Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

Better Brands’ Low-Carb Bagel + Cometeer’s New Frozen Coffee

Will a low-carb, high-protein bagel find success among its unhealthier counterparts? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to the Better Bagel, the first product from California-based startup Better Brands. Its founder, Aimee Yang, believes daily bagel eaters shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste and nutrition, so she created the Better Bagel, which is low in carbs and sugar and high in protein. The team discuss how the keto trend tends to replace bread products with entirely different food groups, but praises Better Brands for improving upon the traditionally high-carb breakfast bagel. Also, in this episode, Mira talks the newest innovation in the coffee space from coffee-tech startup Cometeer. The company creates frozen coffee pods akin to pucks that are packaged in a fully recyclable capsule. When placed in a hot cup of water, it can be stirred in to create nearly any coffee beverage. Unlike many coffee brands, Cometeer’s frozen coffee pucks are sustainably made and packaged. The team discuss whether they would try the frozen coffee and where Cometeer will fit into the $35 million global specialty coffee market. Read the full articles here: Better Bagel: The Low-Carb, High-Protein Bagel That’s “Changing the Grain”Is Cometeer’s New Frozen Coffee the Latest in Coffee Innovation?For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Dairy Innovations + How SimplyProtein Maintains Success in the Plant-Based Space

Will camel milk ever become a popular alternative to cow’s milk? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about three dairy innovations that prove the animal-based dairy sector still has room for growth and improvement. The innovations range from protein-enriched cheese to alternative animal sources for milk, such as camels. The team prominently discuss whether camel milk will find success in North America, and Mira points out that it has been a staple in the Middle East for thousands of years. Also, in this episode, Mira talks about a leader in the plant-based space, SimplyProtein. She shares clips from her interview with Michael Lines, the president and CEO of SimplyProtein, in which he discusses how to stay successful in the crowded plant-based space after over 17 years in business and three tracks to reinvent the company. The team discuss SimplyProtein’s distinct ability to market its plant-based protein bars to children and the importance of adaptability and reformulation in the crowded market. Read the full articles here: These Dairy Innovations Meet Personal and Planetary Health TargetsHow Has SimplyProtein Taken an Old Plant-Based Formula and Made it Relevant Today?For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Pecan Milk + Cadbury’s New Vegan Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar

Will pecan milk find success in the abundantly crowded alternative dairy market? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks why pecans are an optimal nut for plant-based milk since they are zero waste and don’t require straining. She introduces the team to a few pecan milk companies, including THIS PKN, Pecan Milk Co-op and MALK Organics, and discusses each of their unique selling points. The team wonders whether the taste would be too strong and whether pecan milk will experience a breakthrough akin to oat milk. Also, in this episode, Mira talks about Cadbury’s latest innovation: a vegan version of its iconic Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar. Rather than using cow’s milk to create the creaminess of the product, the vegan chocolate is made with almond paste as a vegan substitute. Mira wonders whether vegan versions of famous confectionary products are marketed toward vegans, or whether brands are also thinking of flexitarians and non-vegans. The team wonders how closely the vegan Cadbury Dairy Milk bar resembles the original and whether Cadbury will introduce other vegan versions of its products. Read the full articles here: Will Pecan Milk Find Success in the Crowded Plant-Based Dairy Space?Cadbury Recreates its Famous Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar and Makes It VeganFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Smart Food Waste Composters + SquarEat Meal Squares

Is there an easy, mess-free way for consumers to compost in their own homes? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about smart food waste composters, new devices that can transform food waste into compost in a matter of days. Whereas traditional composting can take up to months to break down food waste, require worms, emit odors and require labor, smart food waste composters take the guesswork out of composting and can help cut down on food waste. The team discuss their eagerness to try out these appliances and wonder whether they will come down in price as interest rises.Also, in this episode, Mira introduces the team to SquarEat, a meal delivery company that shapes ordinary foods into 50 g squares in a flavorful, affordable and ready-to-eat way. Hear clips from Mira’s interview with Maria Laura Vacaflores, the CMO of SquarEat, where she addresses consumer skepticism and dispels some myths about the company. The team wonders whether SquarEat fulfills a need that other meal delivery companies don’t, but admit their interest and would be willing to try a meal square. Read the full articles here: New Smart Food Waste Composters Allow for Easy, At-Home CompostingSquarEat Gives New Meaning to Concept of Eating Three Square Meals a DayFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

