The Natural List

It's our favorite time of year: trend prediction season! In this episode of The Natural List Podcast, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith discuss the 17 trends that our team at New Hope Network released earlier today. These are more than just trends, though; they're market forces shaping the entire CPG and natural products industry. Plenty of these ideas have made their way from one category to another, finally earning themselves a spot on this year's trends prediction list as true pillars of the year to come. From a back-to-basics movement redefining how we think about protein and heritage ingredients to a wave of trends built around the idea that wellness should actually feel good, this year we’re digging into the forces reshaping shopper behavior across food, beverage and personal care. A few numbers hint at just how much momentum is behind these shifts, like pickle-flavored snack sales jumping 30 percent and dairy projected to grow 7.3 percent in 2027. But, as our hosts share, the real story is in how these ideas are colliding across categories in ways the industry has not quite seen before. Plus, Jessica and Adrienne dish on the trend neither of them expected to be writing about. This is our biggest trend prediction story yet, so watch the full episode now, and head to newhope.com to read the complete list of all 17 trends shaping 2027. Thank you to our sponsors Sensoril, Kanbar Digital and NOW Foods. Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:15 – Hosts share how they prepared for today’s podcast recording. 2:14 – Welcome to the 2027 trend prediction episode! 3:34 – Thank you to our sponsor Sensoril. 4:15 – Adrienne and Jessica discuss the process behind developing the yearly trend predictions. 6:20 – Our 2027 trends are based around bigger consumer behavior shifts. 6:40 – Trend bucket 1: Back to basics, but better. 8:59 – Dairy growth is expected to grow 7.3%, according to Nutrition Business Journal data. 10:34 – Protein offerings were impressive and delicious: plant-based and animal-based. 11:30 – Global flavors aren’t a trend anymore; they’re a pillar of our industry. 12:33 – Trend bucket 2: Wellness should be enjoyable 13:25 – Are people over sweet flavors? This trend argues yes! 13:59 – Gen Z is driving flavor exploration. 15:46 – Flavors are popular, even in supplements. 16:53 – Affordable indulgences have made their way into the natural products industry. 18:22 – Wellness is getting dialed in and amping up the personalization factor. 19:03 – Thank you to our sponsor NOW Foods. 19:37 – Thank you to our sponsor Kanbar Digital. 21:30 – Metabolic health is an industry force connecting multiple categories. 22:06 – The lines between categories are blurring, which makes our trends blend across the industry. 24:01 – The CPG industry is offering more solutions to specialty problems. 25:39 – Connection remains a strong trend driver in the natural products industry. 26:57 – Hosts answer: Which trend is most likely to be huge in 2027? 28:16 – Hosts answer: Which trend best captures the 2027 consumer? 29:26 – Hosts answer: Which trend is the most surprising 2027 trend? 31:30 – Hosts answer: Which trend are you most skeptical about? 31:40 – Hosts answer: Which trend do you think is the most niche now, but won’t be in the future? 33:53 – Hosts answer: What is the biggest opportunity for retailers or brands? 35:20 – Read more about these trends in the Fall Natural Foods Merchandiser magazine and on newhope.com!

This week, we're getting seasonal. Jessica and Adrienne are joined by Meredith Kaufman to taste-test this year's hottest pumpkin spice products, look at the sales data and ask the big questions: Where are all of the savory treats? Watch the episode to learn more. Thank you to our sponsors Sensoril, Kanbar Digital and NOW Foods. In this episode: 0:10 – Adrienne dispels the rumors about her 1:50 – Would you *really* like pumpkin spice and seasonal flavors if it was available year-round? 2:32 – Pumpkin spice vs. other fall flavors. Who will win? 3:41 – 54% of consumers look forward to buying pumpkin during the fall. 4:33 – 1/3 of surveyed consumers say that seasonal merchandising is more likely to make them purchase more fall flavors. 5:40 – Thank you to our sponsor NOW Foods. 6:50 – 41% of millennials and 39% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for pumpkin spice or fall seasonal foods. 7:22 – Adrienne and Meredith make a case for other autumnal flavors like apple cider, cookie butter, caramel apple, pecan and brown sugar. 8:31 – 47 new or limited-time apple items launched at national chains; 70% of those were beverages, according to The Food Institute. 9:34 – Thank you to our sponsor Kanbar Digital. 10:02 – Doordash reported significant increases in Pecan and brown sugar-flavored products, up to 53%. 11:42 – Seasonal offerings are always sweet. What’s happening with savory seasonal offerings? 13:14 – Jessica provides insight into the baby food trends: lots of savory! 15:10 – Some of these brands utilize pumpkin pie spices, while others utilize pumpkin, which is a pretty nutrient-dense ingredient. 18:59 – Can you guess what an “F-PSL” means? 20:22 – Question for the class: Do you think people consider seasonal products an indulgence, or do you think people see these flavors as something to build into their routine? 21:58 – Thank you to our sponsor Sensoril. 24:50 – Squash could be an introductory flavor to lean into more savory seasonal flavor profiles. 26:20 – There’s so much innovation happening, that we created separate NEXTY Award categories for meat and dairy and eggs. 20:55 – NEXTY Award nominations are open until December 5th. 30:30 – Jessica offers suggestions on positioning and product assortment to connect with the seasonal shopper. 31:18 – Brands: be authentic when formulating a seasonal product; consumers can tell.

