In a special episode of the PricePlow Podcast that includes a tasting panel, we welcome Sebastian Poulsen, Application Scientist at Arla Foods Ingredients, to explore the future of ready-to-drink protein beverages. Alongside returning guest Preston Losee, Sebastian guides us through an extensive sampling of innovative protein drink concepts powered by beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), demonstrating how this powerful protein fraction is revolutionizing the RTD landscape through superior taste, texture, and functionality.

Building upon our previous discussions about Arla’s protein innovations in Episode #108 and Episode #145, this conversation focuses on the practical applications of BLG in beverages, from clear protein waters to carbonated drinks and medical nutrition solutions. Sebastian explains the critical role of protein chemistry and pH control in formulation, while sharing insights from his extensive experience in Arla’s application center.

Through live taste-testing, we experience firsthand how BLG enables unprecedented protein concentrations while maintaining exceptional clarity and mouthfeel – including an impressive 21-gram protein shot that delivers over 3 grams of leucine in just 3 fluid ounces. We also come up with an idea for an energy drink that includes 10 grams of protein!

The sampling session reveals remarkable versatility across various applications – from sparkling protein sodas to nutrition-packed medical beverages – each demonstrating why BLG represents the next generation of protein innovation. For brands looking to differentiate in the crowded RTD market, these formulations showcase how Arla Foods Ingredients continues pushing boundaries in protein beverage development, offering solutions that combine excellent taste with meaningful nutritional benefits for diverse consumer needs.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/rtd-protein-innovation-arla-foods-ingredients-161

Video: Protein RTD Science and Innovation with Sebastian Poulsen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg4ZjmSV3YY

Detailed Show Notes: The Arla Foods Ingredients RTD Tasting

Thank you to Preston and Sebastian for joining us, and thanks to Sebastian for bottling all of these tasty drinks!

Sign up for our Arla Foods Ingredients news alerts above, and subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on any and all platforms — we appreciate reviews on iTunes and Spotify!

On Episode #160 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben continue their conversation from the Basic Supplements launch, this time joined by Jack Sehgal, CEO of Nutrablend Foods, and Chuck Zhang for an in-depth discussion about supplement manufacturing, quality control, and the evolving Chinese market.

After our fascinating discussion with Basic Supplements in Episode #156, we dive deeper into the manufacturing side with Nutrablend Foods, Basic’s trusted manufacturing partner. Jack shares his journey from MMA retail in the UK to leading one of North America’s premier supplement manufacturers, while Chuck provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of the Chinese supplement market.

Manufacturing Excellence Meets International Markets: Inside Nutrablend Foods

The conversation explores how Nutrablend Foods transformed their business by focusing on fewer, higher-quality partnerships, the importance of maintaining consistent supply chains, and the intricate details of large-scale powder manufacturing. Additionally, Chuck shares fascinating perspectives on the differences between Western and Chinese supplement markets, offering valuable insights for brands looking to expand internationally.

This episode provides a rare glimpse into the world of supplement manufacturing and international market dynamics, offering valuable insights for industry professionals and supplement enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jack-sehgal-chuck-zhang-nutrablend-foods-china-160

Video: From Buffalo to China and Everywhere In Between

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbYZ6vnMfSo

Detailed Show Notes: Jack and Chuck Talk Nutrablend Foods and China

Thank you to Jack for hosting us in Buffalo, NY and to Chuck for delivering your wisdom and expertise. Sign up for Basic Supplements news alerts below and subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast — please leave us a great review!

In Episode 159 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben, Mike, and a panel of beta-testers from the PricePlow Discord sit down with Dan Grasso from MuscleTech to dive into the evolution of the fan-favorite pre-workout, EuphoriQ.

Known for its balanced energy and smooth focus, EuphoriQ quickly became a staple in the supplement community after its initial release with paraxanthine. Dan, who has been integral to the development of EuphoriQ V2, takes us through the journey from the original formula to this newly upgraded version, revealing the thought process and customer feedback that influenced each enhancement.

