The Behind The Flavor’s Podcast

behindtheflavor
  • 5.0 (2)
  • FOOD

Behind the Flavor is a first-of-its-kind podcast from Beck Flavors that takes you on a journey into the fascinating world of flavor. Go behind the scenes with exclusive interviews featuring Beck’s own flavor chemists and the innovative brands they work with. Whether you’re a flavor enthusiast or just curious about the magic behind what you taste, this show offers fresh insights and surprising stories from inside the industry. Tune in and discover what’s Behind the Flavor.

Episodes

  1. FEB 23

    Season 2, Episode 2: From Bean to Brand - Commercializing Coffee in Today’s Market

    Get ready for a brew-tiful deep dive in one of our most anticipated episodes yet!   In this coffee-focused installment of Behind the Flavor, our resident coffee and tea experts — National Sales Director Carrie Cubberley and Director of New Business Development Sara Borusiewich — spill the beans on everything happening in the world of coffee today. From the challenges shaping the market after 2025 to practical guidance on how to successfully commercialize your next coffee product, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.   Carrie and Sara also break down how a flavor company can elevate coffee formulations — from tackling bitterness and enhancing sweetness to optimizing usage rates for both performance and cost efficiency. And of course, they serve up a fresh look at emerging trends, highlighting the flavors, formats, and consumer preferences set to define the upcoming Spring and Summer coffee season.   Whether you’re developing your next ready-to-drink launch, exploring new flavor directions, or simply looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode delivers the perfect blend of strategy, innovation, and inspiration.

    17 min

  2. FEB 2

    Season 2, Episode 1: 2026 Flavors of the Year

    Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into our 2026 Flavors of the Year. In this episode of Behind the Flavor, we explore the trends, inspirations, and consumer insights shaping what’s next in taste—from emerging global influences to comfort-driven favorites with a modern twist. Join us as we break down why these flavors matter and how they’ll show up across beverages, food, and beyond.

    18 min

  3. 11/17/2025

    Episode 9: The Flavor Creation Process

    Step inside the Beck Lab with Flavor Technologist Hunter Rohlf and Flavor Scientist Nick Viriyasiri as they unveil the intricate science—and artistry—behind creating flavors from the ground up. In this episode, they share what it takes to become a certified flavorist, a rigorous seven-year journey that transforms compounding technicians into true creators of taste. From Dubai Chocolate to Salted Watermelon, Nick and Hunter explore how chemistry, sensory analysis, and creativity combine to shape flavors across a wide range of applications—from coffee and confections to beverages and frozen desserts. Discover how solubility, formulation, and molecular interactions define whether a flavor shines in oil- or water-based systems and gain an insider’s look at the innovation driving the next generation of flavor creation.

    24 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    Episode 8: Quality Control & Food Safety

    Food safety and quality are the backbone of every successful production facility. In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck’s Regulatory Specialist and Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager pull back the curtain on the meticulous steps that ensure every flavor meets the highest standards. From raw ingredient sourcing to final product release, they break down the critical checkpoints, regulations, and best practices that keep Beck Flavors’ creations both safe and exceptional in quality.   Join us, as Dan and Tracie cover these topics: What to look for in finding approved vendors How to execute a successful SQF process Setting up a GFSI plan How to prepare for audits and food safety SOPs Identifying Critical Control Points (CCP)

    23 min

  5. 10/06/2025

    Episode 7: Ozzie Smith's BackFlip All-Star Beverages

    We are honored to have the Wizard himself, St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Famer – Ozzie Smith – in the Beck studios to share his story about his BackFlip cocktail line of beverages from ideation to the shelves. Ozzie describes the challenges of the process as well as the rewards.   Plus, we couldn’t have one of the greatest Cardinals of all time and not talk baseball. Ozzie tells the story behind his iconic backflip and some of his fondest memories of playing in St. Louis.

    29 min

  6. 09/15/2025

    Episode 6: Reed's CEO talks Innovation & Development

    In this first customer podcast, we’re joined by Norm Snyder, CEO of Reed’s Ginger Ale. Norm takes you behind the scenes on what goes into making the best ginger ale on the market. Plus, he explains Reed’s approach to innovation and new product development and why it’s important to have strong partnerships along the way.

    37 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    Episode 5: Flavor Types, Organics, Extracts, TTB and more!

    In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck Flavorist Julia Pollard offers an insightful exploration of flavor classifications, including artificial, natural & artificial, natural WONF (with other natural flavors), and organic. She also delves into the various production methods—from washes to extracts—and outlines the key regulatory requirements necessary for TTB approval.

    21 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    Episode 4: Beverage Formulation

    Beck's Senior Applications Manager & Technical Sales, Adam Berge, takes you Behind the Formulation discussing what goes into making new beverage formulations. If you have an idea for an energy drink, THC/CBD seltzer, soda, or canned cocktail, Adam can help take you from ideation to product shelves.

    19 min

  9. 07/14/2025

    Episode 3: Coffee History & Juicy Flavor Creations

    Beck's Principal Flavor Chemist reminisces about early days of flavored coffee, some of his favorite outlandish projects he's worked on and what went into creating those unique flavors, as well as his rock band Bonedaddy!

    18 min

  10. 06/23/2025

    Episode 2: Deep Dive: Vanilla

    In Episode 2, Beck's Certified Principal Flavor Chemist Kevin Berdak takes an in-depth look at the history of vanilla, different types and folds, and labeling requirements.

    21 min

  11. 05/30/2025

    Episode 1: Megan Samson - Sensory Testing

    In our debut episode we have Megan Samson, our Sensory & Analytical Scientist, discussing all things sensory. She talks about what goes into product testing, different methods, and other sensory capabilities there are to further assist product development.

    20 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Behind the Flavor is a first-of-its-kind podcast from Beck Flavors that takes you on a journey into the fascinating world of flavor. Go behind the scenes with exclusive interviews featuring Beck’s own flavor chemists and the innovative brands they work with. Whether you’re a flavor enthusiast or just curious about the magic behind what you taste, this show offers fresh insights and surprising stories from inside the industry. Tune in and discover what’s Behind the Flavor.

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