Tag Archives: podcast

EP 39: Career Insights from a Recruiter, Coffee Origin Myths, The Future of Food Technology



Learn from the brightest minds in food science in the July episode of the Omnivore podcast. Recruiter Moira McGrath shares her take on science of food career opportunities, culture fit, and the perils of job hopping. Christina Birke Rune discusses her work dispelling a myth about coffee’s acidity and its origins. Futurist Tony Hunter explores the accelerating convergence of food and technology.

Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by Almond Board of California. Almonds offer endless possibilities for innovation. Visit Almonds.com/Trends to learn more.


EP 37: The Future of Product Innovation, Kelp in the Culinary Landscape, The Wonderful World of Fermentation



Learn from the brightest minds in food science and technology in the June 2024 episodes of the Omnivore podcast. Jeff Grogg, managing director of JPG Resources, shares what he sees as a necessary reset to new product innovation and which categories are ripe for disruption. Chef Matt Haight of Atlantic Sea Farms talks about the nutritional benefits of kelp and how he is working this ingredient into his recipes. Former IFT President Dr. Cindy Stewart says we can positively impact the future of the global food supply by further leveraging traditional fermentation processes. Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by Almond Board of California. Almonds offer endless possibilities for innovation. Visit Almonds.com/Trends to learn more.


EP 36: Exploring ‘Nutrition’s Dark Matter,’ EPR Packaging Hits the U.S., Naandi Foundation on GFSC



The May episodes of Omnivore feature not-to-be-missed expert commentary on the latest food system innovations, challenges, and cutting-edge science. Biotech entrepreneur Sofia Elizondo discusses the untapped power and potential of bioactive compounds, which she describes as “the dark matter of nutrition.” Packaging expert Claire Koelsch Sand provides insight into Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, an environmental policy approach gaining traction in the U.S., and ways that brands can best prepare for implementing these food- and packaging waste reduction programs. Rohini Mukherjee talks about the Naandi Foundation and how they are planning to use their grand prize winnings from the Seeding the Future Global Food System Challenge.

Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT’s Career Center. Whether you are looking for a new career opportunity or new talent for your team, IFT’s Career Center is the premier destination to help you find or fill a position in the science of food. Visit ift.org/careercenter to learn more.


EP 19: Josh Tetrick on Cultivated Meat, IFT Expo Ingredient Trends, Why Phenology Matters



In this episode of Omnivore, our hosts interview food science thought leaders appearing in the pages of the September 2023 issue of Food Technology. Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, chats about all things cultivated meat, including the recent milestone sales and the challenges that still lie ahead. Get the scoop on the latest ingredient trends from the IFT FIRST show floor from FT editors Emily Little, Linda Milo Ohr and Julie Larson Bricher. AgTools CEO Martha Montoya discusses how phenology will help food producers navigate climate change. 

Plus: Find out about Kalsec’s What’s Hot and What’s Not report, a free, comprehensive look at the hot and spicy favors trend with actionable insights into the development of hot and spicy creations. Visit Kalsec.com/HotOrNot to download the free report. 


EP 17: Sustainable Product Positioning, Plant-Based Product Safety, Where NOVA Goes Awry



Dr. Dave Lundahl, CEO of behavioral research firm InsightsNow, talks about the importance of—and challenges related to—sustainable food and beverage product positioning. Dr. Erdogan Ceylan joins us once again, this time to discuss potential food safety risks when formulating plant-based foods. Drs. Job Ubbink and Allen Levine assess the shortcomings (and strengths) of NOVA food classification. Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp. 


EP 15: Mars CSO Abigail Stevenson, Inside the Genomics Institute, Eco-Certification Programs



In the July episodes of Omnivore, Food Technology magazine’s award-winning editors bring you into the room with a not-to-be-missed line-up of food scientists and industry thought leaders. Dr. Abigail Stevenson, chief science officer at Mars, talks about the science that sparks her joy as she leads Mars’ efforts from blue sky to practical application to future-proof food innovation. Dr. Brad Ringeisen, executive director of the Innovative Genomics Institute, offers a fascinating overview of the institute’s research initiatives related to the use CRISPR gene-editing to bring about next-gen agricultural advances. Consultant and sustainability expert Arlin Wasserman comments on the unintended consequences of the proliferation of eco-certification programs.  

 Plus: This episode is sponsored by Food Technology Magazine. IFT Members receive Food Technology Magazine in print or digitally as a member benefit. Become an IFT member today. Subscribe to Food Technology Magazine at www.ift-omnivore.org/foodtech. 

https://ift-omnivore.org/foodtech 


EP 12: Climate-Friendly Snacks, Foodservice Innovation, Global Food System Challenge



Listen to the latest stellar line-up of food science-meets-business experts in this episode of Omnivore fresh from the pages of the May 2023 issue of Food Technology magazine. Bright Future Foods cofounders Jennifer McKnight and Mark Izzo offer a candid recounting of what it takes to build a climate-friendly snack brand. Chef Allison Rittman, founder of consultancy Culinary Culture, shares her thoughts on the future of foodservice innovation and what value means to today’s consumers. Five top winners in the Seeding The Future Global Food Systems Challenge talk about the impact the Challenge prizes and grants will have on their respective projects—each of which is functioning in a different way to help transform and advance the food system. Plus: Get fast, accurate technical support customized for your R&D and Innovation teams with an IFT Concierge Membership. 


EP 11: Clean Label Seasonings, the Future of Food at SXSW, Healthy Food Labels



Listen to the latest stellar line-up of food science-meets-business experts in this episode of Omnivore fresh from the pages of the May 2023 issue of Food Technology magazine. Unilever R&D senior scientist Neval Ceyhun shares expert advice on the five elements necessary to develop a clean label strategy for seasonings. From sessions on cultivated meat to using NASA satellite data to help solve food insecurity, the South by Southwest 2023 conference’s food track took a deep dive into shoring up the global food system. Deputy Managing Editor Kelly Hensel talks about her time at the conference and some of the key takeaways. The long-awaited update to FDA’s healthy food label guidelines was unveiled last fall. But dietitian and recipe analyst Linn Steward says the new rules overlook palatability, which could hinder their effectiveness with consumers. Plus: Get fast, accurate technical support customized for your R&D and Innovation teams with an IFT Concierge Membership. 


EP 10: The Jack in the Box Effect, Gluten-Free Breads, Marie Wright on Flavor



This episode of Omnivore features all-new conversations on timely topics with leading food scientists and industry experts taken from the pages of the April 2023 issue of Food Technology magazine. US Foods’ Dr. Ann Marie McNamara joins us to talk about the 30th anniversary of the Jack in the Box E. coli O157:H7 outbreak and how it revolutionized food safety. USDA researchers Ryan Ardoin and Brennan Smith discuss their recent study of gluten-free breads without bitterness. ADM’s Marie Wright shares her journey as a flavorist in her 30-plus year career. Plus: Register today for IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, July 16-19, 2023. 


EP 9: Food Safety Change Agent, Cool Tips on Freeze/Thaw, Top Trends for 2023



This episode of Omnivore features new conversations on timely topics with leading food scientists and industry experts taken from the pages of the April 2023 issue of Food Technology magazine. We have a chat with microbiologist and food industry executive Theo Morille to discuss key food safety learnings from her 35-plus year career that’s taken her from the lab to the C-suite. IFT’s Tracy Fink offers cool tips on how to mitigate freeze/thaw issues in refrigerated and frozen foods. Food Technology Contributing Editor Liz Sloan shares her take on the year’s highest-priority consumer trends. Plus: Register today for IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, July 16-19, 2023.