Nutrition Unmasked

Elizabeth Pepple
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NUTRITION

Nutrition Unmasked is a podcast that will expose the truths behind the food and supplements that fuel you.  We will have fun deep diving into some stories that reveal what happens behind the scenes of the nutrition industry.  Your host is a product development and regulatory expert with over 20 years of experience in global nutritional products and has been a public speaker for some on the largest nutrition companies, sharing her insights and expertise in more than 15 countries around the world.  

Episodes

  1. JAN 26

    Fear vs. Facts: Modern Pesticides, Real Risk and How Families Stay Safe

    Pesticides have changed—but only because science and regulation forced them to. In this episode, we explore how the creation of the EPA and modern regulatory frameworks reshaped pesticides into safer, more controlled tools—and why those protections are more important now than ever. We’ll break down how today’s pesticides are tested, regulated, and monitored, and why comparing them to chemicals from the past is scientifically misleading. But safer doesn’t mean perfect. Weakening regulations puts families, communities, and future generations at risk. We’ll discuss why stronger oversight—not less—is essential and what happens when profit and politics interfere with science. We’ll close with clear, science-based guidance on what families can do right now to protect themselves—without panic, guilt, or greenwashing—just facts, perspective, and practical choices. References: https://www.history.com/articles/dust-bowlhttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dustbowl-drought/#:~:text=The%20drought%20and%20misuse%20of%20land%20led,the%20land**%20led%20to%20the%20Dust%20Bowl https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dust-bowl-surviving-dust-bowl/ https://werehistory.org/black-sunday-and-the-american-dust-bowl/#:~:text=The%20storm's%20impact%20included:%20*%20**Destruction**%20The,dirt%20across%20100%20million%20acres%20of%20land https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/environmental-health/healthy-water-air-soil/lead-toxics-program/facts-about-arsenic#:~:text=Arsenic%20does%20not%20decompose%2C%20biodegrade,soil%20unless%20it%20is%20removed. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/american-farmers-increase-insecticide-use https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9279132/ https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL32792.html#_Toc194633795 https://agriculture.sc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FarmersMarketToolkit.pdf Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    38 min

  2. JAN 13

    What Are Pesticides, Really? And How Did We Get Here?

    When you hear the word pesticide, what comes to mind? Danger? Cancer? Corporate greed? Or maybe… nothing at all? In this first episode of a four-part series, we go back to the beginning—long before warning labels and viral headlines—to understand how pesticides actually came to be. We start with the earliest forms of pest control: simple, naturally occurring substances humans used to protect crops. Then we follow a pivotal (and unsettling) shift in history, when wartime chemistry gave rise to some of the most powerful pesticides the world has ever known—yes, including DDT and compounds born from chemical warfare research. Along the way, we’ll break down essential terminology you’ll need for the rest of the series: What pesticides actually are (and the many types they include)What they’re designed to do—and what they’re notThe difference between short-lived and persistent chemicalsWhy “how long something sticks around” matters more than most people realizeThis episode isn’t about fear or blind trust—it’s about context. Because you can’t have an informed conversation about modern agriculture, food safety, or regenerative farming without understanding how we got here in the first place. Think of this as your foundation. The science, history, and language that will make everything else in this series finally click. References: https://www.history.com/articles/dust-bowlhttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dustbowl-drought/#:~:text=The%20drought%20and%20misuse%20of%20land%20led,the%20land**%20led%20to%20the%20Dust%20Bowl  https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dust-bowl-surviving-dust-bowl/ https://werehistory.org/black-sunday-and-the-american-dust-bowl/#:~:text=The%20storm's%20impact%20included:%20*%20**Destruction**%20The,dirt%20across%20100%20million%20acres%20of%20land https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/environmental-health/healthy-water-air-soil/lead-toxics-program/facts-about-arsenic#:~:text=Arsenic%20does%20not%20decompose%2C%20biodegrade,soil%20unless%20it%20is%20removed. https://www.ebsco.com/research-star Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    35 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Decoding the Label part 2: What's really inside your foods and supplements?

    IMPORTANT LINK TO LABELS! https://www.savorthescience.com/blog In this episode, we roll up our sleeves and dive even deeper into the world of food and supplement labels—using a few “totally real, definitely not made-up” products I’ve created just for this breakdown. You’ll learn how a tiny bit of simple math (promise, it won’t hurt!) can reveal exactly how much of each ingredient is actually in your products… and how brands strategically design their labels to make you feel good about what you’re buying, even when the reality is a little less shiny. We’ll peel back the curtain on ingredient order, proprietary blends, clever wording, and why some labels look clean at first glance but tell a very different story underneath. By the end, you’ll be able to spot red flags, decode what’s really inside, and shop like a pro—no calculator anxiety required. References: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/consumers-misremember-products-scientifically-studied-claims#:~:text=Key%20takeaways%20*%20A%20new%20study%20finds,was%20roughly%20the%20same%20among%20both%20groups. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6340779/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nutrition-facts-labels-often-ignored-whats-the-fix/ https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/data-research/mthfr/index.html https://www.dietvsdisease.org/mthfr-folic-acid-folate/ Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    1h 5m

  4. 12/09/2025

    Decoding the Label part 1: What's really inside your foods and supplements?