We’re heading back to Anaheim with this episode of The Natural List Podcast! Inside the Natural Products Expo West Content Creation Studio, host Adrienne Smith, director of content at New Hope Network, interviewed Daniel Quinones, founder of Front Page Retail. Though this episode was recorded earlier this year, the discussion offers a valuable perspective for CPG brands navigating a complex industry. The two talk all things retail strategy, including the importance of treating retail as an ecosystem rather than merely a sales channel. Adrienne and Daniel both agree on the importance of authentic storytelling for connecting with consumers in person and online. This episode is a great resource for CPG brands navigating the complexities of retail execution. Daniel offers perspective honed from 6+ years in the industry on being strategic about where to deploy support, understanding that not every opportunity warrants investment and recognizing when walking away is the right business decision. Front Page Retail has experience with brands of all sizes, from emerging local companies to high-growth engines like Olipop and Organic Valley. Above all else, this interview highlights the power of authentic storytelling and the value of outsourcing to experts when it really matters. Thank you to our sponsor GnuSante! In this episode: 0:08 – Welcome to our guest, Daniel Quinones, founder of Front Page Retail. 0:39 – Daniel shares about his background and how he started his business. 2:51 – Front Page Retail has experience delivering results for brands of all sizes. 4:10 – Retail execution strategy is the brand’s bread and butter. 5:30 – Daniel has his finger on the pulse of CPG trend cycles. 7:06 – Daniel has a sixth sense about which brands will go far in the industry. 8:13 – Adrienne asks: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give a brand? 8:52 - Adrienne’s biggest piece of advice is to lean into your story. 10:30 – Daniel’s offers his advice to emerging brands.

Did someone say peptides? This episode of The Natural List Podcast features special guest Devon Gholam, PHD and editor at SupplySide Supplement Journal, to provide a comprehensive exploration of peptides in the natural products and supplement industry. The peptide market is projected to grow from $4 billion in 2026 to $6 billion by 2030, so it’s safe to say the best time to learn about peptides was yesterday, and the second-best time is right now. Together, Jessica Rubino, Adrienne Smith and Devon Gholam will demystify what peptides are—short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks between individual amino acids and full proteins—and examine their growing presence across pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements and functional foods. Both peptide newbies and industry experts will find something to take away from this episode as Devon delves into the safety considerations surrounding peptides, particularly the risks associated with non-FDA-approved injectable peptides versus oral supplement forms. The discussion offers practical guidance for consumers and formulators on selecting quality peptide supplements, and industry professionals will appreciate the discussion on responsible marketing and the need for gold-standard clinical trials. Looking ahead, our hosts also ask Devon to think about the possibilities for the peptide market’s growth. She predicts continued innovation in metabolic health applications and the potential for peptides to become a defining category in both pharmaceutical and natural products industries. Thank you to our sponsor, GnuSante! In this episode: 0:40 – Meet Devon Gholam, PHD, editor at SupplySide Supplement Journal 1:10 – Why peptides are everywhere right now and what you need to know 2:07 – The peptide market is exploding: $4B to $6B by 2030 3:03 – Thank you to our sponsor GnuSante. 3:40 – Peptides 101 5:13 – Natural, synthetic or fermented? Breaking down peptide sources 5:48 – Why consumers are confused about peptides and why it matters 8:52 – The hidden dangers of "research use only" injectable peptides 10:03 – Can the supplement industry lead the way in peptide education and safety? 12:30 – Alarming survey: Half of patients admit using non-FDA-approved peptides 14:50 – GLP-1s and metabolic health: Supplements vs. pharmaceuticals 16:54 – Clinican validation is non-negotiable for peptide products 17:24 – Stay informed with Natural Foods Merchandiser (NFM). 18:20 – Nuritas is using AI to identify bioactive peptides in plant proteins with pre-clinical and clinical trials to prove efficacy. 19:23 – Plot twist: You're probably already using peptides (hello, collagen!) 21:40 – Crystal ball time: What's next for peptides in supplements? 23:30 – Are peptides just a flash in the pan, or here to stay? 25:35 – Consumer safety tips: What to know before you buy 26:34 – Industry insider advice: Best practices for peptide brands 28:00 – Connect with Devon on LinkedIn and dive deeper into peptide research in SupplySide Supplement Journal.

