Food Rebels

Food Rebels
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Hosted by AJ Sharp, Food Rebels is a captivating food and drink show. Focusing on the dynamic world of food founders, challenger brands and new products. We meet the most exciting people in the food industry today and taste the newest products. Each 30min show offers a peek behind the curtain, on-air tastings, and food and drink-based entertainment for our listeners around the UK and further afield.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Foodie Finds for Valentine's Day

    With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, AJ Sharp ditches the clichés and pulls together a Food Rebels gift guide that’s all about flavour, story and genuinely thoughtful food and drink. Joined by Claire Pope, editor of Taste Kent Magazine, AJ explores gifts that actually mean something, whether you’re buying for a partner, a friend, family, or yourself. The episode is packed with standout recommendations, including the wildly distinctive Tumble Down Gin from the Falkland Islands, with its savoury scurvy grass notes and incredible provenance, and Roebuck Estates Rosé de Noirs, a premium English sparkling wine that’s all about elegance and celebration. Things heat up with Ramsbury Hot Honey Vodka, tapping into the swicy trend, and the beautifully playful heart-shaped Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam, perfect for cheese boards and beyond. There are clever, feel-good picks too, like the caffeine-controlled coffee gift set from True Start Coffee, ideal for flavour lovers who want better sleep, and surprisingly stylish kitchen pieces from Peugeot Saveurs, including adjustable salt and pepper mills and a heart-shaped baking dish. For chocolate lovers, AJ and Claire taste their way through Ort Dolce’s Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate, indulgent boxed chocolates from Lily O’Brien’s, and artisan caramel treats and letterbox-friendly bakes from Lottie Shaw’s. Finished off with a nostalgic nod to Swizzels Love Hearts, this episode is funny, warm and full of genuinely great ideas, celebrating independent brands, proper craftsmanship and the joy of giving something that feels personal. Perfect listening if you want your Valentine’s gifting to feel thoughtful, delicious and a bit more Food Rebels.

    42 min

  2. 4 FEB

    Ultrasonic Pickles

    In this episode of Food Rebels, AJ Sharp interviews Matt Harris, founder of Pickle Project, who shares his journey from racing car driver to food innovator. The conversation delves into the science of flavour, innovative techniques like ultrasound in pickling, and the challenges of launching a food product. Matt discusses his vision for the future of Pickle Project, emphasizing sustainability and the importance of quality ingredients. The episode highlights the growing trend of premiumization in food products and the impact of entrepreneurship in the food industry.

    33 min

  3. 28 JAN

    The Fibre Crisis Nobody's Talking About

    In this episode of Food Rebels, AJ Sharp speaks with Clara Latham, founder of Deeply Foods, about the critical importance of fibre in our diets and the alarming fibre gap affecting 96% of the population. Clara shares her journey in the food industry, the founding of Deeply Foods, and the innovative products designed to address gut health through fibre-rich nutrition. The conversation delves into the challenges of being a founder, the significance of taste in health products, and the future plans for Deeply Foods as they aim to educate consumers about the fibre crisis.

    42 min

  4. 21 JAN

    The Citrus Guru; Bruce McMichael

    This week on Food Rebels, AJ Sharp is joined by Bruce McMichael a freelance food writer, community builder, and the mind behind The Lemon Grove, for a seriously zingy citrus exploration. From blood oranges with a tiny seasonal window to Amalfi lemons so fragrant they feel “more lemon than lemon”, Bruce makes the case for citrus as the unsung superstar ingredient, lifting flavours, balancing richness, and cutting through fat with that perfect hit of acidity. There’s a live tasting (sticky hands and all), plus ideas for using every part of the fruit, peel, pith, juice, in both savoury dishes and sweet bakes. Expect food history, microclimates, marmalade championships, and a fresh reminder to cook with curiosity… starting with what’s already in your fruit bowl.