    IMPORTANT LINKS TO THE LABELS! https://www.savorthescience.com/blog Ever wonder what all those tiny words, numbers, and panels on your food and supplement labels actually mean? In this kickoff episode, we break down the basics of label reading so you can finally understand what’s required, what’s optional, and what each section is really telling you. We’ll explore how foods and supplements overlap, and where they’re worlds apart, so you can spot key differences that affect quality, safety, and transparency. Then we go beneath the surface to uncover the insights companies don’t make obvious, giving you the tools to make smarter, more confident choices for yourself and your family. If you’ve ever stood in an aisle squinting at a label, this episode is your new secret weapon. References: https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/standards-identity-food https://legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/f/food https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344784271_Nutrition_Composition_of_Sacha_Inchi_Plukenetia_Volubilis_L https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9553689/ https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/Food-Labeling-Guide-%28PDF%29.pdf Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    34 min

  5. 09/09/2025

    Pure, Clean, Organic...or just marketing hype?

    "Pure", "Clean", "Organic".  These words are designed to build consumer trust, but trust without proof can be dangerous.  In this episode we pull apart the marketing halo around these words and unmask why you shouldn't take them at face value.  If you are looking to protect your health, your wealth, and your values, it's time to look past the hype to see the reality.   References: https://www.bevnet.com/news/2015/lawsuits-target-pure-leafs-all-natural-claims/ https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/pure-leaf-tea-class-action-says-brewed-in-usa-label-is-false/ https://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Article/2024/04/23/Q-A-Attorney-breaks-down-Clean-at-Sephora-ruling/ https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/cleaning-products/1-5m-settlement-reached-purex-natural-detergent-class-action/ https://www.classaction.org/blog/general-mills-sued-over-highsugar-cereals-bars#:~:text=The%20suit%20suggests%20that%20the,the%20Northern%20District%20of%20California. https://www.crresearch.com/blog/setting-the-record-straight-on-clean-labels/ https://cleanlabelproject.org/pesticide-free-award-methodology/ https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/811559522 https://www.wec.cpa/media-hub/non-profit-to-for-profit-some-organizations-are-making-the-switch https://www.ewg.org/areas-focus/toxic-chemicals/glyphosate#:~:text=After%20an%20initial%20set%20of,benchmark%20for%20glyphosate%20in%20oats https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5747577/ https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/09/30/are-wild-blueberries-more-nutritious-than-farm-raised/ Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    34 min

  6. 09/01/2025

    The Natural Illusion - Consumer trust on trial

    The word "natural" shows up everywhere, from juice boxes to supplement labels.  What does it really mean, though?  In this second episode on labels, we explore how consumers, companies, and the courts have wrestled with the slippery term.  From multi-million dollar lawsuits to FDA indecision, we'll uncover how a single word reshaped marketing and consumer trust.   References: https://www.fox13news.com/news/all-natural-simply-tropical-juice-forever-chemicals-pfas-lawsuit https://www.law.uw.edu/news-events/news/2023/class-action-lawsuits#:~:text=Class%20action%20lawsuits%20are%20a,with%20its%20share%20of%20difficulties https://charlestonlaw.libguides.com/c.php?g=1255231&p=9195720 https://tribecalawsuitloans.com/average-class-action-settlement/ https://www.txattorneys.com/faqs/what-percentage-do-class-action-lawyers-take/ https://www.courthousenews.com/snapple-drinks-arent-all-natural-class-claims/#:~:text=Courthouse%20News%20Staff%20/%20March%205,Categories%20/%20Uncategorized https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-choices-health/consumer-information-and-labeling/background#:~:text=The%201990%20Nutrition%20Labeling%20and,revised%20NFL%20by%20January%202021. https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/enforcement-policy-statement-food-advertising https://www.fda.gov/food/information-select-dietary-supplement-ingredients-and-other-substances/dmaa-products-marketed-dietary-supplements https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/addressing-challenges-pfas-protecting-groundwater-and-treating-contaminated-sources https://www.whitecase.com/insight-alert/epa-partially-rolls-back-pfas-drinking-water-rule Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    36 min