Fresh off the show floor, we’re talking about new CPG trends from Newtopia Now! Newtopia Now is the destination for emerging CPG and natural product brands! This was our third year hosting the show in Denver, and it did not disappoint. Hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of sponsored content at New Hope Network, to discuss the trends and products that caught their eyes. Functional beverages with subtle, natural flavors and innovative ingredients like fermented Reb-M sweeteners, Kana and trace minerals caught our editor’s eyes. Women's health products were everywhere, from truly 100% cotton period care to products supporting menopause, perimenopause, and cycle-specific needs with targeted formulations. Ancient grains resurging in bars, pastas and porridges, with Adlai pearls positioned as "the next quinoa" Ayurvedic ingredients like ashwagandha, shatavari and holy basil moving into mainstream supplements and products. Gut health is continuing its crusade with fermented elixirs, and unexpected flavor profiles like dill everything! Purpose-driven brands like Dr. Bronner's and Alter Eco demonstrate how regenerative practices can be profitable. Tune into this episode of The Natural List for all of these trends and more from the show floor at Newtopia Now 2026. Thank you to our sponsor GnuSante. In this episode: 0:42 – Hosts chat about favorite parts of Newtopia Now year three. 1:11 – We’ve gotten feedback that exhibitors and retailers have been connecting all over the show floor, thanks to the cozy, connection-heavy setup of this show. 2:47 – The quality of brands, products and stories behind the positioning has impressed our editorial team. 3:12 – Across all three neighborhoods we noticed clean, simple packaging stood out. 4:46 – Let’s talk trends! 5:10 – Functional beverages are always one of our favorite parts of the show. We saw subtler flavors, innovative and branded ingredients plus still lots of sparkling bevvies. 8:00 – Gut health is still king. We saw kimchi, gut elixirs and other fermented products. 9:00 – Dill everything is a big trend! 9:20 – Our team noticed more specific, intentional ingredients in the spotlight instead of blends. 9:30 – Ayurvedic ingredients are showing up in supplements like shatavari, holy basil and ashwagandha. 11:15 – Jessica posits that Ayurveda was the original “personalization” trend! 11:30 – Classic, simple and traditional natural products are having a resurgence, in line with our trend predictions from last year. 12:41 – Women’s health product innovation is happening! 13:20 – Personal care trends: menstrual care that is truly 100% organic cotton, skincare with ingredients more hydrating than water and sun care with natural colors and scents. 15:55 – We saw more products featuring fragrances and scents to support the olfactory senses during self-care routines. 16:32 – Jessica predicts flavor and scent innovation will keep blooming! 17:22 – Innovation in natural deodorant that… actually works? 19:00 – Jessica shares advice for first-time exhibitors. 1) Talk to everyone, not just retailers! 19:31 – 2) Step outside of your comfort zone. 19:43 – 3) Get really focused feedback; now is the time to refine! 21:21 – Adrienne and Nancy were impressed with the pet food innovation; brands Pezi and Whole Animal included human-grade ingredients and wagyu lung pet treats, respectively. 24:25 – We couldn’t get enough of Gato dates. Dates are still strong! 25:15 – Adrienne calls it: Adlai pearls might be the next quinoa. 26:41 - Dr. Bronner’s, Alter Eco and Ancient Nutrition are leading the way to show how purpose-driven companies can be profitable. We love to see them at Newtopia Now to celebrate and uplift the other brands at the show. 27:50 – Adrienne’s pick: Tozi Superfoods blue corn and amaranth tortillas. 28:30 – Multiple ancient or heritage grains popped up at the show don’t seem to be going anywhere soon! 28:51 – The Posana bar and Beni Bites bars were bringing global flavors to the bar category. 29:58 – We loved the brand Shooka, a shortcut to making shakshuka. 30:55 – Nutrient-dense convenience was trending, per our trend predictions last year! 31:41 – Stay tuned for more coverage of Newtopia Now on newhope.com!

