The Natural List

Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith

A New Hope Network podcast covering hot products, emerging trends and expert insights driving the future of CPG! Seaweed burgers and meatless meats. Mushroom elixirs and adaptogenic mocktails. Plastic-free packaging and waterless shampoos. The nearly $300 billion-dollar natural products industry is swimming in innovation. But which products and trends have staying power? During this podcast, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share the latest industry news and the most compelling and (sometimes off the wall) innovations that are primed to transform the CPG industry and support a global shift toward healthier, more sustainable living.

  1. 1D AGO

    2 NEXTY Award finalists make snacking a family affair

    “It takes two to make a thing go right! It takes two to make it outta sight.” – Rob Base and Dj E-Z Rock said it best in their hit song from 1988. This week on the Natural List, we’re highlighting two husband-and-wife-led CPG brands: Purplesful Snacking and Jam Packd. This week continues our interview series from the CPG Innovation Summit at Natural Products Expo West 2026. Adrienne sits down with Matthew and Jasmin from Purplesful Snacking to learn about how the brand got started and why they chose purple corn for the product and what their experience has been while scaling a purpose-driven brand. Next, she interviews Michelle and Brian Platt of Jam Packd, a functional jam. The three discuss the experience of working with your spouse and how they’d like to grow the brand over the next five years. Thanks for listening to this week’s episode! For more video content, check us out on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thank you to our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA. To learn more about them, visit their websites. In this episode: 0:27 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 1:59 – Welcome to our guests, Matthew and Jasmin von Teichman from Purplesful Snacking. 2:56 – What’s the story behind the brand? 3:05 – Why did you choose purple popcorn? 3:11 – Matthew and Jasmin came up with the purpose before they settled on the product itself. 4:00 – A connection Matthew made at Expo West years ago helped spur the brand into action. 6:42 – The brand’s newest and 4th SKU was a NEXTY Award Finalist for Savory or Salty Snack. 9:06 – Do you foresee any trouble with maintaining your purpose-driven status while scaling? 10:38 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 11:22 – Welcome to our guests, the founders of Jam Packd, Michelle and Brian Platt. 11:45 – Michelle shares about the inspiration behind the brand. 12:40 – Brian shares what white space and innovation in the category excited them. 14:00 - Michelle and Brian discuss the product creation process and which trends the final product fits into. 16:25 – What was the process of getting the name trademarked? 17:28 – Jam Packd has three SKUs, and the Blueberry SKU was a NEXTY Award Finalist in 2026 for Best Functional Food or Beverage. 18:12 – Jam Packd wants to pioneer this new category over the next five years. 20:38 – What has the experience been working as a husband and wife team?

    22 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Sponsor Soundbyte with Om Mushrooms

    Welcome back to The Natural List podcast! In this episode, we interview one of our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood. New Hope Network’s Content Marketing Director, Nancy Coulter-Parker, talks with the co-founder of Om Mushrooms, Dr. Sandra Carter, PHD, about how the brand got started and how the love of mushrooms is infused into new products. Thanks for listening! For more video content, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. If you prefer audio, find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:20 – Welcome to our guest, Dr. Sandra Carter, PDH! 0:35 – Sandra explains her background, Om’s founding and tells us what prompted the name of the company. 1:59 – Why is using organic mushrooms so important to you? 2:45 – Om Mushrooms now has both USDA organic and Regenerative Organic Certified certifications. Is that rare in the supplement space? 3:44 – What’s the difference between using the root network (mycelium) and the fruiting body of the mushroom? 4:40 – Certain compounds can only be found in specific parts of the mushroom. It’s important to use the right processing format for the intended compound use case. 7:01 – The “mushroom kingdom” is 10x larger than the “botanical kingdom.” Om Mushrooms aims to highlight the differences in each mushroom specifically and how to best use those compounds to help people. 8:50 – Do you need to take mushroom products every day to feel the benefits? 9:20 – The mushroom kingdom has more similarities to mammal DNA than the botanical kingdom does with mammal DNA, which means mushrooms can better help modulate the human body. 11:02 – What is the biggest differentiator for Om Mushrooms in the market? 12:41 – Are there any upcoming trends or innovations you are excited to incorporate into the Om Mushrooms line?

