Essential Ingredients Podcast 048: Taste Training: How to Turn Picky Eaters into Food Explorers
Episode Description:
“In the CPG industry, so many individuals are just so friendly and eager to help emerging brands and founders succeed. Ask for help and they’re always willing to make an introduction.” —Danny Auld
Early childhood nutrition is more than just filling tiny bellies with food. It's about creating lifelong eating habits that can shape health, curiosity, and cultural understanding. The first few years of a child's diet can determine their relationship with food for decades to come.
Danny Auld and David Fullner are the co-founders of Kekoa Foods, a groundbreaking baby food company born from their personal mission to provide nutritious, globally-inspired meals for children. As an educational psychologist and former entertainment industry professional, they've developed a revolutionary approach to introducing complex flavors and healthy eating habits from infancy.
Tune in as Justine Reichman explores with Danny and David their innovative "Taste Training" program, uncovering how parents can help children become adventurous eaters, why 93% of kids aren't eating recommended vegetables, and the transformative power of introducing global flavors from the very first bite.
Meet David:
David Fullner, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Kekoa Foods, turned his passion for cooking, gardening, and healthy living into a bold mission after the birth of his son in 2013, when he saw the lack of flavorful, high-quality baby food options. Motivated to create something better, he began crafting organic baby food blends using fresh vegetables, herbs, roots, and spices — a unique approach his son instantly loved. What started as a personal solution quickly evolved into Kekoa Foods, a company now known for challenging industry norms and prioritizing taste, wellness, and ingredient integrity. Under David’s leadership, Kekoa Foods is reshaping the future of baby food to ensure every child has access to clean, nutritious, and flavorful meals.
Meet Danny:
Dr. Danny Auld is the co-founder and President of Kekoa Foods, where he leads business operations, sales, financial strategy, and production logistics with a strong focus on excellence and community impact. He manages fundraising, investor relations, and compliance while also shaping the company’s public presence through digital content, influencer partnerships, and nationwide food donation initiatives. With a PhD from Fordham University and a background in academic leadership, Danny brings strategic insight and a passion for meaningful change. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys cooking, family time with his husband and co-founder David, and their son, and actively mentors young professionals while supporting efforts to combat food insecurity and promote youth development.
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Episode Highlights:
01:49 Kekoa Foods: Providing Nutritious Food to the Youngest Eaters
04:14 Introducing New Flavors to Young Eaters
08:00 Enhancing Flavor and Ensuring Safety
13:00 Taste Training Program
18:40 Funding and Networking in the CPG Industry
23:43 Strategic Retail Expansion
Resources:
💲Discount
Get a 25% discount when you shop at: https://kekoafoods.com/
Use code: EI25