On Episode #175 of the PricePlow Podcast, we sit down with Juan Benítez-García, Chief Sales Officer, and Sini Möttönen, Senior Application Scientist from Solar Foods at IFT First 2025 in Chicago. Broadcasting from the Sensapure Flavors booth, we explore the revolutionary Solein® protein that’s literally made “out of thin air”.

This isn’t your typical alternative protein story. Solar Foods has achieved what seemed impossible: creating complete, high-quality protein without farms, animals, or even plants. Using ancient Finnish microbes and renewable electricity, they’ve developed a process that bypasses photosynthesis entirely, producing protein that’s 80% pure with a complete amino acid profile including 20% BCAAs. The result is a golden-colored powder with exceptional nutritional density, including naturally high levels of iron and vitamin B12.

Our conversation reveals how biomass fermentation differs from precision fermentation, why Solein® tastes creamy with subtle nutty notes, and how this technology earned NASA recognition for feeding astronauts on Mars missions. From ice cream to protein bars, Juan and Sini demonstrate the versatility of this groundbreaking ingredient while explaining why it represents a fundamental shift toward sustainable, location-independent protein production.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/solar-foods-solein-175

Video: Solar Foods Brings Protein “Out of Thin Air” to IFT First 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ3hlgn0cZI

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Future of Air-Based Protein

Where to Follow Solar Foods and Connect with the Team

Thank you to Juan and Sini for sharing the incredible story of Solein® and demonstrating how ancient Finnish microbes,…

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On Episode #174 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Rachel Schreck (Product Strategic Manager) and Brent Petersen (Vice President of Research) from Glanbia Nutritionals to explore the revolutionary Glanbia Nutritionals Strength Platform that’s transforming how we think about performance ingredients, especially in beverage applications. This powerhouse team brings decades of expertise to discuss four groundbreaking ingredients that finally solve the stability challenges that have plagued creatine and ATP supplementation in ready-to-drink formats.

The conversation dives into the science behind CreaBev® (the first beverage-stable creatine), OptiATPâ„¢ (encapsulated PEAK ATP® for energy drinks), Collametaâ„¢ (highly bioavailable marine collagen tripeptides), and TruCal® (a balanced bone health mineral complex). From Rachel’s journey through food science to Brent’s 25 years of dairy protein innovation, this episode reveals how Glanbia’s advanced encapsulation technologies are opening entirely new product categories for formulators and brands.

Beyond the technical breakthroughs, we explore real-world applications already hitting the market, including FitAid RX with CreaBev technology, and hear Mike’s personal collagen and glycine supplementation journey that led to immediate experiential benefits. This episode showcases how authentic ingredient innovation, combined with transparent partnerships like those with Basic Supplements and GR8 Lifestyle, is driving the next evolution in functional beverages.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/glanbia-nutritionals-strength-beverages-174

Video: Glanbia Nutritionals Strength Platform Deep Dive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKU5126dPFw

Detailed Show Notes: Revolutionizing Beverage Stability with Glanbia Nutritionals

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On Episode #173 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben dive deep into the world’s most researched supplement with Mirko Holzmüller and Stefan Schweyer from Creapure, the premium creatine monohydrate brand manufactured by AlzChem in Germany. This comprehensive conversation explores everything from the unique German manufacturing process that delivers 99.99% purity to the expanding research showing creatine’s benefits far beyond athletic performance.

As creatine experiences a renaissance with growing interest from women, elderly populations, and health-conscious consumers, Mirko and Stefan provide insider insights into what sets Creapure apart from generic alternatives. From the coal-and-lime production process in Bavaria to the rigorous testing protocols that ensure every batch meets pharmaceutical-grade standards, this episode reveals why leading brands like Nutristat choose Creapure as their exclusive creatine source.

The discussion covers optimal dosing strategies, debunks common myths about loading phases, and explores emerging research on post-viral fatigue, cognitive function, and healthy aging. Whether you’re a supplement industry professional or someone curious about creatine’s expanding applications, this conversation offers unprecedented access to the science and manufacturing expertise behind the world’s most trusted creatine brand.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/creapure-173

Video: Inside Creapure – The Science of Premium Creatine Manufacturing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJe2nesRtkw

Detailed Show Notes: Creapure’s Manufacturing Excellence and Scientific Leadership

Where to Follow Creapure and Learn More

Educational Resources:

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On Episode #172 of the PricePlow Podcast, recorded at the 2025 GNC Global Conference, Mike and Ben sit down with Eric Morato of Sports Nutrition Distributors (SND) and Jack Sehgal of Nutralabz to explore the complex world of Latin American supplement distribution. This conversation provides an insider’s look at one of the most promising yet challenging international markets for supplement brands.