    15 min

  3. APR 29

    The CPG brand’s guide to The Purpose Pledge

    Welcome back to The Natural List podcast, your place for what’s new and what’s next in the CPG industry! This week, host Adrienne Smith interviews Les Szabo, chief strategy and impact officer at Dr. Bronner’s and Michael Ham, president and founder of Wild Orchard Tea Company, about the newly launched Purpose Pledge. According to the pledge, the Purpose Pledge is a collaborative initiative anchored in ten clear commitments that embed purpose into company governance, operations and supply chains. It brings together an ecosystem of companies and allied support organizations in a shared, accountable community, where members learn from one another and measure progress publicly and transparently. The Purpose Pledge launched in 2026 with 16 companies and aims to reach 25 by the end of the year. Along with these companies, 7 “commitment catalyst” brands joined to help mentor and guide Purpose Pledge companies through this journey. Les joins us from Dr. Bronner’s, the brand behind the Purpose Pledge, while Michael shares his first-hand experience of being one of the first 16 brands to enter the cohort. No one person, or brand, can make it through the CPG industry alone, and that couldn’t be more true for mission-driven brands. Listen now for a heartwarming and informative episode about brands making a positive impact on the planet--together. Watch here or on YouTube. Prefer audio only? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening! Thank you to our sponsors Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA! In this episode: 0:14 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 1:15 – Welcome to our guests, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer at Dr. Bronner’s, Les Szabo and Founder and President of Wild Orchard Tea Company, Michael Ham. 2:02 – What is the Purpose Pledge? 4:00 – What are some of the 10 commitments that fall within the pledge? 5:58 – Les highlights that the Purpose Pledge is not a certification; it’s a commitment and a learning community, and there is no cost to join. 7:00 – The Purpose Pledge is only for companies with agricultural-based supply chains, where Dr. Bronner’s sees the most impact can be made. 8:12 – Michael shares about his experience as one of the first Purpose Pledge companies and why he chose to join. 11:20 – Michael underscores the importance of governance to help buoy purpose-driven brands in the long-term. 12:13 – How does the Purpose Pledge support smaller mission-driven companies as they scale? 14:40 – The Purpose Pledge is holistic and that’s what makes it so transformative. 15:42 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 17:55 – How does the timeline and progress tracking work for brands in the Purpose Pledge? 22:05 – Progress trackers are available for consumers to view for accountability. 24:00 – The Purpose Pledge aims to create an “ecosystem of support” with 25 brands in 2026, plus 7 commitment catalyst brands. 28:54 – Michael shares about how impactful the group of companies in the Purpose Pledge is, large and small. 34:00 Learn more about the Purpose Pledge on their website.

    10 min

  4. APR 22

    Is the industry ready for Regenerative meat?

    Meat, like other protein-packed foods, has seen a resurgence in the past year. From steaks and chicken thighs to eggs and cheese, consumers are adding these items to their cart more than ever. In this week’s episode of The Natural List, host Adrienne Smith talks with two brands making our baskets better with sustainable, organic and Regenerative Organic Certified meat. First we set the scene: New Hope’s Content Marketing Director, Nancy Coulter Parker, provides background on the regenerative and organic markets. From Gen Z to Millennials, these younger consumers are the driving force in the natural and organic space. This primarily comes from a desire to “eat their values” and purchase products that align with their belief systems of transparency and animal welfare. Adrienne then interviews Kristina Walker, CEO and co-founder of StarWalker Organic Farms, whose ROC beef, one of 50 ROC SKUs, won a NEXTY Award in 2026. The duo discusses how important innovation is to the brand in keeping prices accessible while still providing high-integrity products. Then, we talk with Alicia LaPorte, senior director of communications and impact at Niman Ranch. Unlike StarWalker Organic Farms, Niman Ranch is a collective of organic farms across the U.S. Alicia shares about the process of transitioning farmers to Regenerative Organic Certification and emphasizes the benefits those farms have seen since the transition. Through these discussions, one thing is clear: The market is ready for ROC meat, and demand is growing daily. This week’s episode is a continuation of a series of interviews done at Natural Products Expo West 2026 in the CPG Content Creation Studio. For more interviews like this, watch here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 0:14 - Welcome to our guest, Nancy Coulter-Parker. 0:22 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 1:24 – What’s happening with beef in the natural and organic sector? 2:08 – These age groups are driving organic and natural purchasing. 2:22 – Animal welfare and transparency are driving these purchases, so USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic Certification fit into these desires. 3:57 – Brands are not just organic, they’re leaning into the regenerative process and creating superior items. 6:49 – Interview with Kristina Walker, co-founder and CEO of StarWalker Organic Farms. 10:33 – Kristina talks StarWalker Organic Farms’ distribution model and expansion plan. 11:35 – StarWalker Organic Farms’ ground beef was a NEXTY winner in 2026. 14:40 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 15:27 – Welcome, Alicia LaPorte, senior director of communications and impact at Niman Ranch. 16:30 – Niman Ranch is a program that works with over 600 family farmers and ranchers across the country. 17:36 – Alicia tells us about Niman Ranch’s new ROC, an American farmer-grown product. 20:00 – Adrienne asks Alicia about the process of working with farmers to transition to ROC methods and what that experience has been like. 22:19 – Now is the right time for ROC beef to really take off with consumers. 24:30 – Changing shopping basket staples to ROC makes it easier to build a better basket.

