Part 2 of our two-part conversation with natural foods icon and nutritionist Marion Nestle is here! Nestle shares her perspective on the importance of dietary variety and the enduring power of moderation in building healthy eating patterns. We also explore today’s trending topics, including the resurgence of beef tallow, the ongoing debate around seed oils, and what these shifts reveal about consumer behavior and food marketing.

Plus, we look ahead to the future of dietary guidelines and unpack the critical role grocery stores can play in shaping healthier communities.

This episode is brought to you by Flax4Life. 

This week’s episode kicks off the beginning of our two-part series with natural foods icon and nutritionist, Marion Nestle. Join us as we explore the complexities of nutrition science, the evolution of natural foods marketing, and the importance of empowering consumers to make informed choices. Plus, learn more about how independent retailers can play a role in educating their shoppers in an era of ultra-processed foods and conflicting messages when it comes to what makes a healthy diet.  

This episode is brought to you by Graza.  

In our first Buyer's Desk episode of the month, Jim teams up with INFRA Category Manager Chris Madden and Promotional Programs Manager Jared Peterson to dive into the controversial world of seed oils. As more consumers start to actively avoid seed oils, we explore alternatives that are becoming more prevalent in natural CPG, including avocado and olive oils. Plus, learn more about how the animal fat category is expanding, from tallow to butter to ghee.  

Next week, get ready for the beginning of our two-part conversation with natural foods icon and nutritionist Marion Nestle – don't miss it!  

In today’s episode, Angela and Category Manager Kim Route chat with Harry Ross, Global Commercial Director at Savyll Beverage Co. Learn more about the N/A beverage market, from the rise of functional ingredients to the importance of authenticity in marketing and branding to the challenges that N/A spirits face in an increasingly crowded market. Plus, hear insights from Harry about his extensive experience in the beverage industry, including his takes on current market trends and more.

In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, Angela and Category Manager Kim Route chat with Jeff Klineman, Editor in Chief at BevNET, about the evolving landscape of the beverage industry. They explore the emergence of protein in the beverage space, the challenges of building a N/A set, and merchandising best practices for retailers. Stay tuned for this engaging discussion about the best in beverages! 

In this week’s episode, Director of Purchasing Nick Auzenne returns to the podcast to revisit our 2025 natural trend predictions. Did better-for-you sodas make the big splash we expected? How did whole-food veggie products perform in the market? Join us as we look back on what resonated, and what surprised us.  

Plus, stay tuned for big and exciting changes to The Buyer’s Desk throughout January—including new guest hosts and more. 

The Buyer’s Desk is back for another season with thoughtful conversations, fresh takes, and thought leadership in the natural foods industry. Here to kick us off, Jim is joined by Category Manager Kim Route and Promotional Programs Manager Jared Peterson to discuss what 2026 might have in store for the natural channel. From the impact that “MAHA” movement has had consumer health awareness, to the next evolution of the protein trend, to a new era of natural and minimally processed sweeteners, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 2026 trends. 

In our final Buyer's Desk Backstock episode of the year, we're revisiting the 2025 natural foods predictions we made back in late 2024. From better-for-you soda alternatives to innovative whole vegetable products, we'll look back on what resonated and what surprised us about last year's predictions.

See you in 2026 as we continue reflecting on industry trends and look ahead to the new year!

In this Buyer's Desk Backstock episode, we're showing independents a little extra love. Join Chris, Angela, and Jim as they explore what it means to be independent in today’s grocery landscape, from the relentless innovation of independent brands to the growing pressure of mergers and acquisitions on natural food retailers striving to maintain their product standards. 

In this Buyer's Desk Backstock episode, we're running back our conversation with Tero Isokauppila, Co-Founder of Four Sigmatic Coffee.

Hear from Tero about how Four Sigmatic helped to establish a thriving functional mushroom market and the vital role that mushrooms play in cultures across the world.

Plus, learn more about his book, "Santa Sold Shrooms," a children's book about the indigenous Sami origins of Santa Claus.