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Podcast Episode 53: The Secret Sauce: Driving Flavor Innovation In this episode, host Randee Donovan explores the flavorful world of sauces, dressings, dips, and spreads with Product Development Scientist Erika James, and Senior Product Manager Roger Lane. They uncover how these everyday condiments drive innovation and identity. Join us as we reveal the secret sauce that keeps consumers coming back for more. Tune in to learn: How sauces are true “flavor powerhouses” How LTOs fuel excitement and brand loyaltyGlobal flavor influences shaping 2026 and beyondWhat your favorite condiment says about you

In this episode we explore how the food industry defines and creates benchmarks for flavor perfection using gold standards. Paul Hoffman, Senior Scientist, reveals how sensory, culinary, and flavor experts collaborate to identify the best versions of products, ingredients and recipes and translate them into a shared language. Tune in to understand how aligning with these benchmarks can deliver authenticity, consistency and emotional resonance which is true gold when it comes to great flavor.

Join Randee Donovan and Dr. Elizabeth Clark as they explore how culture, generation, and science shape our love for spicy food. From global flavor trends and pop culture, to the chemistry behind heat perception, this episode dives into what makes spicy food so fascinating — and how you can develop products for consumers’ spicy-hot cravings. Listen now and spice up your perspective! Skip ahead to hear: 19:00 – “What makes heat?” 26:45 – How to measure heat 41:00 - Heat delivery factors

In this episode, our host, Randee Donovan, talks with Laura Partida, Principal Flavorist, and Jason Mittelheuser, Sr. Principal Scientist. They explore how congruent flavors help create harmony in product formulations. Discover how the right complementary flavors can be an advantage to support taste attributes within a difficult product base, how "approachable adventure" is used to build complexity in the taste experience, and beyond!

In this episode, our new host, Randee Donovan, sits down with Annelieke Van Ooij, Product Development Director, and Alex Brewer, Regulatory Affairs Director, as they guide us through all things product reformulation. From increased synthetic dye bans and ongoing FDA updates, shifting regulations are forcing brands to rethink their product formulation. Our experts break down today’s evolving regulatory landscape and provide technical guidance that will help you formulate without compromising on taste.

In this episode, we chat with Executive Chef Hadar Cohen Aviram and Product Manager Carrie Rock about all things Flavor Forecast. What will be the next trend to shake up your products and your consumers? From Tropical Vibes to the layered complexity of Charred and Smoked, our experts explore the trends that will shape the way we all flavor, cook and eat in the upcoming year and beyond. Plus, discover the ways the 2025 Flavor of the Year is heating things up!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Robert Cannon, Director of Analytical Sciences, and Hedy Kulka, Principal Flavorist, as they chat all things citrus. They break down the nuances of different citrus fruits, methods of production, and how they can be utilized in product development. Stick around to hear some of the challenges that come with citrus and how citrus fruits can be used to support taste challenges.

In this episode, we sit down with Jared Turetsky, Senior Product Manager, and Jill Breiner, Senior Principal Scientist, as they chat all things seasoning. They break down how complex seasonings are and the different applications that can be enhanced with seasonings. Stick around to hear some cool trends that they are seeing and hear about the solutions that seasonings can provide to product development.

In this episode, Corey wraps up his last episode as host and introduces our new host (and this episode’s guest) Dr. AJ Taylor, Scientist II, Innovation. They will be discussing all things chocolate and how complex chocolate flavor can be. They dive into the origins of chocolate, changes and updates in the chocolate world, and eventually taste some single origin, specialty chocolates as well!

Are there flavor pairings that outshine classics like chocolate or vanilla? Which flavor combinations are more enticing than singular profiles? In this episode, we chat with Stephany Peña, Associate Customer Marketing Manager, and Izzy Granowicz, Associate Scientist, about our data-driven take on flavor pairing strategy—Approachable Adventure—to discover what flavors are truly 'Better Together.' Tune in as we explore surprising insights, creative flavor pairings, and the trends shaping how we experience taste. 

For food and beverage companies looking to drive a more sustainable product and brand, it can be hard to make meaningful sustainability goals, implement effective strategies and evaluate their impact. In this episode, Marketing Manager, Corporate ESG & Sustainability Emma Gladstone and Senior Director Global Sustainability Kathy Rostkowski give practical advice on how to drive an effective sustainable platform – one that benefits the planet, consumers, and your organization’s business growth. Learn about the interconnectivity of environmental and social responsibility and the ways to drive a more sustainable future for you and your products.  

In this episode, we speak with Thomas Kountz, a Clean Flavor Chemist, and Sarah Hager, Director of Business Development, and discuss how to address business needs for clean labels using agricultural spices and herbs, extracts, and natural and organic flavors. They also delve into solving formulation issues through specialized technologies. Tune in to learn more about this dynamic consumer space and the innovative formulation solutions for this challenging environment! 

In this episode, we dig in for a taste of indulgent flavors!  Join Food Scientist and indulgent food junkies Rob Bowen & Paul Hoffman as they discuss their favorite foods & flavors and what makes them indulgent. Listen in to learn how YOU can turn your bland into grand! 

In this episode, we dive into all things vitamins, minerals and supplements with Health & Nutrition Senior Scientist, Beth Julian, and Product Manager, Katie Tamburo. This duo of experts walk through the supplement development process and the trends that inspire the flavors. For example, did you know that berry and citrus flavors are most popular in a variety of gummy supplements? Tune in to discover the insights of the supplement space.

In this episode, we speak with Pamela Oscarson, Senior Consumer & Market Insights Manager, as she explores how she keeps her pulse on industry trends and a quick flash into what micro trends we are keeping a closer eye on this year. We discuss the top-rated consumer trends: cooking at home, functional foods and beverages, clean label, and global tastes—where we are spotting them and how flavor plays a role. Tune in to see a flash into our favorite trends for this year!