    25 min

  5. APR 15

    Exploring the non-UPF seal and its impact on CPG

    This week’s episode of The Natural List digs into hot topics in the natural products industry: ultra-processed foods and seed oils! Our host Adrienne Smith talks with Douglas Brown, senior retail reporter at New Hope Network and Sierra Forest, Marketing Director and part of the family who started behind Simply Sunflower Oil, to get the scoop. Digging into the facts, both of our guests highlight that it isn’t the seed oils themselves that are unhealthy; rather, it’s the ultra-processing that most bulk seed oils undergo. Sierra shares that Simply Sunflower Oil is the world’s first non-UPF verified cooking oil and that the brand is within the first 100 products to carry the new non-UPF verified seal. What does the non-UPF seal aim to do? Dough shares insights from his panel at Natural Products Expo West, where he spoke with non-UPF founder Megan Westgate on what the seal means for the CPG Industry. Registered attendees can watch the session on demand in the Expo West app here. Learn more about the differences in taste, flavor and nutrition between non-UPF seed oils and traditional oil processing in this week’s episode. Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thank you to our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA. In this episode: 0:15 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 0:58 – Welcome to our guest, New Hope Network Senior Retail Reporter, Douglas Brown. 2:24 – Are seed oils actually bad for you? Is seed oil ultra-processed? 3:59 – If seed oils are vilified, are nuts on the outs, too? 4:55 – Founder of non-GMO and non-UPF verifications, Megan Westgate, shared the story behind the seals with Doug during a session at Expo West. 5:55 – Simply Sunflower oil is one of the first 100 products to carry the non-UPF seal. 6:45 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 7:28 – Welcome to our interview guest, Sierra Forest, part of the family behind the brand Simply Sunflower Oil. 8:45 – Simply Sunflower Oil is the world’s first Non-UPF verified cooking oil. 10:10 – Instead of vilifying certain ingredients or food, we should be wary of the ultra-processing that goes into them. 10:58 – The taste and smell of non-UPF verified cooking oil is different from even organic oils. 13:36 – Simply Sunflower Oil is produced in an independent processing facility, so there are no risks of cross-contamination with other allergens.

    15 min

  6. APR 8

    How different generations drive the healthy aging market

    In this episode of The Natural List podcast, we bring in special guest Erika Craft, senior research analyst at Nutrition Business Journal, to discuss the fastest-growing condition that NBJ tracks: healthy aging. This condition is growing at 13%, a rate more than double the market overall. Host Adrienne Smith and Erika Craft discuss what exactly “healthy aging” means, and Erika highlights the real opportunity in the market: Everyone is interested in healthy aging from some perspective, be that hair, skin and nails or brain health. An interesting piece of the puzzle is how different generations engage with the trend. Younger generations may be more likely to buy into the “biohacking” health tech, while others are focusing on optimizing their healthspan and quality of life as they age. Wearables, with real-time data and supplements, appear to be part of the mix. Listen to this episode for more information about NBJ’s now available Healthy Aging Report and what trends brands and retailers need to know to stay relevant and meet the different consumers taking part in this condition. Thank you to our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA. Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:14 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 0:52 – Welcome to Erika Craft, Nutrition Business Journal senior research analyst! 1:50 – Erika is here to share about the supplements she saw at Natural Products Expo West that related to the healthy aging trend. 2:13 – SupplySide Global 2023 is where Erika saw the longevity, healthy aging and health span trend begin. 4:55 – There is some overlap between the trends of healthy aging and beauty from within. Some ingredients, like collagen, can fall under both. 6:08 – What does healthy aging mean to our hosts? 7:29 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 8:16 – NBJ’s Healthy Aging report is out now. It is a category they have been tracking since 2024. 8:55 – Healthy aging is the fastest-growing condition that NBJ tracks out of all of its conditions, growing at almost 13%, more than double the market overall. Expected to stay in double-digit growth. 9:58 – Who does NBJ see as the target consumer or generation for the market? 10:20 – What do younger consumers want out of the healthy aging market? 10:43 – Older generations are looking for something different. 11:00 – Are consumers buying into biohacking like red light therapy and body scans? 12:00 – Creatine is seeing growth because of its benefits for multiple demographics 13:15 – Five years ago, the big ingredient was resveratrol, but we’re seeing a shift to other ingredients like NAD precursors, Coq10 and Omega 3s. 14:00 – Healthy aging is a hard category to define. How does NBJ define the category to track it? 16:27 – Predictions for what the next big trend will be from our guest. 17:30 – Purchase the Healthy Aging report or reach out to Erika Craft on LinkedIn for questions about the report.

