Step inside the Beck Lab with Flavor Technologist Hunter Rohlf and Flavor Scientist Nick Viriyasiri as they unveil the intricate science—and artistry—behind creating flavors from the ground up. In this episode, they share what it takes to become a certified flavorist, a rigorous seven-year journey that transforms compounding technicians into true creators of taste. From Dubai Chocolate to Salted Watermelon, Nick and Hunter explore how chemistry, sensory analysis, and creativity combine to shape flavors across a wide range of applications—from coffee and confections to beverages and frozen desserts. Discover how solubility, formulation, and molecular interactions define whether a flavor shines in oil- or water-based systems and gain an insider’s look at the innovation driving the next generation of flavor creation.

Food safety and quality are the backbone of every successful production facility. In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck’s Regulatory Specialist and Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager pull back the curtain on the meticulous steps that ensure every flavor meets the highest standards. From raw ingredient sourcing to final product release, they break down the critical checkpoints, regulations, and best practices that keep Beck Flavors’ creations both safe and exceptional in quality.

Join us, as Dan and Tracie cover these topics:

We are honored to have the Wizard himself, St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Famer – Ozzie Smith – in the Beck studios to share his story about his BackFlip cocktail line of beverages from ideation to the shelves. Ozzie describes the challenges of the process as well as the rewards.

Plus, we couldn’t have one of the greatest Cardinals of all time and not talk baseball. Ozzie tells the story behind his iconic backflip and some of his fondest memories of playing in St. Louis.

In this first customer podcast, we’re joined by Norm Snyder, CEO of Reed’s Ginger Ale. Norm takes you behind the scenes on what goes into making the best ginger ale on the market. Plus, he explains Reed’s approach to innovation and new product development and why it’s important to have strong partnerships along the way.

In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck Flavorist Julia Pollard offers an insightful exploration of flavor classifications, including artificial, natural & artificial, natural WONF (with other natural flavors), and organic. She also delves into the various production methods—from washes to extracts—and outlines the key regulatory requirements necessary for TTB approval.

Beck's Senior Applications Manager & Technical Sales, Adam Berge, takes you Behind the Formulation discussing what goes into making new beverage formulations. If you have an idea for an energy drink, THC/CBD seltzer, soda, or canned cocktail, Adam can help take you from ideation to product shelves.

Beck's Principal Flavor Chemist reminisces about early days of flavored coffee, some of his favorite outlandish projects he's worked on and what went into creating those unique flavors, as well as his rock band Bonedaddy!

In Episode 2, Beck's Certified Principal Flavor Chemist Kevin Berdak takes an in-depth look at the history of vanilla, different types and folds, and labeling requirements.

In our debut episode we have Megan Samson, our Sensory & Analytical Scientist, discussing all things sensory. She talks about what goes into product testing, different methods, and other sensory capabilities there are to further assist product development.