walmart and what it says about the future of meat analogs, and why protein marshmallows might actually work in your next s'more. Show notes: 0:25: Rotten Roaches. The BevNET Bowls. Cloying & Fibrous. Who's Eating This Stuff? S'More, Please. – Jacqui explains why there is a bright red "biohazard" bag on her desk and the hosts joke about modern marketing tactics. They pivot to a preview of the upcoming NOSH Live, BevNET Live and  Brewbound Live events, highlighting opportunities for founders to meet retailers, investors, and strategic partners. They sample PepsiCo's newly launched Pepsi Prebiotic – a lower-calorie, stevia-sweetened soda that comes in classic cola and cherry vanilla flavors – and opine on the minimalist white cans and whet

Brand collaborations are exploding, and they're becoming one of the most effective growth levers in CPG. In this episode, the team breaks down why co-branded products are becoming a core strategy for food and beverage brands, what separates meaningful partnerships from gimmicks, and how leaders like Grillo's, Fly By Jing, Graza, and Liquid Death are using them to drive awareness, trial, and category expansion. Show notes: 0:25: Playoff Beards. Popping In. A Secret Guest. Smokes To Snacks. Collab Work. Healthy, Hot & High. – The episode opens with playful banter about facial hair before previewing upcoming BevNET Live, Nosh Live, and Brewbound Live in L.A. next month. Ray highlights the return of Poppi co-founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth to the BevNET Live stage to discuss building the modern soda category and notes Allison's recent appearance as a guest shark on "Shark Tank," including her investment in Freestyle Snacks. The hosts also spotlight upcoming programming such as CVS Health's Lauren Cast

The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from No Cap!, Lua Coffee, Tizz and The Purple Drop In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week's special co-host is Wade Yenny, the vice president of brand management & business development for Vdriven. 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.

What if the biggest opportunity in your industry is something no one else recognizes? In this episode, Eric Tecosky, the founder of pioneering cocktail ingredient brand Dirty Sue, unpacks how a simple gap behind the bar became a first-to-market product, a profitable niche, and a lesson in disciplined focus.  From navigating skeptical buyers to scaling a single SKU for 20 years, ET breaks down the strategy, timing, and execution behind building a sustainable, category-creating brand. Show notes: 0:25: Eric "ET" Tecosky, Founder & CEO, Dirty Sue –  ET talks about the origin of his Instagram handle before he reveals how the idea for Dirty Sue emerged from a bartending pain point: running out of olive brine during a rush. He explains his vision for a brand of premium olive brine but was stymied early on because bars still operated in a pre-premium cocktail era. He shares his path to grassroots sampling and convincing bartenders and managers of the operational efficiencies of a bottled product. ET discusses Di

A battle may be over, but has the war just begun? Baked into the deal to reopen the U.S. government is a surprising provision: a ban on intoxicating hemp products. What does this mean for the future of THC-infused beverages? The hosts weigh in. We also sit down with Trip co-founder Olivia Ferdi, whose fast-growing relaxation beverage brand recently announced a $40 million funding round at a valuation of $300 million. Show notes: 0:25: What A Trip. Retailers, Investors & More. Stigmas & Bans. A Lucky Bet. Beer Jerky. More Mez. -- Ray highlights Trip's explosive growth toward $100 million in revenue this year and previews the upcoming Nosh Live L.A. 2025 event emphasizing its lineup of investors, founders, and retailers shaping the future of food. The hosts then dive into the government spending deal that includes a ban on intoxicating hemp products, expressing their alarm and frustration with the measure. Ray talks about Lucky Energy's $25 million and whether the funding can help the brand make a signi

She made olives fun — and the "Sharks" noticed. Nikki Seaman, the founder and CEO of Freestyle Snacks, landed a $300K deal on "Shark Tank" after turning her pandemic frustration over shuttered olive bars into a modern snack brand. In this episode, Nikki explains how she disrupted the "trusty but dusty" olive aisle with bright packaging, tantalizing flavors, and convenient, brine-free pouches. Bootstrapped and profitability-focused, Freestyle has grown strategically. The brand is now sold in over 5,000 stores, including Whole Foods, Target and Central Market, and is also carried on Delta flights. Nikki also shares how Freestyle recently expanded into pickles through a data-driven collaboration with Whole Foods, and how the brand's viral TikTok buzz, combined with a disciplined retail-first approach, has fueled growth with the perfect mix of insight, agility and joy. Show notes: 0:25: Nikki Seaman, Founder & CEO, Freestyle Snacks – Nikki chats about her experience on "Shark Tank" before she talks about the

What do the hosts make of Caulipower's fitting exit, a tennis icon's investment in a corn-free (!) popcorn startup, and Padma Lakshmi's partnership with a particularly spicy CPG brand? It's a full serving of Taste Radio, complete with a taste-test of high-fiber gummy candy and a $20, creatine-packed cereal.  Show notes: 0:25: Stacking, Bro. A Plant-Based Pioneer. No Corn, Thanks. Celeb Spice. Rising Talks. Man, That's Pricy. – Mike recounts his attendance at Supply Side Global and takeaways from the annual trade show. The hosts unpack Urban Farmer's acquisition of Caulipower and praise founder Gail Becker's vision and authenticity, before highlighting tennis star Novak Djokovic's $5 million investment in Cob, a corn-free popcorn brand, and Padma Lakshmi's collaboration with Diaspora Co. They also preview the upcoming NOSH Live, BevNET Live, and Brewbound Live events, emphasizing new opportunities like live Elevator Talk sessions where founders can pitch on stage. Later, they sample and review several innovati

The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Pantry Gems, Berski, Benni Pops, KiuKiu and Superlova. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week's special co-host is Mia Medina, the founder and CEO of Gather Brands. 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.

Every founder dreams of breaking the rules. Few do it with such quiet confidence as Oliver Dixon, the co-founder of better-for-you soda brand Something & Nothing. In this episode, Olly tells the story of how a creative experiment in a London bar became a category-disrupting soda brand now expanding rapidly across the U.S. He explains how his design sensibility and refusal to compromise on flavor helped shape a brand that feels both modern and timeless.  Something & Nothing's complex, mid-calorie sodas are inspired by travel and crafted with natural juices, not sweeteners. The brand's growth has been driven by thoughtful distribution in cafes, hotels, and cultural spaces. Earlier this year, Something & Nothing entered 260 Whole Foods stores in the U.S. From surviving early missteps (like an ambitious, but ill-fated alcohol launch) to building credibility through selective distribution and cultural partnerships, Olly shares how discipline, taste, and integrity can scale just as powerfully as hype. S

The hosts break down Recess' $30 million raise, pound shots of olive oil, and wonder if Ben Stiller's nostalgic soda brand can make it in middle America. Oh, and someone bottled a hot sauce wrapped in a real $100 bill.  Show notes: 0:25: Take Your Best Shot. Deadlines, People. Pivot & Win. A Benny With Every Bottle. Ben's Beer. – The show opens with a sampling of Kosterina's new high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil shot, which has a spicier kick that some of the hosts realize. Ray reminds listeners that Oct. 31 is the deadline to submit nominations for BevNET, NOSH, and Brewbound's Best of 2025 Awards and is also the last day to submit applications for the upcoming edition of the New Beverage Showdown. The conversation turns to Recess' $30 million Series B funding round, and how the brand has successfully evolved from CBD-based drinks into a broader mood and relaxation brand. They highlight Burn Rate, a unique brand of hot sauces in which each bottle is wrapped in a real $100 bill. They discuss how the pr