There’s a boom in the bone broth business – say that five times fast! Host Adrienne Smith talked with Sam McBride, Kettle and Fire CEO and founder of Colter Ventures, about Kettle and Fire’s role in innovation in building out this category. The New Hope Network editorial team predicted that broth would be a big trend in our 2026 CPG trend predictions, and wouldn’t you have it, we were right! Sam and Adrienne discuss ways to use bone broth besides drinking it, where the category is headed and why the current iteration of wellness, along with trends like high-protein and nutrient-dense foods, fit nicely into what bone broth has to offer the natural products consumer. Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thank you to our sponsor GnuSante. In this episode: 0:39 – We predicted bone broth as a trend in Fall 2025, and Kettle and Fire is a pioneer in this category! 1:15 – Welcome to our guest, Sam McBride, Kettle and Fire CEO and Founder of Colter Ventures. 1:28 – Thank you to our sponsor GnuSante. 2:38 – Sam and his family are bone broth connoisseurs, always looking for more ways to incorporate it into their diets. 6:15 – This could be a podcast just about bone broth recipes. YUM! 6:27 – Kettle and Fire Maui Nui Venison Bone Broth won a 2026 NEXTY award for Product Design and Storytelling. 6:55 – There's still time to register for Newtopia Now, happening next week in Denver! 9:00 – Kettle and Fire has four regenerative products: beef, chicken, Maui Nui venison, and bison. 9:30 – Sam shares more about Kettle and Fire's quality sourcing story and how it impacts the brand's sustainability evolution. 11:32 – Are consumers actually understanding the benefits of regenerative products? 14:22 – Sam thinks folks might be boiling health and wellness down to, "What is the highest quality item I can put in my body?" 15:38 – Adrienne asks the hard-hitting questions: What is trending in the bone broth category? Where is the category headed? 16:52 – What kinds of consumers are entering the bone broth category? 19:02 – Bone broth hits on the "what's old is new" trend that Jason Buechel and Mark Bittman discussed at Expo West this year. 19:54 – Subscribe to NFM for industry-leading products, trends, and data insights. 20:43 – Sam shares his forecast for the next iteration of the food industry. 25:19 – Kettle and Fire has spent the past few years building its supply chain so the brand can scale to meet demand. 27:22 – What's next for Kettle and Fire's innovation? Stay tuned to find out!

Newtopia Now is less than one month away! 🎉 Join host Jessica Rubino and New Hope Network's Conference Specialist, Kenna Garber, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Newtopia Now 2026. Kenna is hands-on in creating the content that allows brands to thrive at this year's event, happening August 18-20 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Exciting news: 61% of Newtopia Now exhibitors are brand new to the event and likely to the market! This year's conference content focuses on what it means to be a brand that endures and how to get there. Through keynotes, exclusive buyer-side chats with retailers, and community events designed around connection, attendees and exhibitors will start to feel the ROI of this show right away! Jessica and Kenna discuss their favorite parts of Newtopia Now, the three show floor neighborhoods (Glow, Thrive, and Regenerate), can't-miss sessions, and why this year's programming goes beyond trend headlines into practical conversations driving the industry's future. Highlights include: ✨ Intimate buyer-side chats with top retailers ✨ Three highly anticipated keynotes on innovation, resilience, and consumer trust ✨ Ulta Beauty's presence on the Glow stage discussing their new wellness department ✨ New Trend Snapshots ✨ The Beauty and Wellness Pitch (August 20, 10:15-11:30 AM) ✨ Nutrition Capital Network pitch event (August 18) ✨ Women in CPG luncheon 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS Register for Newtopia Now 🤝 CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSORS GnuSante Zego Foods 👥 CONNECT WITH US Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn 🔗 Connect with our guest, Kenna Garber on LinkedIn 🔗 📩 GET INVOLVED Want to be a guest on The Natural List or interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at: [email protected] For more information like this, check out our website: newhope.com 📖 ABOUT THE NATURAL LIST The Natural List is a podcast by New Hope Network exploring what's new and what's next in the natural products and CPG industry. Hosted by Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith, each episode features industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of wellness. Subscribe for more episodes and stay ahead of industry trends!

