Munching on Molecules

Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas
  • 4.8 (4)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Munching on Molecules, your portal to the world of culinary delights, food science, and global gastronomy. Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas explore and share the latest in food discoveries and trends from our Canadian backyard and around the world, fostering a delicious food community for enthusiasts and experts alike. Approachable, inspiring, fun introduction to the world of food technology, science and culinary research. - **What can listeners expect to hear?** - Cutting-edge food technologies - Food scientists and culinary mavens perspectives

  1. Episode 49: At the Crossroads of Nutrition, Policy & Innovation with Christopher Marinangeli, PhD, RD.

    6 HRS AGO

    Episode 49: At the Crossroads of Nutrition, Policy & Innovation with Christopher Marinangeli, PhD, RD.

    This week on Munching on Molecules, we sit down with a guest whose roots in food run deep, both personally and professionally: Christopher Marinangeli, PhD, RD. Christopher grew up immersed in the food world, dating back to his great-grandparents, and his grandfather who famously got his driver’s license in exchange for bananas in Toronto, to his own executive roles in CPG. Food isn’t just a career for Christopher, it’s in his DNA. Christopher brings close to two decades of experience navigating the complex intersections of food regulations, nutrition science, and market strategy. From shaping policy in the Canadian agri-food sector to guiding innovation at major CPG brands, he’s a sought-after expert on how evidence-based nutrition can drive competitive advantage. Now serving as Director of the Centre for Regulatory Research and Innovation at Protein Industries Canada (PIC), Christopher is on a mission to modernize food regulations and unlock the full potential of plant-based protein innovation. In this episode: - The power of nutrition science in strategic product development - How PIC is helping and supporting Canada's SMEs, starting with plant protein - What’s next for innovation for plant-based proteins and Canada’s Ag sector This one’s for the changemakers at the crossroads of science, policy, and food product design. Resources: https://www.proteinindustriescanada.ca/crri

    35 min

  2. OCT 16

    Episode 48: CHFA Now Toronto Recap

    Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas are back from CHFA NOW Toronto (Sept 19–21, 2025) with stories, insights, and plenty of laughs from Canada’s biggest natural and organic trade show. From co-hosting Launchpad to firing off rapid-fire questions with emerging founders, the duo dives into what it really takes to stand out: 💡 How do you share your business story?👥 Who are your customers—really?🌟 What makes your brand special? It’s a behind-the-scenes recap of innovation, hustle, and heart from the CHFA floor—where Canada’s next food and wellness leaders take the stage. 🎧 Tune in for bite-sized reflections, founder wisdom, and a taste of what’s next for the natural products scene.

    11 min
  3. Episode 47: Celebrating 85 Years of Food in Canada with Editor, Nithya

    SEP 25

    Episode 47: Celebrating 85 Years of Food in Canada with Editor, Nithya

    We chat with Nithya, editor of Food in Canada magazine, Canada’s longest-standing national publication serving the food and beverage industry. As Food in Canada proudly marks its 85th anniversary, we discuss how the magazine continues to adapt while maintaining its trusted voice in a rapidly evolving sector. Nithya takes us through the magazine's more recent history: its acquisition by Annex Business Media in 2021, and a pivotal change in March 2024, when Annex transitioned into a 100% Employee-Management Partnership. Now, every employee shares in ownership and profit, and importantly, helps shape decision-making and priorities.  We dive into: How to submit your story to Food in Canada: What editors look for, what kind of narratives resonate, and how to maximize your pitch’s chance of being featured. Current trends in Canada’s food landscape: We cover shifts in the supply chain, rising consumer demands for transparency and sustainability, and how brands are responding. The ongoing role of industry-focused trade publications like Food in Canada in giving a platform to both emerging and established voices in the food processing sector. Whether you are leading a startup, building a heritage brand, or just tuned into the pulse of Canada’s food industry, this episode delivers both actionable advice and a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a publication that’s shaped nearly nine decades of Canada’s food story. Resources:https://www.foodincanada.com Submit your story pitch: NCaleb@annexbusinessmedia.com

    24 min
  4. Episode 46: CHFA NOW Toronto, September 19 - 21, 2025

    SEP 18

    Episode 46: CHFA NOW Toronto, September 19 - 21, 2025

    Episode 46 is your behind-the-scenes pass to all things CHFA NOW Toronto, happening September 19–21, 2025. Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas, run through what’s ahead, including: 💚 Not one but two Thursday mixers on Sept 18: BDC x B Local Ontario x CHFA gathering and the COTA Organic Month Mingler, because the real networking starts before the show even opens. 💚 Their very first time co-hosting CHFA Launchpad on Friday, Sept 19 at 5pm, where emerging brands and big ideas take center stage. 💚 What’s buzzing at this year’s conference workshops and panels. It’s a bite-sized session filled with tips, laughs, and a little nervous excitement. Tune in to hear what they’re most looking forward to this week. Whether you’re attending or just curious what CHFA NOW is all about, this one’s worth a listen. Full schedule: https://www.chfanow.ca/toronto/schedule

    16 min
  5. Episode 45: Export-Ready: What It Takes to Enter China with Confidence, Barron Lau and Paul Yip, Chowtime Foods

    SEP 11

    Episode 45: Export-Ready: What It Takes to Enter China with Confidence, Barron Lau and Paul Yip, Chowtime Foods