    18 min

  7. MAR 27

    Sponsor Soundbyte with A Greener World

    This week's episode is hosted by Nancy Coulter-Parker, Director of Content Marketing at New Hope Network. Nancy sits down with Emily Moose, executive director of A Greener World, to explore the impactful work of the organization. Since its founding in 2014, A Greener World has been dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture. Emily shares insights into their mission to create a world where farming benefits people, animals and the environment, emphasizing integrity and transparency at every step. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of A Greener World's certification programs and how the organization collaborates with brands and retailers to drive meaningful change. Want more content like this? Check out A Greener World's session, "Consumer Values are Reshaping Meat and Dairy. Are You Ready?" available on demand in the Expo West app to learn more about their practical solutions for agriculture. To learn more about A Greener World, visit their website. In this episode: 0:20 – Welcome to our guest, Emily Moose! 0:36 – Why and how was A Greener World started 1:05 – AGW is still the only pasture-based welfare label on the market. 1:27 – What are the key components of the AGW mission, and how do they impact your mission? 2:16 – Give us a walk-through on your different certifications. 3:50 - What is the certification process like? 5:19 – We know third-party certifications are important these days. How does AGW work with brands and retailers? 6:48 – Consumer values are reshaping meat and dairy. How did your session at Expo West touch on that, and how does it tie into AGW’s mission? 7:48 – What’s the best way to connect with A Greener World? 8:03 – Watch A Greener World’s session, “Consumer Values are Reshaping Meat and Dairy. Are you Ready?”, on demand in the Expo West app.

    9 min

  8. MAR 25

    Interview with NEXTY Editor’s Choice award winner, The Republic of Tea

    The Natural List is back with more interviews from Natural Products Expo West’s CPG Innovation Studio! Meredith Kaufman and Adrienne Smith, the duo behind our NEXTY Award program, share about our 2026 NEXTY Editor’s Choice Award winners: The Republic of Tea's Regenerative Organic Certified® Assam Black Tea, Papa Mountain's Sweet Potato & Herb Bread Rolls, and Ulu Foods' Chia & Sea Salt Breadfruit Bites. This week, Adrienne Smith talks with Christina Tucker, Minister of Enlightenment from the Republic of Tea. This iconic tea brand invites drinkers to live “sip by sip, not gulp by gulp” and live in the moment. The brand’s Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) Assam Tea was nominated as a finalist in the People-Forward category and awarded a 2026 Editor’s Choice NEXTY Award. ROC products are certified by the Regenerative Organic Alliance to build soil health, ensure equity for farm workers, empower farmers and improve animal welfare through a holistic farm-based, brand-driven certification. The Republic of Tea currently has three Regenerative Organic Certified SKUs: Assam iced tea pouches, traditional Assam and a Tulsi tea, with plans to expand in the future. At Expo West this year the brand introduced a few new additions to its lineup, including double-green matcha teas and “super shroom” mushroom tea blends. Congratulations to our three NEXTY Editor’s Choice Award winners! Read more about them on NewHope.com. Thank you to our sponsors A Greener World, Advantage Solutions, FreislandCampina Ingredients, Daabon and Lakanto. In this episode: 0:23 - Our new interview series highlights recordings from the CPG Content Creation Studio at Natural Products Expo West 2026. 1:18 - What is a NEXTY Editor's Choice Award and how does a brand get one? 3:18 - We had three NEXTY Editor's Choice Award winners this year. 4:56 - Thank you to our sponsor Lakanto. 5:28 - Thank you to our sponsor Advantage Solutions. 6:10 - Welcome, Christina Tucker, Minister of Enlightenment at The Republic of Tea! 8:25 - The Republic of Tea's NEXTY finalist product is an Assam Black Tea in the People Forward category. 10:52 - Thank you to our sponsor Daabon. 11:26 - Thank you to our sponsor FrieslandCampina Ingredients. 11:50 - The Republic of Tea has three Regenerative Organic Certified® SKUs, with more on the way. 12:42 - Retailers and consumers have embraced the ROC certification on these teas. 13:25 - Shopping cart staples like iced tea, black tea and green tea are a great way to get ROC awareness out there. 14:42 - Check out these new launches brewing at The Republic of Tea, with trending flavors and ingredients. 16:55 - Thank you to our sponsor A Greener World. https://www.newhope.com/nexty-awards/2026-natural-products-expo-west-nexty-award-winners https://www.republicoftea.com/collections/regenerative-organic-certified-tea https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-smith-9191181a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-kaufman-687687108/

    18 min
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About

A New Hope Network podcast covering hot products, emerging trends and expert insights driving the future of CPG! Seaweed burgers and meatless meats. Mushroom elixirs and adaptogenic mocktails. Plastic-free packaging and waterless shampoos. The nearly $300 billion-dollar natural products industry is swimming in innovation. But which products and trends have staying power? During this podcast, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share the latest industry news and the most compelling and (sometimes off the wall) innovations that are primed to transform the CPG industry and support a global shift toward healthier, more sustainable living.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith
  • Show Website
    The Natural List

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