    47 min

  5. 14 JAN

    What Food Founders Won’t Tell You: AJ Sharp Reveals All

    This episode marks a significant milestone for Food Rebels as host AJ Sharp takes the mic for her first-ever solo show. Temporarily moving away from the traditional guest interview format, AJ creates a "No-BS" deep dive into the industry by answering real listener questions gathered from social media and industry peers. The show tackles the high-stakes world of "Big Food" versus "Independent Brands," addressing the "Trojan Horse" theory of brand acquisitions and the brutal reality of supermarket listings. AJ provides a masterclass in brand transparency, teaching listeners how to look past marketing buzzwords to find genuine value. From the mooted dark side of farm shops to the professional optimism, and occasional embellishments of founder stories, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to be a food founder. It is an essential listen.

    34 min

  6. 7 JAN

    Ozempic, Oats, and Other Food Trends for 2026

    In this episode of Food Rebels, AJ Sharp sits down with Charles Banks, partner and MD of The Food People, to navigate the shifting landscape of food and drink in 2026. Charles explains the "magic" of food trend prediction, how anthropologists and psychologists look beyond viral TikToks to identify deep cultural shifts. The conversation explores the rising "snacking culture" and the "Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) movement," which is forcing both consumers and industry to demand ingredient transparency. A major highlight is the discussion on GLP-1 (weight-loss medications) and how they are reshuffling the industry toward smaller, nutrient-dense portions and "maintenance diets." From the rise of functional, non-alcoholic drinks like Kombucha to the "Single Specialism" trend in restaurants (like the perfect bowl of Ramen), this episode reveals that in 2026, food is no longer just fuel, it is a primary expression of our identity.

    44 min

  7. 31/12/2025

    Food Rebels; Past, Present and Future

    In this special New Year’s Eve edition of Food Rebels, host AJ Sharp brings together a roundtable of industry experts to reflect on the seismic shifts of 2025 and predict what will be on our plates in 2026. This episode explores the rapid rise of the anti-UPF movement, the premiumization of the frozen aisle, and why gut health has become the "new gym membership." The Guest Panel: AJ Sharp (Host) is joined by Laurie Fermor (Freddie’s Farm), Mitch Lee (PACT'D & The Unfounders), Tessa Stuart (Shopper Stalker), Stephen Minall (Moving Food), and Vietnamese Chef Thuy Hoang. Key Topics: The conversation covers the UPF tipping point and why everyday families are now reading labels for emulsifiers. We discuss the rise of "Green Umami," fermented foods, and how mycelium-based products are supporting the gut microbiome. The panel also looks forward to 2026, predicting smaller but more nutrient-dense portions, the growth of functional non-alcoholic drinks with a "buzz," and the return to seasonal British-grown produce. Finally, we share our 2025 Food Rebel nominations, highlighting industry pioneers like Barney Mauleverer and Lauren O’Donnell.

    27 min

  8. 24/12/2025

    Christmas Eve, Lebanese Style with The Olive Oil Guy

    Christmas Eve on Food Rebels: AJ is joined by olive oil sommelier Mazen Assaf, founder of The Olive Oil Guy, to talk festive traditions around the world, from Lebanon to London, and the stories behind truly exceptional olive oils. Mazen shares what Christmas looks like in Lebanon, how food brings different communities together, and guides AJ through a live olive oil tasting featuring Spanish, Italian and Greek varieties. Expect flavour notes, pairing ideas, and a deeper look at why olive oil is a craft, not a commodity. A cosy, foodie Christmas Eve episode full of warmth, culture and seriously good olive oil.

    29 min
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About

Hosted by AJ Sharp, Food Rebels is a captivating food and drink show. Focusing on the dynamic world of food founders, challenger brands and new products. We meet the most exciting people in the food industry today and taste the newest products. Each 30min show offers a peek behind the curtain, on-air tastings, and food and drink-based entertainment for our listeners around the UK and further afield.

Information

  • Creator
    Food Rebels
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Food Rebels

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