Episodes

On location at BevNET Live L.A. 2025, actor and investor Ryan Phillippe – attending alongside Pretty Tasty co-founder Scarlett Leung – explains why functional beverages, credible health benefits, and shelf-grabbing design are the factors that separate forgettable brands from the next breakout hit.

She went from selling hydration drinks out of the trunk of her car to building a $20M brand, without outside investors, industry experience or playing by the rules. Jesslyn Rollins, the CEO of rapid hydration brand Biolyte, reveals how grassroots hustle and relentless sampling helped her break into one of the most competitive categories in beverages, and why it’s now ready to make its boldest move yet.

As 2026 approaches, the Taste Radio hosts explore why uncertainty may actually favor emerging food and beverage brands. From changing definitions of value and retailer innovation to AI-driven discovery and standout new products, the episode highlights where real opportunity is taking shape in CPG.

In this replay of a 2023 Taste Radio interview with Poppi founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth – recorded when the BFY soda brand was still firmly in disruptor mode – you’ll hear the blueprint for PepsiCo’s $1.95 billion acquisition years before it happened: a brand that tastes great, moves at the speed of culture, wins both online and in-store, and boldly reclaims the word “soda.”

Candy-coated dates, cocktails in pouches, collagen-infused beauty drinks and “noise-canceling” tonics. The latest wave of launches begs the question: is niche now the norm in food and beverage?

Archer founder & CEO Eugene Kang shares how disciplined execution, vertical integration and precisely timed innovation transformed the upstart jerky brand into one of the fastest-growing CPG companies in the U.S. He talks about how Archer positioned itself ahead of explosive trends and built durable partnerships with retailers, and why patience and long-term thinking are critical traits for founders.

The hosts recap a whirlwind week of back-to-back events in L.A., celebrating standout competitions, emerging brands, and generous mentorship from seasoned founders at Nosh Live and BevNET Live. From Projo’s big win in the New Beverage Showdown to celebrity cameos by Ryan Phillippe and Khloé Kardashian, the energy never let up.

Built on sharp strategy, standout design, and disciplined execution, “social tonic” brand Hiyo recently inked a new partnership with Live Nation placing the brand in major venues across the U.S. In this episode, co-founders Evan Quinn, Cygne Cooper and George Youmans, discuss how Hiyo is redefining moderation, unlocking category whitespace, and proving that thoughtful focus can outpace flashy niche plays.

Nosh Live is buzzing — but did Mike snag that selfie with Khloé? On location in Marina Del Rey, the hosts sip on Erewhon’s spicy bone-broth hot chocolate, unpack two landmark lawsuits and dream of their next visit to 7-Eleven (yes, really). They also serve up hot takes on everything from tempeh chips and plant-based cookie dough to “cultured” drinks and cheese crisps.

Bringing a hit international food brand to the U.S. sounds glamorous, but behind every success story is a maze of challenges most consumers never see. In this special crossover episode of Taste Radio and Nombase, Lucía Conejo-Mir of Ines Rosales and Jennifer Donnellan of Lakrids by Bülow reveal the real work behind breaking into the American market.