  7. 08/25/2025

    Unmasking GMOs: What your labels may not be telling you

    In this first episode of our labeling claims series, we dive into the story behind GMO labels in the U.S. What exactly is a GMO, and why has the conversation around it been so confusing? We’ll unpack the history of GMO labeling, the role special interests played in shaping the rules, and why today’s standards still leave consumers guessing. Along the way, we’ll contrast the U.S. approach with Europe’s swift and transparent response. If you’ve ever wondered how much you can really trust what’s on your food label, this episode is the perfect place to start. References https://www.britannica.com/story/when-were-the-first-gmos-developed https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/science-and-history-gmos-and-other-food-modification-processes https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2023/06/16/humans-have-been-genetically-modifying-crops-for-thousands-of-years-here-are-some-examples-of-what-some-popular-foods-used-to-look-like/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1083956/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-people-oppose-gmos-even-though-science-says-they-are-safe/ https://ific.org/resources/articles/how-gmo-technology-saved-the-papaya/ https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/papain https://www.npr.org/2022/01/05/1070212871/usda-bioengineered-food-label-gmo https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-faq/ https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/33a89397-6e41-4551-9ca1-03f2c9e98631_en?filename=gmo-traceability-gm-final_report_en.pdf https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/memo_04_16 https://www.foodchainid.com/resources/the-european-union-on-gmos-achieving-compliance-for-your-product/ https://www.vermontpublic.org/vpr-news/2016-07-15/congress-passes-a-gmo-labeling-bill-that-nullifies-vermonts-law Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    35 min

  8. 08/18/2025

    Food of the Future or Misguided Marketing

    Soylent promised to be the food of the future.  Instead, it faced bans, backlash and consumer rejection.  In this episode we are going to dig into how hype, bad assumptions and regulatory missteps turned a bold idea into a cautionary tale. References: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070723/ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/05/before-soylent-brief-history-food-replacements https://www.bevnet.com/brands/soylent/media/bdc01364b85f46dbade739dc25f715d2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_(meal_replacement) https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/m/maltodextrin.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459280/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK453140/ https://www.omri.org/maltodextrin https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557845/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9370113/ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22243-amino-acids https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090825811009498 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32064970/ https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65 https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/STARCO-BRANDS-INC-120794786/news/Starco-Brands-Inc-acquired-Soylent-Nutrition-Inc-for-29-4-million-43079493/ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/carbohydrate-chemistry&ved=2ahUKEwjOy9z9_pSPAxWImSYFHVV2NJEQFnoECCIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3QsIbFTzWrrHNvVrwgz6go Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    34 min

  9. 08/18/2025

    Peanuts and Profits - The PCA Scandal

    In this episode, we delve into the Peanut Corporation of America scandal; an astonishing tale of corporate greed that compromised public safety. We explore the microbiological contaminants that infiltrated peanut products, leading to a nationwide outbreak that sickened over 700 people and tragically claimed the lives of 9 individuals.   Join us as we unpack the decisions made by the company executives, who prioritized profits at the expense of consumer safety, and examine the devastating consequences of their actions. We will highlight the critical lessons learned from this disaster, reminding us all of the importance of accountability in the food industry. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how overlooking ethics for financial gain can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6005411/ https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/former-peanut-company-president-receives-largest-criminal-sentence-food-safety-case-two https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/02/peanut-corporation-of-america-from-inception-to-indictment-a-timeline/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329# https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=3944507&page=1 https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    33 min

  10. 08/18/2025

    From Snake Oil Salesman to Modern Quackery in Food and Supplements

    In this episode, we unravel the fascinating history behind the term "snake oil salesman," beginning with the notorious Clark Stanley in the 1800s. We'll trace the evolution of this concept and explore the origins of the first regulations surrounding food and medicine in the United States.  Join us as we dive into the landscape of food and supplement regulations today and discuss how, even in our modern age, unethical marketers continue to sway consumers with disingenuous claims. Don't miss our valuable tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to these tactics and ensure you make informed choices. References: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-history/milestones-us-food-and-drug-law https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-5/subpart-F/section-5.88 https://ods.od.nih.gov/About/DSHEA_Wording.aspx https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2270237/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37998706/ https://newslit.org/educators/resources/in-brief-confirmation-bias-motivated-reasoning/#:~:text=Confirmation%20bias%20is%20an%20innate,don't%20fit%20their%20beliefs https://www.social-marketing.com/post/making-fear-based-campaigns-work https://achemistinlangley.net/2022/04/14/why-you-neednt-fear-the-dirty-dozen-fruits-and-vegetables/ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/04/990427045111.htm#:~:text=A%20government%20funded%20study%20shows,%2Din%2C%20concludes%20the%20study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9941276/ Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    45 min

  11. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Episode 1 - The Trailer

    An introduction to Nutrition Unmasked and what we are all about. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you! Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode! Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!

    2 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Nutrition Unmasked is a podcast that will expose the truths behind the food and supplements that fuel you.  We will have fun deep diving into some stories that reveal what happens behind the scenes of the nutrition industry.  Your host is a product development and regulatory expert with over 20 years of experience in global nutritional products and has been a public speaker for some on the largest nutrition companies, sharing her insights and expertise in more than 15 countries around the world.  

Information

  • Creator
    Elizabeth Pepple
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nutrition Unmasked
  • Show Website
    Nutrition Unmasked