What do jelly supplements, chewy textures, and innovative oils have in common? They all make an appearance in this episode of The Natural List and are trends from across the world in Taiwan. On this episode of The Natural List, we’re digging into the trends Meredith saw while attending the Food Taipei Mega Shows trade show in Taiwan. Spoiler alert: much was different, and much was the same! Meredith spotted new supplement delivery formats, noted interesting textural trends, and even found a few key differences between what the CPG industry is doing stateside and in Taiwan. No surprise, tea was everywhere! And of course, Adrienne and Meredith must taste-test a few of the most innovative products brought back from the show. Thank you to our sponsors, GnuSante and Zego! Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:17 – Thank you to our sponsor GnuSante. 1:25 – World Cup catch-up 2:17 - Our guest Meredith is back from Taiwan where she attended the Food Taipei Mega Show. 2:48 – Meredith recaps her time visiting Taiwan 4:50 – Functional Beverage trends in Taiwan vs. U.S. 6:51 – Tea, boba and dual textures in beverages 8:19 – One of the biggest innovations: a boba replacement with no calories and no sugar. 10:28 – Protein, anti-seed oils: Are the biggest U.S. trends happening in Taiwan, too? 10:59 – Thank you to our sponsor ZEGO foods. 13:34 – New oil innovation happening in Asia! 16:00 – No Dubai chocolate in Taiwan, but something even more innovative. 17:14 – New supplement delivery format found at the Food Taipei mega show! 18:45 – Texture was one of the biggest differences Meredith saw on the show floor. 19:22 – Taste testing “floss-free” popcorn. 20:30 – For a deeper dive into all the products Meredith saw at the Food Taipei Mega Show, read her article on newhope.com.

This episode of The Natural List podcast is chock-full of information about the organic produce market! Host Adrienne Smith is joined by New Hope Network Sponsored Content Director Nancy Coulter-Parker to discuss industry trends in the organic market. Nancy is a longtime organic industry advocate who has also written the OTA’s State of Organic report for many years. The two discuss the exciting upcoming 10th anniversary of the Organic Produce Summit as well as how consumers are interfacing with organic products as the cost of living continues to rise. Then we shift to an interview with Nancy and Brenna Davis, the CEO of the Organically Grown Company. Brenna has deep roots in the world of environmental and social justice, and her passion and knowledge of the organic industry oozes through every word of this conversation. Brenna will be speaking at the Organic Produce Summit, happening July 14-16 in Monterey, CA. She will draw from her years of working in this industry and her new book, Leading Through Fire: Resilient Leadership for People, Planet and the Future, to excite and inspire during her keynote. Tune into this episode for a thoughtful and insightful look at the challenges our industry is facing, as well as what Nancy and Brenna are excited for! Thank you to our sponsors, Gnubees and Zego. ----- Read the State of Organic https://www.organicproducenetwork.com/organic-retail/state-of-organic-produce-2025 Register for the Organic Produce Summit here. https://www.organicproducesummit.com/general-interest/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=hln26ops-sf-bofbrandedkw-search&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23658548311&gbraid=0AAAAADkQdJWHqwVBcM8OJHqWEsaX2b96j&gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jSHfwbKG6gJ8bUGOOETLyCXSNDRzsg3gdnaMJkUWG8Ls00nA02t5PBoCJUUQAvD_BwE Organically grown company: https://www.organicgrown.com/ Brenna’s book: https://www.brennadavis.com/leadingthroughfire.html Gnubees link: https://www.gnusante.com/en-us Zego link: https://zegofoods.com/ Nancy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-coulter-parker-ncp123/ Brenna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrennaverse/ Gnubees link: Gnubees In this episode: 0:11 - Welcome to our guest, Nancy Coulter-Parker. 0:24 – Thank you to our sponsor, Gnusante. 1:41 – The 10th anniversary of Organic Produce Summit is happening July 14-16 in Monterey, CA. 3:25 – The organic produce market grew 5 times faster than conventional produce. 4:09 – Nancy describes the trends that are driving organic produce growth. 6:24 – Does organic produce have any barriers or challenges to growth? 7:09 – Consumers are feeling the price tension in their wallets. Has the price difference between organic and conventional narrowed at all? 9:01 – Brenna Davis will be a keynote speaker at the OPS Women’s Networking Brunch. 9:25 – Thank you to our sponsor Zego. 10:27 – Welcome to our guest Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company. 12:30– Brenna describes her journey to caring about the environment and how it led her to the Organically Grown Company. 14:40 – Organic food has so many benefits; Brenna shares a few of her favorites. 16:33 – Organic produce is the biggest category in the organic market. 17:21 – GLP-1 use is impacting the amount of produce purchased by households and spells opportunity for organic brands. 18:22– Brenna shares her outlook on some challenges facing the organic industry. 21:34 – Brenna’s new book, Leading Through Fire: Resilient Leadership for People, Planet and the Future, is focused on how to help leaders be resilient in the face of today’s multiple crises. 23:40 – Farmer’s resilience is what keeps the industry strong. 26:02 – Think big: Nancy and Brenna answer the question “What do you want to see from the organic industry in the next 10 years?”

