Food Matters Live Podcast

• 579: Balancing health, cost and taste in food manufacturing

  How can food manufacturers simultaneously make products healthier, more affordable, more sustainable, and maintain great taste - all whilst the regulatory landscape is shifting? The food industry has a rich history of adaptation, navigating everything from global crises, evolving regulatory landscapes, and consumer preferences. And it looks like that adaptability trait is going to need to continue for the foreseeable future, with the UK's new 10-year health plan and evolving HFSS guidelines creating a “perfect storm” for manufacturers. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Kerry, we explore how the industry can navigate these challenges without compromising on consumer appeal. History tells us the food industry is good at this stuff, so perhaps what’s on the horizon is more of an opportunity than a challenge. Kerry Kerry, the Taste Nutrition company, offers solutions that nourish lives all over the world.  From humble beginnings as an Irish dairy co-operative, Kerry has grown into a large international food industry leader, with offices in 32 countries, 151 manufacturing facilities and more than 26,000 employees globally, including over 1,000 food scientists.  We bring to the table our strong food heritage, coupled with over 40 years of experience, global insights and market knowledge, culinary and applications expertise, as well as a range of unique solutions that anticipate and address our customers’ needs.  Consumers want food and beverages that are healthier and taste great while respecting the planet. At Kerry, we are partnering with our customers to create a world of sustainable nutrition for over two billion people by 2030.

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• 578: Where do consumers stand on gut health?

  Is gut health still a top priority for consumers? We know that awareness continues to rise, but there's evidence that fewer people are actually taking action when it comes to their diets. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in May 2025, we explore how the gut health conversation needs to evolve beyond traditional disease management messaging. We hear how stressed, burnt-out consumers are shifting focus from long-term health goals to immediate quality-of-life concerns like energy, mood, and sleep - creating an opportunity to reframe gut health benefits around these daily wellness priorities.  We also explore the critical but underexplored connection between gut health and menopause, explaining how the "estrobolome" - specific gut bacteria that metabolise estrogen - could be key to managing menopausal symptoms. From the challenge of making fibre "aspirational" like protein has become, to understanding why post-menopausal women's microbiomes become more similar to men's, our experts reveal why the gut health industry must pivot its messaging.  Can brands successfully connect the dots between digestive wellness and the energy, mood, and stress management that consumers desperately need?

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• 577: Social media, misinformation, and health & nutrition

  How do health and nutrition brands cut through the noise when social media influencers can spark viral trends overnight with questionable claims? From apple cider vinegar "miracle cures" to dangerous weight-loss promises, the supplement and nutrition industry faces constant battles against misinformation. That misinformation can undermine consumer trust and safety. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in May 2025, we explore the practical challenges brands face in managing social media. The discussion covers everything from AI-powered claim verification tools to the challenge of explaining why 20-ingredient labels aren't necessarily "chemical-laden," and why nutrition education needs to start much younger. With the ultra-processed food debate and "cleaner label" conversations dominating social feeds, our speakers reveal their strategies for proactive content creation, working with credible healthcare professionals, and teaching consumers to spot red flags in nutrition messaging.  Can brands successfully compete against the speed and simplicity of misinformation, or is the battle already lost?

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• 576: The ultra-processed food debate - beyond the noise

  Why has the ultra-processed food (UPF) debate reached fever pitch, yet seems stuck in an endless loop of confusion?  Despite evolving beyond its initial black-and-white framing, the conversation continues to generate more heat than light. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in May 2025, our expert panel cuts through the misinformation to explore what's really driving public concern about food processing. From the challenges of science-led communication in an influencer-dominated landscape, to exploring why the NOVA classification system struggles with nuance, our guests reveal the practical realities facing both consumers and food manufacturers.  The panel also tackles the emerging disruption of GLP-1 drugs and their potential to reshape food consumption patterns, questions whether retailers have gone too far with ingredient reduction, and explores why default healthy options at accessible price points might be the only equitable solution. 

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• 575: Evolving consumer demands - how food manufacturers are responding

  Whether it is health, sustainability, cost, or even the changes brought about by the big increase in GLP-1 treatments, the way we eat is evolving. Consumer behaviours are shifting, and what motivates people in their food choices is encouraging food manufacturers to think about their approach to nutrition.  In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with BENEO and KREGLINGER , we unpack this evolving food landscape and how food manufacturers are facing up to the challenges and opportunities it presents. As we see consumers who are increasingly health-conscious, sustainability-minded, and looking for products that live up to their expectations around taste and texture, how is the industry responding? We delve into the crucial role plant-based proteins are playing in this new world, in particular faba bean products, as well as addressing issues such as supply, pricing and shifting consumer priorities. BENEO and KREGLINGER  will be appearing at the Food Matters Live event in Ascot on October 8th and 9th. BENEO BENEO is your global partner in catering to the latest trends and developments in the food and feed industry. They aim to contribute to better nutrition and health. And with local branches all over the world, you always have a competent expert to talk to. Consumers actively choose foods that contribute to their well-being. Even more, products that match their individual lifestyles are on trend. As the demand for convenient and easy to prepare food continues, the expectations on nutrition also continue to grow. To name just a few, these include the reduction of sugar and fat without compromising on taste and texture, increased dietary fibre intake, plus a need for healthier weight and energy management. Meet Beneo in Ascot to discover their ingredient solutions in their technical tasting and insight sessions. KREGLINGER KREGLINGER SPECIALTIES offers an abundance of expertise in the sales, marketing, and distribution of specialty ingredients for the Food and Beverage Industry. Our ingredient portfolio comprises of clean label, functional ingredients which provide our customers with innovative, unique solutions with which to address the very latest trends and demands: sugar, fat and calorie reduction; Fibre Enrichment; Natural and Organic; Clean Label; and Health and Nutrition. Our aim is to develop productive partnerships with our customers, tailored to the individual customer requirements. Meet KREGLINGER in Ascot to discover their ingredient solutions in their technical tasting and insight sessions.

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