Beta-Testing EuphoriQ V2: How Does the Small Yohimbe Dose Hit?

Throughout the episode, the team explores how V2 preserves what made EuphoriQ popular while improving on pump, endurance, and mental clarity with adjusted doses of ingredients like L-citrulline, nitrates, and tyrosine. Dan highlights MuscleTech’s approach to incorporating feedback and adapting the formula to align with evolving customer expectations, while maintaining the brand’s commitment to effective, scientifically-backed products.

In addition to product formulation, the discussion covers EuphoriQ V2’s distribution strategy, flavor development, and MuscleTech’s plans for broader accessibility. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the craft of refining a premium pre-workout, along with exclusive insights into MuscleTech’s vision for the future of performance supplements.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/muscletech-euphoriq-v2-beta-test

Video: The PricePlow Discord Beta-Tests EuphoriQ V2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n9xdRdlP_E

Detailed Show Notes: Beta-Testing MuscleTech EuphoriQ V2

You can read our main EuphoriQ V2 article, and find deals on PricePlow in the widgets below.

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your platform of choice, and leave us a 9000-star review!

On Episode #158 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Jonathan Scheiman, co-founder and CEO of FitBiomics, to discuss VNella, a revolutionary probiotic strain derived from the microbiomes of elite athletes. The conversation explores how this cutting-edge innovation optimizes endurance, reduces fatigue, and brings next-generation biotechnology to everyday health and performance.

VNella: Optimizing Human Performance Through the Microbiome

Dive into the science behind VNella, a first-of-its-kind probiotic that metabolizes lactic acid to fuel mitochondria, enhance recovery, and improve overall energy levels. Jonathan shares the groundbreaking journey of FitBiomics, from analyzing the microbiomes of ultra-endurance athletes to developing consumer products that benefit everyone from Olympians to everyday fitness enthusiasts.

The trio also explore the role of athletes in product development, the broader applications of microbiome research, and FitBiomics’ ambitious vision to transform health and wellness through proprietary probiotics. This is a podcast packed with science, innovation, and practical takeaways for optimizing performance and well-being. Let’s dive in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jonathan-scheiman-fitbiomics-158

Video: Decoding Elite Athletes’ Microbiomes and Making VNella at Fitbiomics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2XWUZnpQP8

Detailed Show Notes with Jonathan Scheiman

Where to Follow Jonathan and Fitbiomics

Thank you to Jonathan for coming on and educating us! Stay up to date with Fitbiomics’ latest news by signing up for PricePlow’s alerts below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a great review!

In Episode 157 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Kyle Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer of Nutrabolt, to discuss the company’s groundbreaking partnership with The Hershey Company. Kyle, who joined Nutrabolt in 2021 after years in the Coca-Cola system, provides unique insights into how this collaboration came to be and what it means for both C4 and the broader supplement industry.

The conversation covers not only the recent launch of C4 Whey protein featuring real Reese’s and C4 Original pre-workout with Bubble Yum flavor, but also dives deep into Kyle’s strategic vision for the brand, the evolution of C4’s demographics, and how the company is positioning itself in the ever-growing energy drink market. This podcast was recorded shortly after Team PricePlow’s visit to Nutrabolt HQ in Austin, Texas, making for some timely discussion of upcoming innovations.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and watch on YouTube to stay updated on the supplement industry’s biggest moves!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kyle-thomas-nutrabolt-c4-hershey-157

Video: C4’s Kyle Thomas Talks Hershey Partnership & Brand Strategy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yzsJca0cNA

Detailed Show Notes with Kyle Thomas

Where to Follow Kyle, Nutrabolt, and C4

Thank you to Kyle Thomas and the entire Nutrabolt team for hosting us at their headquarters and sharing insights into their exciting partnership with The Hershey Company. We’re looking forward to trying more innovative collaborations in the future!

Stay up to date with Cellucor/C4’s latest releases by signing up for PricePlow’s news alerts, and don’t forget to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a great review!

On Episode #156 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Marc Curcio and Laura Valley to discuss the founding of Basic Supplements and its mission to provide high-quality, simplified nutritional products.