Welcome back to The Natural List! In this episode, we feature an interview from Natural Products Expo West 2026 where Adrienne chatted with ZEGO CEO Colleen Kavanagh to discuss the brand's purity testing. ZEGO is an allergy-friendly food company that produces organic breakfast cereals, protein powders and fruit bars. Known widely for its "Purity Verification" and supply chain transparency, ZEGO ensures its products are free from major allergens and agricultural toxins. The duo discuss why purity testing is so important, and whether consumers even care about transparency. We answer these questions and more in this episode of The Natural List! In this episode: 0:09 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 0:45 – Episode preview! 1:31 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 2:19 – Welcome to our guest Colleen Kavanagh, founder and CEO of Zego. 3:02 – Colleen describes how Zego’s journey to transparency began and has evolved over the years. 5:10 – Zego’s education and test results are a driver for consumer purchasing behavior. 5:50 – Colleen explains Zego’s mission and vision for safety testing for consumers across the industry. 6:36 – What are some smaller steps that brands can take to move toward Zego’s standard of testing? 7:50 – Consumers care about transparency and trust, and are shopping brands that provide it. 8:20 – How does Zego affect change now that the brand is functioning as a supplier, too? 8:50 – Zego’s customers usually start by focusing on one purity aspect, but then they enjoy the additional, higher transparency across other aspects. 9:45 – Colleen shares about Zego’s newest SKU, Regenerative Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oatmeal. 10:52 – Adrienne and Colleen discuss how well Zego utilizes packaging to communicate with consumers. 12:26 – What’s your vision for Zego in the future?

On this episode of The Natural List podcast Sponsor Soundbyte, Nancy Coulter-Parker talks with Alicia Rosas and Chris Wolfe of Grupo Bimbo and Bimbo Bakeries USA to discuss the brand’s sustainability commitments, innovation plans and more. Alicia Rosas, vice president of the healthy products portfolio for North America, starts off the conversation sharing more about the brand’s history and commitment to making a plant-based, whole grain diet more enjoyable for its customers. Then, Chris Wolfe, senior director of environmental and sustainability, shares about the brand’s transition to regenerative agriculture and commitments to environmental stewardship. This conversation digs into the brand’s 80-year history of creating products to nourish a better world while also looking at the advancements happening now which will continue making that possible. Thank you to Bimbo Bakeries USA for sponsoring this episode! Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:25- Welcome to our guests, Alicia Rosas, Vice President, Healthy Products Portfolio for North America, and Chris Wolfe, Senior Director, Environmental and Sustainability at Bimbo Bakeries USA. 0:39 – Alicia discusses how Grupo Bimbo began and the founding story. 2:54 – Alicia describes how the founders came up with the name of the business. 3:53 – What does innovation and clean label development look like at Bimbo Bakeries USA? 6:38 – How does the brand’s commitment to plant-based diets and whole grain ingredients help consumers nourish themselves and a better world? 7:50 – Chris describes the sustainability impacts of a plant-based diet? 8:18 – What does environmental stewardship look like to Bimbo Bakeries USA and Grupo Bimbo? 9:35 – Bimbo Bakeries USA is working with its three largest flour suppliers in the United States to transition to regenerative agriculture. 10:27 – Transparency is key to consumers; how does Grupo Bimbo utilize Smart Labels to increase transparency? 11:25 – Thank you to our guests and our sponsor!