Eric, with over 15 years of experience in Latin American distribution, shares the realities of expanding into a region comprising 32 different countries, each with unique regulatory requirements, cultural preferences, and market dynamics. From his Miami-based operation, SND has become the bridge between American supplement brands and Latin American consumers, representing major names like Glanbia, Iovate, Dymatize, and Premier Protein. The discussion reveals how Basic Supplements has successfully entered 17 Latin American countries through SND’s expertise, demonstrating the power of strategic international partnerships.

This episode builds on our previous conversations with Jack, including Episode #156 with Marc Curcio on Basic Supplements’ founding and Episode #160 with Chuck Zhang on Chinese markets, providing a comprehensive view of international supplement distribution strategies.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/latin-america-supplements-snd-172

Video: Latin American Distribution Strategies with SND and Nutralabz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS1mpW7qeCU

Detailed Show Notes: Breaking Into Latin American Markets

Where to Follow SND and Learn More

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In this major episode of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben visit Arjuna Natural’s Dallas headquarters for an in-depth exploration of botanical innovation and scientific excellence. Joined by Nipen Lavingia (VP of Brand Innovation), Bennito Russo (Head of Sales), and Keely Johnson (VP of Sales & Marketing), this conversation reveals why Arjuna Natural has become a leader in standardized botanical extracts, particularly with their groundbreaking Shoden ashwagandha and industry-standard BCM-95 turmeric.

Shoden: The Experiential Ashwagandha with Withanolide Glycosides

The discussion spans from the fundamental challenges of botanical standardization to the cutting-edge science behind withanolide glycosides and enhanced bioavailability. With over 95 clinical studies on BCM-95 and multiple international trials on Shoden, Arjuna Natural demonstrates how rigorous science and innovative extraction methods can transform traditional botanicals into precise, effective ingredients.

At the end, the team also previews exciting future developments, including women’s health research and their upcoming OkraVive ingredient for mitochondrial support.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/arjuna-naturals-shoden-ashwagandha-171

Video: Inside Arjuna Natural’s Botanical Innovation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIXZjS0RC1A

Detailed Show Notes: The Science Behind Standardized Botanicals

Where to Follow Arjuna Natural

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On Episode #170 of the PricePlow Podcast, we had the opportunity to sit down with GNC CEO Michael Costello at the 2025 GNC Global Conference in Orlando, Florida, for an eye-opening conversation that reveals why this supplement-using industry leader truly is “one of us”. Michael’s journey from a volleyball-playing creatine customer in the 1990s to chemical engineer at Clorox to CEO of America’s most iconic supplement retailer represents one of the most authentic leadership stories we’ve encountered.

The GNC CEO Who Takes Creatine and Understands GLP-1

This episode, part of our ongoing four-part podcast series that began with Episode #169 featuring Jack Sehgal and Ben Benedict of Nutralabz, showcases how Michael’s consumer-first philosophy and science-driven approach are transforming GNC’s relationship with both franchisees and customers. From his early days buying “suspect” creatine when people thought it might be “steroids” to his current mission of refocusing GNC on consumer needs, Michael’s story demonstrates the power of authentic leadership rooted in genuine industry passion.

The conversation explores GNC’s unique franchise-corporate hybrid model, the strategic positioning around GLP-1 medications, and Michael’s vision for making GNC the trusted destination for personalized supplement guidance. His insights into ingredient trends, consumer education, and the critical importance of knowledgeable staff reveal why GNC remains essential in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/gnc-ceo-michael-costello-170

Video: GNC CEO Michael Costello Shares His Consumer-First Vision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU1j_OaTGJ4

Detailed Show Notes: Michael Costello’s Mission to Refocus GNC

Where to Follow Michael Costello and GNC

Thank you to Michael for sharing his remarkable journey and vision for GNC’s future. His combination of personal supplement experience, scientific background, and consumer-focused leadership provides a blueprint for retail success in the modern supplement in…

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In Episode #169 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with industry veterans Jack Sehgal and Ben Benedict at the 2025 GNC Global Conference to explore the remarkable journey behind Nutralabz and its two breakthrough brands: Basic Supplements and GR8 Lifestyle. This conversation reveals the strategic thinking, authentic partnerships, and “daily driver” philosophy that have rapidly transformed these concepts into successful retail brands.

Jack, CEO of Nutralabz and the manufacturing powerhouse behind both brands, shares his evolution from behind-the-scenes manufacturer to brand storyteller, while Ben Benedict brings his extensive GNC franchise background and sales expertise as the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer. Together, they’ve created what they call a “brand house” – a strategic approach to developing multiple brands that serve different consumer needs without competing against each other.