    We’re talking bold export moves with Barron Lau and Paul Yip, the powerhouse duo behind Chowtime Foods, rewriting the playbook for Canadian food brands expanding into China. With bilingual teams across Shanghai, Toronto, Vancouver, and Hong Kong, they’re bringing Canadian innovation to Asia’s most competitive food market with strategy, speed, and real traction. In this episode, we dig into: What it really takes to scale in China’s food industry, from e-comm to retail. Why Canadian health and wellness brands are gaining ground across Asia. The value of end-to-end execution; from first shipment to sustainable scale. Cross-cultural strategy, regulatory readiness, and what most brands get wrong. If you’re looking to export to China, Chowtime's online platform is built for Canadian innovators in the natural, organic, and wellness space. Plus: hear what’s ahead as they prep to lead a Canadian trade delegation to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) trade show on November 5 -10, 2025 Resources: Chowtime Foods: ⁠https://chowtimefoods.com/⁠

    44 min
  6. Episode 44. Taste & Trade Mexico City, 07 -10 October, 2025 with Mario A. Castillo

    SEP 4

    Episode 44. Taste & Trade Mexico City, 07 -10 October, 2025 with Mario A. Castillo

    What happens when food meets purpose on a global scale? In this episode, we sit down with Mario A. Castillo, founder of Taste & Trade Mexico City, to explore how Canadian food businesses can grow beyond borders into a vibrant, circular, and deeply sustainable food system in Mexico City. More than a trade mission, this is a cultural and culinary awakening. From October 7–10 2025, Canadian CPG leaders will join Mario on a journey through Latin America's premier food innovation event, and beyond. Key Highlights: A vision for food as life energy, cultural connection, and community empowerment. Why circularity and sustainability in Mexico's food systems can ripple back to inspire change and innovation in Canada. What participants can expect: VIP access to the Food Tech Summit & Expo 2025, guided culinary immersion, B2B matchmaking, and more. Whether you are in R&D, Innovation, a brand owner, or ingredient supplier, this is your invitation to connect, expand, and lead with purpose. Tune in to hear Mario’s inspiring mission and why now is the time to rethink how we grow markets, honour Indigenous wisdom, and innovate for both people and planet. Learn more about the Taste & Trade Mission:  https://www.scitlalli.com/taste-trade-missions/event-one-xyy5r

    33 min
  7. Episode 43: From Fork to Farm with My-Lien Bosch of Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA)

    SEP 1

    Episode 43: From Fork to Farm with My-Lien Bosch of Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA)

    We are kicking off Organic Month (September 1–30, 2025) with a special conversation featuring My-Lien Bosch, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Manager at the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA). My-Lien’s career path is a fascinating one, moving from the fork (developing finished food and pet food products) to the farm (shaping policies that impact organic agriculture and sustainability). Today, she serves as a key voice for Canada’s organic sector, ensuring that policies support farmers, businesses, and consumers alike. Before joining COTA, My-Lien worked as Director of Technical Services at the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, and earlier spent years in product development roles with multinational food companies. With a Master’s in Food Science from Wageningen University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Guelph, she brings a rare blend of technical expertise, policy insight, and culinary curiosity about how food connects people, cultures, and science.  In this episode: Fork to farm: My-Lien’s unique journey through food manufacturing, animal nutrition, and now organic advocacy.Data as a tool for change: How COTA uses data and market insights to strengthen the case for organic with policymakers.Shaping the organic future: Why advocacy matters for trust, transparency, and long-term sector growth.Policy in practice: How regulations affect both the food on our shelves and the farmers behind it.Organic Month spotlight: How Canadians can celebrate and support organics all September long. Tune in as we celebrate Organic Month with a conversation that blends career pathways, advocacy, and the future of food. Learn more about Organic Month here:  choosecanadaorganic.ca/organic-month

    34 min
  8. Episode 42: Bee Well: Biotech Solutions for Pollinator Health with Mingyang Sun, ApiSave™

    AUG 24

    Episode 42: Bee Well: Biotech Solutions for Pollinator Health with Mingyang Sun, ApiSave™

    With over a decade in the biotech industry and co-inventor on 7 U.S. and Canadian patents, Mingyang Sun brings scientific rigor, team leadership, and a passion for sustainable innovation to his work at ApiSave™, a natural product redefining pollinator health. In this episode, we explore how ApiSave™, a 100% natural extract, is helping bees thrive through both nutritional support when consumed and environmental benefits when applied in hives. Mingyang shares his path from R&D to biotech leadership, and what it takes to create IP-driven solutions for agriculture and food systems. Key takeaways: From bench to leadership: Mingyang’s journey from research to biotech innovation and commercializationWhy bees matter: Why supporting bees is critical for food systems and how ApiSave™ aims to help.Biotech & sustainability: How natural innovations can protect ecosystems. Learn more about ApiSave™: apisave.com/apisave A must-listen for R&D leaders, agri-tech innovators, and anyone passionate about our food ecosystems

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Munching on Molecules, your portal to the world of culinary delights, food science, and global gastronomy. Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas explore and share the latest in food discoveries and trends from our Canadian backyard and around the world, fostering a delicious food community for enthusiasts and experts alike. Approachable, inspiring, fun introduction to the world of food technology, science and culinary research. - **What can listeners expect to hear?** - Cutting-edge food technologies - Food scientists and culinary mavens perspectives

Information

  • Creator
    Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas
  • Show Website
    Munching on Molecules

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