In today’s fast-paced supplement industry, consumers are often bombarded with complex products boasting long lists of ingredients and lofty promises. But what if the key to better health and performance lies in simplicity? Recorded in Buffalo, New York at the manufacturing facility (Nutrablend Foods) we dive into this concept with Marc and Laura.

This is a brand born out of a desire to return to the fundamentals of nutrition. With a combined experience of over two decades in the industry, they recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, essential supplements that don’t break the bank. Their mission is clear: provide “affordable excellence” by focusing on core ingredients that deliver results without unnecessary complexity.

Throughout the episode, we explore how Basic Supplements is redefining consumer expectations by prioritizing transparency, simplicity, and education. From partnering with top-tier ingredient suppliers like Glanbia Nutritionals to crafting straightforward product labels, Marc and Laura emphasize the importance of building trust with both retailers and consumers. They also discuss their innovative flavor offerings and commitment to making supplementation accessible to everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned industry insider or new to the world of supplements, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sports nutrition. Join us as we uncover how Basic Supplements is challenging industry norms and making a case for getting back to basics. You can watch on YouTube below or any podcast feed of your choice.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/basic-supplements-156

Video: Learn about the Foundings of Basic Supplements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwvMw2Rh3Hs

Detailed Show Notes: Introducing Basic Supplements

Where to Follow Basic Supps

Thank you to Laura and Marc for inviting us to New York, and a major thank you to Nutrablend Foods for hosting us and showing us an incredible tour!

Live from the Kyowa Hakko USA booth at Supply Side West 2024 in Las Vegas, Mike and Ben sit down for a functional beverage roundtable featuring Lou Ferrer (MacroCap Labs) and Darin Decker (Applied Nutrition USA).

MacroCap Labs is a dietary supplement manufacturer that has aggressively moved into the canned beverage industry — they’re the ones responsible for canning the wonderful XPO NRG drinks that were on display at the expo. Applied Nutrition needs no introduction in this space, but Darin joined us just before the exclusive AN Performance launch at The Vitamin Shoppe.

This is a follow-up to the previous Kyowa discussion at SupplySide West 2023, #118: Ghost, Glaxon, & Cellucor on Branded Ingredients: Kyowa Panel at SSW 2023.

The conversation highlights the shift in consumer preferences towards products with research-backed benefits, citing the decline in alcohol sales and the trend of more conscious consumption decisions. The panelists emphasize the role of education and access to information in driving this change, with Darin sharing the impact of resources like Ben’s content in educating the market.

The discussion then explores the challenges and trends in beverage manufacturing, with Lou providing insights on the need for simplicity and consistency in formulations. The panel also delves into the strategies for market penetration, with Darin emphasizing the significance of distribution, influencer marketing, and providing acute sensations and benefits to consumers.

Quality control and ingredient stability emerge as crucial factors, as the panelists underscore the importance of ensuring a consistent experience to build long-term consumer loyalty.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kyowa-hakko-beverage-panel-ssw-2024

Video: Lou Ferrer and Darin Decker Dig Into Functional Beverages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HY9F5H2lts

Where to Follow Darin and Lou

Thanks to Kyowa Hakko USA for hosting, and to Lou and Darin for joining us in our second annual get-together! You can listen to our conversation from 2023.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

For Episode #154 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Sandy Almendarez, the Vice President of Content at Informa Markets, to discuss SupplySide West 2024 live from the event. Sandy provides an introduction to her role and responsibilities, overseeing the educational programming and content for the large trade show.

We reached out to the Informa Markets team to talk about the recent rebranding announcement, which brought the following changes:

SupplySide West is one of the biggest events for the industry each year, and the group discussion covers Informa’s reinvention and rebranding. 2024’s event was a massive success, and Sandy gives us the full scoop on what made this year even better than every year before.

A key focus of the discussion centers around the educational content and industry trends covered at SupplySide. Sandy highlights topics like mushrooms, magnesium, and the blurring of lines between supplements, foods, and beverages as being prominent areas of interest. She emphasizes Informa’s commitment to identifying emerging industry trends and helping brands navigate the evolving landscape.