7shifts Employee Scheduling Software + QR Codes in the Restaurant Industry

How has 7shifts, an employee scheduling and management software, revolutionized the restaurant industry? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to 7shifts, a program capable of scheduling foodservice employees, enabling managers to focus on their businesses. Hear clips from Sydney’s interview with Jordan Boesch, the founder and CEO of 7shifts, where he shares insights from working with the best of the best in the restaurant industry. Also, in this episode, Sydney discusses how QR codes have helped the restaurant industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Though QR codes have been around since the 1990’s, they only recently gained widespread popularity to safety advertise menus, allow consumers to pay and enable consumer engagement. The team talks about their experiences with QR codes in restaurants and whether they think traditional printed menus will become a thing of the past. Read the full articles here: 7shifts: How an Employee Scheduling and Management Software Revolutionized the Restaurant IndustryHow QR Codes are Making a Comeback in the Foodservice IndustryFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Dash Water Uses Upcycled Produce + Food Industry Cybersecurity

Why throw away “wonky” fruits and vegetables if they could be put to better use? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces Ayesha to Dash Water, a UK-based sparkling water brand that uses upcycled produce. As one of the only sparkling water brands that uses “wonky” produce, Dash Water has made a name for itself and is planning to expand into international markets. The two discuss the importance of not wasting produce due to superficial imperfections and whether they would try Dash Water.Also, in this episode, Sydney discusses the growing importance of food industry cybersecurity. She touches on a few recent cybersecurity attacks and explains why the food industry is particularly vulnerable. She also talks about some ways food organizations can protect themselves before, during and after an attack. Sydney and Ayesha conclude that food industry cyberattacks don’t just impact food companies, but the entire supply chain, so it is wise for companies to invest in cybersecurity sooner rather than later. Read the full articles here: Why Dash Water Uses “Wonky Fruit In Its Sparkling WaterThe Growing Importance of Food Industry CybersecurityFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Food Mashups in 2021 + Teatis Carb-Blocking Teas

Why have food mashups garnered so much attention in 2021? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney explains why food mashups, ordinary foods that are combined to create unusual pairings, found success throughout the pandemic and gives some notable examples. The team discusses the role of marketing and exclusivity in advertising food mashups, and whether they would try some of the unconventional pairings. Also, in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Teatis carb-blocking teas. The superfood powders are made for diabetic consumers as they are designed to help manage blood sugar levels. Despite the backing from medical professionals, the team questions the validity of the company’s claims and asserts it would be best used as a supplement rather than a replacement for medication.  Read the full articles here: How Unconventional Food Mashups Found Success in 2021Teatis Carb-Blocking Teas Aim to Help Diabetics Avoid Blood Sugar SpikesFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Isochoric Freezing Method + Hershey’s Oat Made Chocolate

Can a new method of freezing food drastically cut down on energy and emissions? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about isochoric freezing, in which foods are stored in a firm, sealed container made of hard metal or plastic, filled with a liquid like water and placed in a freezer. The team discusses why this method is a more sustainable options and reflects on the environmental impact of traditional freezing. Also, in this episode, Mira discusses Hershey’s new Oat Made Chocolate bars that are being tested in select markets. The company’s newest oat milk-based innovation offers consumers a better-for-you option with ingredients like extra-creamy almond, sea salt and classic dark chocolate. The team discusses the competition among plant-based chocolate makers and whether the name “Oat Made” will stick with consumers. Read the full articles here: How Isochoric Freezing Could Drastically Reduce Carbon EmissionsHere’s Why Hershey’s is Testing an Oat-Based Chocolate BarFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Poppi Prebiotic Soda + Lab-Made Coffee

Can a prebiotic, better-for-you beverage replace traditional soda? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand that recently received millions in funding from several celebrity investors. The team discusses the role celebrities and social media play when advertising beverages and wonders whether Poppi, which contains apple cider vinegar, could actually help people with stomach issues.Also, in this episode, Mira talks about lab-made coffee, in which synthetic biology is used to recreate the molecular structure of coffee to reduce and eliminate the use of coffee beans. She introduces the team to several startups in the space, including Compound Foods and Atomo, and they discuss how lab-made coffee compares to lab-made meat, fish and dairy, noting that consumers would likely be more receptive to the former.  Read the full articles here: Poppi: The Prebiotic Soda Taking the World by StormWill Lab-Made Coffee be the New Normal?For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

WunderEggs Plant-Based Hard-Boiled Eggs + Animal-Free Dairy Products

Are WunderEggs the world’s first plant-based hard-boiled eggs? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to Crafty Counter, an Austin, Texas-based startup that created WunderEggs, a plant-based dupe that looks, cooks and tastes like a chicken egg. The team compares the analogue to the real thing in terms of price and nutrition and discusses the potential of the plant-based egg market.Also, in this episode, Mira talks about animal-free dairy products, which don’t refer to plant-based or vegan alternatives. She introduces the team Renegade Creamery, Perfect Day and Brave Robot, three companies that have developed dairy products that contain the same proteins as animal milk without raising livestock and collecting their milk. The team discusses whether these products should be considered vegan and who these brands might compete with in the market. Read the full articles here: WunderEggs: The World’s First Plant-Based Hard-Boiled Eggs Are Animal-Free Dairy Products Considered Vegan?For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured