The PricePlow Podcast

Rich Gaspari needs no introduction in the bodybuilding and supplement industry. From childhood dreams inspired by Arnold in muscle magazines to setting new standards for conditioning on the Mr. Olympia stage, Rich’s journey represents decades of dedication to the sport and science of bodybuilding. After a career-ending injury forced him to transition from competing to entrepreneurship, he founded Gaspari Nutrition nearly three decades ago with a singular focus: creating effective supplements backed by proper dosing and real science. In Episode #202 of the PricePlow Podcast, Rich shares the complete arc of his entrepreneurial journey, from gym ownership and personal training to building one of the industry’s most respected brands. He discusses his science-forward nutritional philosophy that was well ahead of the curve, the devastating impact of the amino spiking scandal, going through bankruptcy, and his difficult-yet-principled decision to rebuild. We also get into why Proven Egg became the cornerstone of his comeback, where he was once again ahead of the curve. Throughout the conversation, Rich emphasizes the importance of ethics, innovation, and adapting to changing markets while staying true to quality ingredients and efficacious dosing. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/rich-gaspari-202 Video: Rich Gaspari Discusses Three Decades of Supplement Innovation and Ethical Business Practices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNkeJCtr7MI Detailed Show Notes: Rich Gaspari on Building, Losing, and Rebuilding Gaspari Nutrition (0:00) – Introduction: A Legend Returns to PricePlow (2:30) – The Childhood Dream: From Muscle Magazines to Basement Training (6:15) – Teenage Competition and Nutritional Education (10:45) – Early Supplement Experiences and Egg Protein Discovery (14:00) – The Professor: Training with Lee Haney (18:30) – Following Barry Sears and the 40-40-20 Diet (22:45) – Career-Ending Injury and Entrepreneurial Pivot (26:15) – Founding Gaspari Nutrition: Education and Efficacy (31:00) – SuperPump 250 and the Pre-Workout Revolution (37:15) – The Dark Times: Bankruptcy (43:30) – Rebuilding from Zero: The Proven Egg Strategy (49:45) – Why Egg White Protein Matters (55:00) – Current Product Portfolio and Future Innovation (1:01:15) – Adapting to Influencer Marketing and Direct-to-Consumer (1:06:30) – Ethics, Morals, and Long-Term Thinking (1:11:45) – Business Lessons: Knowing What You Don’t Know (1:14:00) – Mike’s Endorsement and Future Plans (1:17:00) – Final Advice: Step by Step and Stay Loyal Where to Follow and Learn More Connect with Rich Gaspari and Gaspari Nutrition Rich Gaspari on LinkedIn Rich Gaspari on Instagram Gaspari Nutrition on Instagram Gaspari Nutrition Official Website Gaspari Nutrition on PricePlow – Sign up for news alerts and price comparisons Key Products Discussed … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Welcome back to Episode #201 of the PricePlow Podcast! We’re thrilled to be joined by Brooks Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer at Louisville Brands, and Nate Frazier, Founder and CEO of Red Knot Capital and Managing Partner at Gym Snack. Long-time listeners will remember Nate from Episode #098 when he was COO at GNC. Today, he’s back to discuss an exciting new venture that’s filling a massive gap in the protein snack market. Gym Snack: Deliciously Savory High-Protein Snacks Gym Snack is tackling a problem many of us face: protein fatigue. The market is saturated with sweet, chewy bars and gummies, but where are the savory options? Brooks and Nate have created a crunchy, plant-based snack delivering 30 grams of protein per bag with clean ingredients and zero seed oils. Using pea protein as the foundation, they’ve launched three distinct flavors that satisfy both taste and macro goals. The discussion covers everything from manufacturing excellence and vegan certification to the impact of GLP-1 agonists on protein absorption and the critical importance of authenticity in today’s crowded supplement market. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and sign up for Gym Snack news alerts before diving into this exciting conversation! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/gym-snack-201 Video: Savory Protein Snacks That Actually Deliver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHw8X0eeb5g Detailed Show Notes: Brooks Thomas & Nate Frazier on Gym Snack’s Mission (0:00) – Introductions and Welcome (1:30) – Brooks’ Background and Louisville Brands’ Foundation (2:00) – What Makes Gym Snack Different (4:45) – Nate’s Vision and Industry Perspective (5:00) – The Problem Statement: Where Are the Savory Snacks? (7:00) – Development Journey: From Soy to Pea Protein (9:00) – Three Flavors: Jalapeno Cheddar, Cheddar, and Everything Bagel (9:45) – Manufacturing Excellence and Certifications (10:00) – Nutritional Profile: 30 Grams of Protein, 160-170 Calories Per Serving (12:00) – Clean Ingredient Philosophy: Real Food, Olive Oil, No Seed Oils (18:00) – Protein Fatigue and Market Saturation (25:00) – GLP-1 Agonists and Protein Absorption (35:00) – Authenticity in Branding and Competitive Differentiation (42:00) – Distribution Strategy and Pantry Program (50:00) – Future Flavor Innovation and Collaboration (1:00:00) – The Louisville Manufacturing Advantage (1:09:00) – Where to Sample and Purchase (1:10:00) – Where to Follow and Connect Where to Find Brooks Thomas, Nate Frazier, and Gym Snack Brooks Thomas on LinkedIn Nate Frazier on LinkedIn and Instagram Louisville Brands on LinkedIn Gym Snack on LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about Gym Snack…… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Welcome to Episode #200 of the PricePlow Podcast, where Team PricePlow gathers to celebrate an incredible journey through the supplement industry. Mike Roberto is joined by Ben Kane (first appearing in Episode #010) and Spencer Lynn (debuting in Episode #092), along with video producer Cody Fernley making his PricePlow Podcast debut. This reflective conversation takes listeners through seven years of podcasting history, from that bold 2018 Arnold Sports Festival recording to becoming the industry’s go-to platform for ingredient science, business strategy, and supplement innovation. The team discusses memorable episodes with industry legends, the evolution of precision fermentation technology, the explosive growth of the functional beverage category through PricePlow’s Bevlab offshoot, and the balance between technical depth and entertainment value. They also honor the memories of Dallas McCarver, John Meadows, and Dr. Hector Lopez, whose contributions to the industry and the podcast remain impactful. The episode turns into a business talk about some potential ventures Team PricePlow will get into, and different segments they want to attack after Bevlab and an upcoming Functional Foods target — namely if they should scale this into the peptide space. From sitting down with CEOs of major retailers to exploring cutting-edge ingredient discovery platforms, the PricePlow Podcast has chronicled the supplement industry’s transformation in real time. Join us as we celebrate 200 episodes of science, strategy, and storytelling. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for our alerts before diving in! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/episode-200 Video: Team PricePlow Celebrates 200 Episodes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXXd6Y9K5QY Detailed Show Notes: Reflecting on 200 Episodes of Supplement Industry Leadership 0:00 – Welcome to Episode 200 Team PricePlow assembles for this milestone episode with Mike Roberto hosting alongside Ben Kane (team member since Episode #019 with Dave Palumbo), Spencer Lynn, and Cody Fernley. The conversation opens with gratitude for listeners who’ve followed the podcast’s evolution from its 2017 launch. Mike notes how the show has refined its focus toward industry insiders, scientists, and marketing professionals, creating a specialized following that’s evident at trade shows. The team is drinking fitting beverages — Mike sips Cereal Killer C4 Energy (his favorite flavor ever) while Ben enjoys Welch’s Cran-Grap Ghost Energy Drink. Spencer and Cody also enjoy a Ghost Energy. 3:00 – The legendary Arnold episode The team recalls Episode #010, recorded at the Arnold Sports Festival hotel lobby with NutraBio’s Dan Margolis while Ben was still with the brand. The crew commandeered a hotel table without permission, embodying the “ask forgiveness, not permission” philosophy that would characterize many future episodes. The chaotic energy of the Arnold, with big dudes everywhere and constant activity, provided a charged backdrop th… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Welcome back to Episode #199 of the PricePlow Podcast! Today we’re diving deep into the science and innovation behind functional proteins with Brad Meyers, VP of Functional Proteins and Snacking at Glanbia Nutritionals. This conversation explores how the supplement and functional foods industry is evolving to meet growing consumer demands for higher protein, lower sugar products that actually taste good, all while navigating the rapid market transformation driven by GLP-1 medications and changing lifestyles. Brad brings over 20 years of food ingredients experience to the table, including a fascinating background in sweeteners and natural ingredients before specializing in proteins. In this episode, we explore the food science fundamentals that make or break protein-fortified products, from understanding Maillard browning reactions to solving the infamous protein bar hardness problem. We also get an inside look at Glanbia’s extensive applications lab capabilities, including their OvenPro platform specifically designed for high-protein baked goods, and discuss innovative future product concepts that could reshape on-the-go protein consumption. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and sign up for Glanbia Nutritionals news alerts below before we dive in! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/glanbia-nutritionals-functional-proteins-199 Video: Functional Protein Innovation with Brad Meyers from Glanbia Nutritionals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcE2kcUwyfQ Detailed Show Notes: Brad Meyers Breaks Down the Science Behind Better-For-You Functional Foods (0:00) – Introduction and Brad’s Background in Food Science (4:45) – Career Versatility and Food Science Opportunities (6:00) – Market Evolution: From Sports Nutrition to Lifestyle Nutrition (8:00) – The GLP-1 Effect: Supercharging Consumer Interest in Protein (9:45) – Taste is King: Consumer Research Across Categories (11:45) – From Theory to Practice: Why Sugar Does More Than Sweeten (14:00) – Food Engineering Fundamentals: Mass Balance in Formulation (15:15) – Food Chemistry 101: Browning Reactions and Protein Behavior (17:30) – Protein’s Impact on Texture: The Moisture and Chewiness Challenge (19:30) – The Protein Bar Hardness Problem: Choosing the Right Proteins (22:45) – Consumer Demands: More Protein, Less Sugar, Better Taste (27:45) – Protein as a Health Signal: Consumer Perception Research (29:00) – Market Gaps: White Space for Innovation (35:00) – OvenPro Platform: Purpose-Built Proteins for Baked Goods (37:00) – Glanbia’s Unique Approach: Deep Applications Expertise (38:45) – The Development Ecosystem: Ingredients, Brands, and Co-Manufacturers (40:45) – Beyond Protein: Full-Service Applications Support (43:45) – Speed to Market: From Concept to Finished Product in 48 Hours (45:45) – Protein Supply Realities: No Shortage on the Horizon (47:45) – Dairy vs. Plant Proteins: Applying Expertise Across Sources (50:15) – OvenPro and Wheat: Flour Replacement vs. Fortification (51:30) – Future Product Concepts: The Frozen Protein Pouch Idea (53:45) – Technical Requirements for Pouch Manufacturing (56:45) – GLP-1 Consumer Segmentation: Not a Monol… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In Episode #198 of the PricePlow Podcast, we sit down with Nora Khaldi, founder and CEO of Nuritas, the groundbreaking company revolutionizing ingredient discovery through artificial intelligence and peptide science. Nora’s journey from pure mathematician and computer scientist to pioneering AI-driven nutrition innovation represents a fascinating intersection of technology and human health. Most listeners know Nuritas from PeptiStrong, the natural anabolic peptide ingredient derived from fava beans that’s making waves in the sports nutrition industry. But there’s so much more to the Nuritas story. This episode explores how Nora, a mathematician, identified a fundamental problem in the supplement industry: an inability to create truly new ingredients to address rapidly evolving consumer health trends. Traditional ingredient development takes decades and costs hundreds of millions of dollars, making innovation nearly impossible for the nutrition sector. Nora explains how Nuritas spent seven to eight years building proprietary AI technology called Magnifier, which integrates machine learning, proteomics, peptidomics, and molecular biology to identify bioactive peptides in nature. The conversation covers the company’s entire peptide portfolio, including PeptiSleep, PeptiYouth, PeptiControl, and the upcoming PeptiPump, along with the clinical science, regulatory challenges, and manufacturing processes behind each ingredient. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nora-khaldi-nuritas-198 Video: Nora Khaldi on AI-Powered Peptide Discovery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ7Mmft2maA Detailed Show Notes: From Mathematics to Peptide Innovation (0:00) – Introduction: The Mathematician Who Revolutionized Peptide Discovery (0:30) – The Innovation Gap in Supplement Ingredients (2:30) – The Data Problem: Why AI Was Essential (4:45) – Timeline and Technology Development: Before ChatGPT (6:15) – Building Proprietary Data from Scratch (8:45) – Beyond Efficacy: The Complete Ingredient Development Equation (10:15) – What Is a Peptide? Understanding Nature’s Signaling Molecules (12:00) – PeptiStrong: From Discovery to Market (15:30) – Clinical Validation and Human Studies (18:45) – Manufacturing and Extraction Processes (22:00) – Regulatory Strategy and Patent Protection (25:15) – PeptiSleep: Addressing the Sleep Crisis (28:30) – PeptiSleep Mechanisms and Clinical Insights (32:00) – PeptiYouth: Beauty from Within (35:45) – PeptiProtect: Supporting Immune Function (39:15) – PeptiControl: Glucose Management Innovation (43:00) – The Future: PeptiPump and Beyond (46:30) – The Role of Early Adopters and Market Education (50:00) – Strength and Bone Density: Interconnected Health (53:30) – From Ideation to Market: The Complete Journey (57:15) – Supply Chain and Manufacturing Partners (1:00:45) – Market Trends: Beauty, Sleep, and Metabolic Health (1:04:15) – Holistic Health: The Future of Personalized Wellness (1:08:00) – Consumer Education and Scientifi… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Welcome back to Episode #197 of the PricePlow Podcast, where we take you inside Helaina’s Manhattan research and development facility for an in-depth conversation with CEO Laura Katz and Pamela Besada-Lombana (Pam), Director of Early R&D. After our initial online episode with Laura back in June, we traveled to New York to experience firsthand the groundbreaking precision fermentation work happening in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This episode reveals the sophisticated science, collaborative culture, and clinical validation driving effera® lactoferrin from a novel ingredient to an industry-changing reality. In this conversation, Pam takes us deep into the yeast engineering process that makes effera possible, explaining how her team designs, builds, and optimizes microbial factories to produce human-equivalent lactoferrin more efficiently with each iteration. Laura shares recent clinical breakthroughs, including the landmark alloimmunization study that proved effera triggers no immune response while bovine lactoferrin does, along with emerging data on gut permeability and microbiome health. The discussion also explores Helaina’s empathy-driven culture, their data infrastructure capturing 170 million rows of metabolic information, and how they’re attracting innovative brands that value genuine science and transparency. This episode complements our earlier conversation with Helaina’s Dan DeMarino and Anthony Clark from the same New York trip. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Helaina news alerts before diving in. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/helaina-laura-katz-pamela-lombana-197 Video: Inside Helaina’s Manhattan Lab with Laura Katz and Pam Besada-Lombana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LWUrgTkF98 Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Strategy Behind effera® Lactoferrin (0:00) – Welcome to Helaina’s Manhattan Research Facility (2:00) – Pam’s Background in Yeast Engineering (3:30) – The Product Stays the Same, Production Gets Better (5:30) – Reprogramming Yeast: Fighting 5,000 Genes (8:00) – Understanding Non-Conventional Yeast Metabolism (14:30) – Scaling the Innovation: 300 Edits Every Five Weeks (18:00) – Capturing 170 Million Rows of Data (19:00) – The Design-Build-Assess-Learn Cycle (23:00) – From Small-Scale Screening to Commercial Production (28:00) – A Decade of Precision Fermentation Expertise (32:00) – Pam’s Journey to Helaina (36:40) – Recent Clinical Data and Product Launches (37:40) – Empathy as a Core Value (40:00) – The Story Behind Helaina’s Wall of Women (41:00) – The Landmark Alloimmunization Study (44:00) – The Friday Evening Result (45:00) – Taking the Risk on Comparative Clinical Research (46:00) – Lab Space Constraints and Mindful Growth (47:45) – Building the Data Science Team (50:10) – AI-Assisted Hypothesis Generation (50:50) – The Data Behind the Platform (51:50) – Explaining Lactoferrin to a Friend (53:00) – The Ethics of Bovine Colostrum (54:00) – Closing:… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, nervous system function, and overall metabolic health, but not all B12 forms deliver equal bioavailability or stability. In Episode #196 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome back HTBA (HealthTech BioActives) for a comprehensive deep dive into the science behind their MecobalActive methylcobalamin ingredient and the groundbreaking clinical study that validates its efficacy in athletes who are not deficient. Joining us are Teresa Pellicer, PhD, Pharmacologist and R&D Manager in Biotechnology at HTBA, and Bernardo Gonzaga, Global Division Manager for Functional Health Solutions. This conversation builds on Episode #188 with Edwin Gonzalez, where we explored practical applications of MecobalActive in functional foods. Today, we go deeper into the molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, bioavailability data, and manufacturing innovations that make MecobalActive a next-generation B12 solution for supplements, functional foods, and beverages. Teresa’s expertise in pharmacology and molecular biology shines as she explains why methylcobalamin represents the biologically active form your body actually uses, while Bernardo provides industry context on applications, regulatory considerations, and market opportunities. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and sign up for HTBA news alerts before we dive into the science. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/podcast/htba-mecobalactive-vitamin-b12-196 Video: The Science Behind MecobalActive Vitamin B12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v5NgW5jD-E Detailed Show Notes: Teresa Pellicer and Bernardo Gonzaga Discuss MecobalActive B12 (0:00) – Welcome and Introductions (2:00) – Teresa’s Background in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology (4:15) – Bernardo’s Industry Journey and Global Perspective (6:30) – HTBA Company History and Four Business Divisions (9:15) – Pharmaceutical-Grade Quality for Injectable B12 (11:00) – Sustainability Story: Upcycling Baby Oranges for Bioflavonoids (13:45) – ESG Commitment Beyond Environmental Impact (16:00) – Why Vitamin B12 Matters for Energy and Health (19:30) – The Four Main Forms of Vitamin B12 (22:45) – Why Cyanocobalamin Dominates Despite Conversion Requirements (26:15) – MecobalActive: Solving Methylcobalamin’s Stability Challenge (29:45) – The Clinical Study Design and Objectives (33:00) – Study Results: Superior Bioavailability and Faster Absorption (36:30) – Methylation Pathways and Homocysteine Metabolism (40:00) – Adenosylcobalamin and Mitochondrial Energy Production (43:45) – Populations at Risk for B12 Deficiency (47:15) – Symptoms and Consequences of B12 Deficiency (51:00) – Absorption Mechanisms: Intrinsic Factor Pathway (54:45) – Passive Diffusion and High-Dose Supplementation (58:15) – Manufacturing Challenges with Methylcobalamin Stability (1:01:30) – Applications in Functional Foods and Beverages (1:05:00) – Dosing Considerations and Safety Profile (1:08:30) – Combining B12 with Other B Vitamins and Nutrients (1:12:00) – Regulatory Landscape Across Global Markets (1:15:45) –… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Two of the supplement industry’s rising content creators join the PricePlow Podcast for Episode #195, recorded live from NNB Nutrition’s massive booth at SupplySide Global 2025. Lucas Kaelin (@WhatsUpWithLucas) and Konlan James (KJ from V1 Nutra) sit down with Mike and Ben to discuss the realities of building an audience in the supplement space, from navigating criticism to battling imposter syndrome. The conversation takes an unexpected turn into the regulatory gray area surrounding supplement pouches, exploring why the FDA needs to provide clarification before the industry gets blindsided. As content creators who ask tough questions, Lucas and KJ offer candid perspectives on what it means to be “chronically online” while building legitimate businesses. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of supplement content creation and the challenges facing the next generation of industry voices. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/konlan-james-lucas-kaelin-195 Video: Lucas Kaelin & Konlan James Talk Content Creation at SupplySide Global https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnmN1Pxk4lY Detailed Show Notes: Content Creator Challenges with Lucas Kaelin & KJ (0:00) – Introductions and SupplySide Experience (1:30) – Getting Recognized at Industry Events (4:15) – Product Development Timelines (5:15) – The Pouch Regulatory Gray Area (7:00) – Pouches: The FDA Compliance Concern (9:15) – Unknown Ingredients and Safety Concerns (11:45) – Unknown Absorption Rates (13:45) – Call for FDA Clarification on Non-Nicotine Pouches (16:15) – Asking the Hard Questions (18:00) – Social Media Criticism and Body Image (19:45) – The Deep Dive Credibility Challenge (21:00) – Ben’s Viral TikTok Story (22:45) – The Venom Symbiote of Viral Content (23:30) – Low Quality Wins on TikTok (24:45) – When Does This End? (25:45) – Age Reveal and Long-Term Planning (28:15) – Trends Move Faster Than Ever (28:45) – The Consumption-Creation Balance (30:45) – Longest Break from Social Media (32:30) – Honeymoon Posting Struggles (33:15) – Digital Property and Feeling Like a Speck (37:15) – You’re Not Just a Speck (39:15) – Imposter Syndrome is Real (40:30) – The Vitamin Shoppe Moment (41:30) – Working From Home Challenges (42:45) – Recording Around Significant Others (43:45) – Texas vs. Michigan (44:45) – Tangent: Mike’s Hair Care Routine (46:45) – Lucas’s Favorite SupplySide Moment (47:45) – Closing and Where to Follow Where to Find Lucas Kaelin, Konlan James, and V1 Nutra Lucas Kaelin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaskaelin/ Lucas Kaelin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsuppwithlucas Konlan James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konlanpaul/ Konlan James Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konlan.james/ V1 Nutra on PricePlow:… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Welcome back to Episode #194 of the PricePlow Podcast, where we tour LaCore Nutraceuticals in Van Alstyne, Texas with Kaitlyn McCammack, their Manager of Research and Development. Fresh off running the CREATEA Mighty Mango beverage — the collaborative innovation featured at SupplySide Global 2025 — we explore LaCore’s impressive manufacturing capabilities and discuss why creatine belongs in functional beverages. LaCore represents a rare breed in supplement manufacturing: a facility offering everything from personalized nutrition packs to 12-ounce cans, stick packs to tetras, all while maintaining startup-friendly minimums. Katie walks us through their two Texas facilities, including a nostalgic former Johnson & Johnson building housing their can line with the biggest tanks we’ve seen. The conversation ranges from creatine for kids to liposome technology, proving that manufacturing innovation drives ingredient innovation. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for LaCore Nutraceuticals alerts on PricePlow before we dive into this facility tour. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/lacore-nutraceuticals-194 Video: Behind the Scenes at LaCore Nutraceuticals in Van Alstyne, Texas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQi2MBma9RM Detailed Show Notes: Manufacturing Innovation with Kaitlyn McCammack (0:00) – Introductions and LaCore’s Multi-Format Capabilities (1:45) – Tour of the Van Alstyne Facility (3:30) – Production Scale and Startup-Friendly Philosophy (6:15) – The CREATEA Project: Bringing Creatine to Functional Beverages (8:00) – Katie’s Personal Creatine Protocol (10:45) – Creatine Dosing Strategy and Overages (13:15) – Creatine Research Beyond Muscle Growth (15:30) – Bringing Creatine into the Cognition Space (17:15) – Can Size Preference and Industry Trends (19:00) – Energy Drink Preferences and Market Positioning (21:30) – Personalized Nutrition and Pack Customization (23:45) – Multi-Serve Liquids and Format Innovation (26:30) – Gel Packs, Liquid Sticks, and Novel Delivery Systems (30:30) – Liposome Technology and Particle Size (33:00) – Homogenizers vs. Sonicators (35:15) – Emulsion Technology and Novel Applications (38:30) – Clean-in-Place (CIP) Procedures (41:00) – Rev7 Ketone Beverage Sampling (43:30) – Arjuna’s Shoden Ashwagandha Innovation (45:30) – Facility Capabilities and Industry Positioning (47:00) – Katie’s Industry Journey and SupplySide Preview (48:30) – Closing and SupplySide Innovation Stage Where to Follow Kaitlyn McCammack and LaCore Nutraceuticals Kaitlyn McCammack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-mccammack-37656a178/ LaCore Nutraceuticals on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacorenutra/ Sign up for LaCore Nutraceuticals alerts: https://www.priceplow.com/lacore-nutraceuticals Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, sign up for LaCore Nutraceuticals alerts on PricePlow, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify! All PricePlow Articles Mentioning LaCore Nutraceuticals

The supplement certification landscape is evolving, and Episode #193 of the PricePlow Podcast brings you to the forefront of this transformation. We sit down with Lori Bestervelt, Ph.D., and Thane Campbell from TruShield™ Certified, a new certification service that’s challenging the status quo by focusing exclusively on comprehensive banned substance testing. With Lori’s 22 years creating industry standards at NSF International (including the foundational NSF 173 standard) and Thane’s expertise from SMRTL (one of only two WADA-experienced anti-doping laboratories in the United States), they’re introducing a certification approach that tests for well over 400 prohibited substances, including entire drug classes like glucocorticoids and HIF stabilizers that other programs overlook. TruShield™ Certified: Finished Product Drug-Testing from an Elite Lab Unlike traditional bundled certification programs that require brands to repeat testing across multiple areas they may already have covered, TruShield takes a streamlined approach by focusing solely on what athletes and tested individuals need most: certainty that their supplements are free from banned substances. The conversation explores the evolution of performance-enhancing substances from prohormones to SARMs to peptides, the challenges of cross-contamination in manufacturing, and why the certification industry hasn’t kept pace with modern supply chain realities. Whether you’re a brand looking to protect athletes or a consumer wanting transparency about what’s in your supplements, this episode delivers critical insights into the future of supplement safety. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for TruShield Certified news alerts on PricePlow before we dive into the details! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/trushield-certified-193 Video: Introducing TruShield™ Certified with Lori Bestervelt and Thane Campbell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-m-QHg6nDk Detailed Show Notes: TruShield™ Certified’s Approach to Banned Substance Testing (0:00) – Introductions and Background (3:00) – The Problem with Bundled Certification Services (5:00) – Industry Evolution and Current Gaps (7:00) – Thane’s Background and SMRTL’s Role (9:00) – The Evolution of Banned Substances (11:00) – Consumer Safety and Informed Decisions (15:00) – Testing Methodology and Laboratory Capabilities (20:30) – The Lot-by-Lot Certification Process (25:45) – Cross-Contamination Challenges in Manufacturing (32:15) – Cost Considerations and Accessibility (35:30) – Early Adopters: CON-CRĒT, RedLeaf Biologics, and Vireo (40:45) – International Expansion and Geographic Availability (47:15) – League Endorsements and Adoption (53:00) – The Competitive Landscape (58:45) – Manufacturing Partnerships and Supply Chain Transparency (1:04:30) – Future Trends and Emerging Substances (1:09:15) – The Caffeine Question and WADA Regulations (1:13:45) – Partnership with Eurofins and Closing Thoughts Where to Follow Lori B… Read more on the PricePlow Blog