The discussion dives deep into the revolutionary “daily driver” concept that sparked Basic Supplements, the premium lifestyle positioning of GR8, and the unique eight-ingredient formula constraint that has become central to their product development philosophy. From the authentic friendship forged over a Ruth’s Chris dinner to the community-over-competition mentality that’s reshaping industry relationships, this episode offers rare insights into modern supplement brand building and the power of strategic partnerships.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jack-sehgal-ben-benedict-nutralabz-gr8-gnc-169

Video: Jack Sehgal & Ben Benedict Share the Nutralabz Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1gmJdhIJsQ

Detailed Show Notes: Building the Nutralabz Brand House

Where to Follow and Learn More

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In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome TJ Dillashaw, two-time UFC Bantamweight champion turned supplement entrepreneur, to discuss his journey from elite fighter to founder of Wild Society Nutrition. This fascinating conversation explores how TJ’s decades of competition experience, combined with hard-learned lessons about supplement quality and industry practices, led him to create a brand focused on clean, effective products for athletes and health-conscious consumers alike.

TJ shares his evolution from someone who “didn’t really care” about supplementation early in his career to becoming deeply knowledgeable about nutrition and ingredient quality. His frustrations with taking products he wouldn’t personally use, despite being sponsored by major brands, ultimately drove him to create Wild Society with a focus on natural flavoring, natural sweeteners, and third-party testing through Informed Sport certification. The discussion reveals a fighter’s mentality applied to business, emphasizing transparency, quality over margins, and building products that can “outlive” their founder.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry innovators who are reshaping the supplement landscape through science, quality, and authentic purpose!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tj-dillashaw-168

Video: TJ Dillashaw Discusses Wild Society and Fighter-to-Founder Journey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc7jThXfLZI

Detailed Show Notes: From UFC Champion to Supplement Innovator

Where to Follow and Learn More

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In Episode #167 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Laura Katz, founder and CEO of Helaina, for an in-depth exploration of human-identical lactoferrin technology and the revolutionary efferaâ„¢ ingredient. This fascinating conversation traces Laura’s journey from discovering the black market for breast milk to developing precision fermentation technology that creates bioactive proteins identical to those found in human milk.

From Black Market Discovery to Biotechnology Breakthrough: The Helaina Story

Laura, a food scientist by training, shares the unexpected inspiration behind Helaina – a 2015 podcast about people purchasing breast milk from strangers on the internet. This revelation led her to recognize that bodybuilders, athletes, cancer patients, and parents were all seeking the same thing: access to the bioactive proteins found exclusively in human milk. Rather than accepting this dangerous black market solution, Laura set out to replicate these components using precision fermentation technology.

Six years later, Helaina has launched efferaâ„¢, the world’s first commercially available human-identical lactoferrin ingredient produced through yeast fermentation. Unlike bovine lactoferrin extracted from cow’s milk, efferaâ„¢ is recognized by the human body as “self,” demonstrating superior bioavailability, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced efficacy across multiple health applications from women’s health to athletic performance.

The discussion reveals compelling clinical data showing that participants taking bovine lactoferrin developed antibodies against the protein, while those taking efferaâ„¢ showed no immune response – a critical finding that validates the “human proteins for humans” hypothesis. Mike also shares his personal experience using lactoferrin to help manage dangerously high ferritin levels, providing real-world context for the ingredient’s iron-regulating capabilities.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with pioneering entrepreneurs and scientists who are reshaping the supplement industry!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/laura-katz-effera-lactoferrin-167

Video: Laura Katz Explains Human-Identical Lactoferrin Technology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7hEQcAeRFg

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Business of Human Bioactive Proteins

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In episode #166 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Ed Dosz, VP of Science Innovation at NutriScience Innovations, to discuss MalTor, a groundbreaking ingredient that combines taurine and L-malic acid in a patent-pending complex. With his Ph.D. in food science and extensive background at NOW Foods, Ed brings deep scientific expertise to the conversation about this novel recovery-enhancing and mitochondria-supporting ingredient.

Ed Dosz & NutriScience’s MalTor: Revolutionizing Recovery Through Mitochondrial Support

The discussion explores MalTor’s development journey from initial concept to clinical validation, highlighting how this uniquely-complexed ingredient improves upon the individual benefits of taurine and L-malic acid. Ed explains the rigorous research process behind MalTor, including preclinical nematode studies and human clinical research conducted by Dr. Jose Antonio showing significant benefits for muscle recovery and pain threshold management after intense exercise.

Beyond recovery applications, the conversation ventures into MalTor’s potential for healthy aging, sports nutrition formulations, and synergistic combinations with other ingredients like citrulline. The episode also features an enlightening tangent into Ed’s background as the “Broccoli Guy,” where he shares fascinating insights about sulforaphane and optimal cooking methods to preserve broccoli’s bioactive compounds.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry insiders on breakthrough ingredients and the science behind effective supplementation!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nutriscience-maltor-ed-dosz-166

Video: Ed Dosz Explains NutriScience’s MalTor – Taurine & Malic Acid Complexed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC7JzhKaEgA

Detailed Show Notes: The Science Behind MalTor with Ed Dosz

Where to Find Ed Dosz and Learn More About MalTor

Thank you to Ed for jo…

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