Flavor University Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Thomas Kountz, a Clean Flavor Chemist, and Sarah Hager, Director of Business Development, and discuss how to address business needs for clean labels using agricultural spices and herbs, extracts, and natural and organic flavors. They also delve into solving formulation issues through specialized technologies. Tune in to learn more about this dynamic consumer space and the innovative formulation solutions for this challenging environment! 

In this episode, we dig in for a taste of indulgent flavors!  Join Food Scientist and indulgent food junkies Rob Bowen & Paul Hoffman as they discuss their favorite foods & flavors and what makes them indulgent. Listen in to learn how YOU can turn your bland into grand! 

In this episode, we dive into all things vitamins, minerals and supplements with Health & Nutrition Senior Scientist, Beth Julian, and Product Manager, Katie Tamburo. This duo of experts walk through the supplement development process and the trends that inspire the flavors. For example, did you know that berry and citrus flavors are most popular in a variety of gummy supplements? Tune in to discover the insights of the supplement space.

In this episode, we speak with Pamela Oscarson, Senior Consumer & Market Insights Manager, as she explores how she keeps her pulse on industry trends and a quick flash into what micro trends we are keeping a closer eye on this year. We discuss the top-rated consumer trends: cooking at home, functional foods and beverages, clean label, and global tastes—where we are spotting them and how flavor plays a role. Tune in to see a flash into our favorite trends for this year!

In this episode, we dive into the influences shaping the alcohol space with Senior Beverage Scientist, Vanessa Chavez and Beverage Product Manager, Chloe Morris. The pair covers the latest trends within spiked sips, including classic, well-loved tastes, amplified alcohol notes, unique mixology techniques, and more. For instance, did you know that flavor can help replicate the taste experience of adding smoke to a cocktail? Tune in to discover creative innovation pathways within the alcohol landscape!

In this episode, we chat with Jared Turetsky, Senior Product Manager of our industrial seasonings business. Can’t get enough of that crispy, crunchy, salty goodness? Well, neither can we! In this episode, we discuss consumer trends and the state of the salty snack market in North America. Jared explores some of the exciting findings found in their 2024 North America Salty Snack Study. We dive into innovation tactics, understanding your brand’s equity, and the trending flavors of tomorrow that may end up in the salty snack aisle.

In this episode, we speak with Senior Flavorist, Katie Pappas, where she takes you behind the scenes in becoming a flavorist, a day in the life, and how to work smarter with flavor. Learn how to build a flavor and what taste challenges they can overcome when building specific flavors - stick around to hear what flavors she has built!

In this episode, we chat with Hadar Cohen Aviram, Executive Chef, and Sunny Levine, Associate III Direct Manager, about all things Flavor Forecast. Ever thought of acidity as a craveability enhancer? Or that there's a new overall movement in cuisine mashups? And what is the Flavor of the Year? Join us as we chat through 2024’s Flavor forecast, and discuss the trends that will shape the way we flavor, cook and eat in the upcoming year, and beyond.

In this episode, we chat with Lisa Demme, Senior Marketing Manager and Carrie Rock, Product Manager about how to see food trends. They talk about how it doesn’t have to be complicated; attend a local food festival, spend some extra time in your local grocery store, grab a bite at a food truck, or intentionally scroll through your social media feed.

In this episode, Katie Wang, Quality Manager, and Melissa Valenzuela, Quality Systems Manager, dive deep into their roles in food safety & product quality.  Hear about their backgrounds and career paths, quality control programs, audit compliance, traceability, and a day-in-the-life in quality at a flavor manufacturing site.