They call it "better-for-you." But better for who, exactly? And are trendy startups solving a problem – or just selling the illusion of one? The hosts dig in. We also revisit four interviews from Taste Radio's NYC meetup, where leaders from innovative food and beverage organizations, including Rethink Food and The Goods Mart, shared insights on mission-driven business models and scaling with purpose.

Show notes:

0:45: Deadlines & Agendas. Chasin' Victory. NNE Is Next. Your Grandma's A.I. BFY Candy & Vodka. It's Redundant, No? The hosts note a fast-approaching deadline for the BevNET Live's New Beverage Showdown and the event's newly released agenda. They also spotlight Chasin' Dreams Farm, winner of the Naturally San Diego Naturally Rising Pitch Competition, and tease a similar event that a sister chapter will be hosting this month. They heap praise on Del Real Foods' new marketing campaign, before Ray's skepticism about new BFY candy bar brand Hormbles Chormbles sparks a conversation about whether moderation and simplicity answer real consumer needs. Melissa unveils a new line of "late night" Doritos and asks if soy milk might be having a quiet comeback, Jacqui highlights a beachy iced tea brand and Ray shows love to a pair of bottled cocktails inspired by a legendary bar in Japan.

30:44: Interviews from Taste Radio's NYC Meetup – Cole Riley, VP of Engagement and Partnerships at Rethink Food, described how the chef-led nonprofit repurposes excess food from restaurants and CPG brands to combat food insecurity, having delivered over 30 million meals across NYC and Miami. Austin Rief, co-founder of Morning Brew and Oceans Talent, explained how Oceans helps U.S. companies hire vetted overseas talent – mainly from Sri Lanka – for up to 65% cost savings while maintaining high-quality work and cultural fit. Rachel Krupa, founder of The Goods Mart and Krupa Consulting, highlighted her mission to spotlight better-for-you brands through curated retail and hotel minibars, emphasizing taste, founder values, and ingredient integrity. David Segal, the founder of David's Tea and now president of Highbeam, shared how his frustration with traditional banking led him to join and help grow novel financial platform Highbeam – a financial platform that automates finance tasks, optimizes cash flow, and provides tailored banking and credit solutions to scaling consumer brands.

Brands in this episode: Liquid Death, Cann, Malk, Health-Ade, Chasin' Dreams Farm, Recoup, Mooski, Fierce & Kind, RXBAR, Body Vodka, Spiked Ade, Harken Sweets, Gigantic Candy, Mild Addictions, Del Real Foods, Farmer Foodie, Singing Pasture Farm, Conza Crumbs, Doritos, Madley Hadley, Kirra Tea, WholeMoon, Crushed Tonic, On The Rocks, Toki Whiskey, Haku Vodka, David's Tea, GNGR Labs