Mike and Ben praise the value of the educational sessions and the insights shared by industry veterans at the event — this is definitely our favorite tradeshow of the year.

We also get to hear why SupplySide West 2024 was held on Halloween, which caused a lot of people with families to leave the show early.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/supplyside-global-informa-markets-sandy-almendarez-154

Video: Sandy Almendarez Explains SupplySide’s Rebrand… and Halloween

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYVTe1KNVws

Thanks for joining us on the podcast, Sandy!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

In Episode 153 of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Danielle Citrolo, Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Kyowa Hakko USA, to discuss exciting new research on Cognizin Citicoline.

Cognizin, an industry-leading nootropic ingredient known for its benefits in brain health, has long been praised for its ability to support focus, memory, and attention. In this episode, Danielle dives deep into the latest findings, highlighting the cutting-edge science behind how Cognizin impacts gene expression at the cellular level, offering fresh insights into how it supports cognitive function.

Analyzing Cognizin Citicoline at the Genetic Level

Danielle explains how recent studies using a sophisticated triculture model of brain cells revealed new mechanisms of action for citicoline. By examining gene expression and neuronal activity, researchers were able to uncover how Cognizin affects brain structure and function, from enhancing neuronal communication to promoting healthy cholesterol synthesis in the brain. These discoveries take the understanding of Cognizin’s benefits to the next level, offering a deeper look at how this powerful nootropic works beyond just boosting focus and attention.

Throughout the episode, Danielle also touches on the broader implications of this research, particularly in the areas of mitochondrial health and neuroprotection. With ongoing studies into its potential benefits for women’s cognitive health, sleep quality, and mood regulation, Cognizin continues to lead the way in the nootropic industry. Whether you’re a biohacker, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about the latest advancements in brain health, this episode is packed with exciting discoveries.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/danielle-citrolo-cognizin-genetic-research-153

Video: Daneille Citrolo of Kyowa Hakko Talks Cognizin Gene Research

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g53Mb2PpEf8

Where to Find Danielle and Kyowa Hakko USA

Thanks for joining us, Daneille! Please subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform and leave us reviews!

In Episode #152 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Shawn Wells, Chief Science Officer, and Dustin Elliott, the new Chief Brand Officer at NNB Nutrition, to explore the innovative world of nutraceuticals and the exciting future of the company. Shawn, a returning guest, shares his insights on NNB’s cutting-edge ingredient development, while Dustin discusses his new role and the brand-building strategies he’s implementing to drive demand for their premium ingredients in the U.S. market.

The episode dives deep into NNB’s latest innovations, including the highly anticipated ingredient, Dileucine (DL-185), which is poised to make a significant impact in the world of muscle protein synthesis. The conversation also covers the potential of dihydroberberine (GlucoVantage) as a powerful GLP-1 agonist, providing an accessible alternative to popular pharmaceuticals for blood sugar control and appetite suppression.

Listeners will also get an inside look at NNB’s product development process, including the science behind their hydration formula, ElectroPrime, and the fermentation-based innovation, SalidroPure, which offers a sustainable and potent alternative to traditional Rhodiola extract. The guys also talk about NNB’s involvement in the big XPO NRG collaborative promotional energy drink made for SupplySide West.

The episode then takes a pretty wild twist at the end, with Shawn explaining his psychedelic experiences and how he uses dietary supplements to replete his neurotransmitters.

Packed with fascinating insights from two industry leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting-edge science behind functional ingredients and the growing influence of the nutraceutical industry.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/shawn-wells-dustin-elliott-nnb-nutrition-152

Video: Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott on NNB Nutrition’s Growth and Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bRAYNXNFnk

Detailed Show Notes: Shawn and Dustin Talk GLP-1, MPS, Collab Energy, and… Pyschadelic Supplement Stacks?!

This episode was filmed at Nutramedia’s headquarters in Houston, TX.

Where to Find Dustin, Shawn, and NNB Nutrition

Read more on the PricePlow Blog