This week on The Natural List podcast, Nutrition Business Journal’s Content and Insights Director Bill Giebler joins us to talk about the $75B supplement industry! Our host Adrienne Smith talks with Bill about the fastest growing categories, news that could greatly impact the industry, which delivery formats are topping the charts and the surprising shopper behavior of younger consumers. Nutrition Business Journal is the “what, where and why” of the supplement industry; What are people buying, where are they buying it and why are they buying it. The newly released Supplement Business Report breaks down the “what” and “where,” making it one of the most valuable reports you can get your hands on this year. Don’t miss out on this free preview of the data in the Supplement Business Report. Purchase the report now to plan your success in 2026 and beyond. Thank you to our sponsors Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA. Thanks for listening! Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:07 – Welcome to our guest, Bill Giebler, Nutrition Business Journal content and insights director. 0:23 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 1:20 – Bill offers his take on the history behind the new potential bill, which would allow consumers to use FSA/HSA funds for supplements. 3:20 – The Supplement Business Report digs into “what” are people buying and “where” they are buying it. 4:50 – Bill shares the biggest takeaways that surprised him in this year’s report. 11:38 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 12:28 – Adrienne and Bill discuss the supplement industry’s projected growth and its market opportunities. 12:48 – NBJ started tracking a new, growing category this year that sets the industry up for high future growth. 14:38 – What’s going on with the social commerce channel and purchasing? 15:31 – Bill talks about the fastest-growing channels for supplements. It might not be what you’re expecting! 16:24 – Going forward, Bill expects the Practitioner Channel to keep growing. 18:15 – Younger consumers are shopping in surprising places. 19:42 – Where is the industry heading with delivery formats? 20:52 – It’s a gummy world, we’re just living in it. (Plus the top three delivery formats.) 23:01 – Purchase the Supplement Business Report on NutritionBusinessJournal.com. Contact Cindy Van Schouwen at [email protected] with any questions! 23:49 – Bonus: Bill’s supplement routine!

Chocolate. Mmmmm. Even just reading the word brings a smile to my lips. On this week’s episode of The Natural List, we talk with Joe Whinney, the co-founder and CEO of Magic Chocolate, and it was a magical experience! Pun intended. Our co-hosts Meredith Kaufman and Adrienne Smith dig into the story behind Magic Chocolate’s evolution, from beginning as a partnership with Dr. Bronner’s, to how regenerative organic, sustainable and responsible choices are second nature in the brand’s supply chain. “Chocolate is something we give to people we love. It's an expression of love and celebration,” Joe shares. “How is it that that product is so harmful to so many people? It makes no sense.” We talk with Whinney about his experience in the chocolate industry, how it’s shaped his approach to business, and why he’s so passionate about making Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) a baseline in the industry. He also offers advice for smaller brands looking to make sustainable partnerships in the industry. Listen in to hear about Magic Chocolate’s origin story, supply chain conversations, and Whinney’s passion for making ROC mainstream. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch the full interview on YouTube. In this episode: 0:19 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 0:58 – Welcome to our guest, Joe Whinney, co-founder and CEO of Magic Chocolate. 2:27 – Magic Chocolate won a 2026 NEXTY Award in the Sweet Snack or Dessert category. 2:57 – Joe explains what innovation in the chocolate industry looks like to him in this new venture. 5:13 – History behind Joe’s experience in the organic chocolate industry and the previous company he founded. 5:44 – How Joe got connected with Dr. Bronner’s and Magic Chocolate. 8:10 – Joe helped produce the world’s first ROC chocolate and this company is carrying that torch. 8:54 – To Magic Chocolate, a sustainable supply chain is table stakes. The brand wants to compete and innovate with inspiring, unique taste and flavor. 11:25 – Joe wants every chocolate company to be ROC certified, and is willing to help brands get there. 12:50 – Joe discusses the thought process behind naming the new chocolate company. 15:09 – Can you really imagine a world where ROC is the standard? 18:12 - How is Magic Chocolate conveying the value add of ROC and the price point associated with it? 20:14 – What advice would you give other CPG brands looking to find the right partners? 24:16 – How has your experience in other companies helped you get to this point with Magic Chocolate? 27:33 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 28:10 – Everything Magic Chocolate is doing now is plant-based. What’s next for the brand? 30:39 – Cocoa and chocolate are volatile industries; have you felt that volatility in ROC cocoa as well? How do your ROC partnerships shape that experience? 35:44 – Where can people find Magic Chocolate?