The PricePlow Podcast

On Episode #170 of the PricePlow Podcast, we had the opportunity to sit down with GNC CEO Michael Costello at the 2025 GNC Global Conference in Orlando, Florida, for an eye-opening conversation that reveals why this supplement-using industry leader truly is “one of us”. Michael’s journey from a volleyball-playing creatine customer in the 1990s to chemical engineer at Clorox to CEO of America’s most iconic supplement retailer represents one of the most authentic leadership stories we’ve encountered. The GNC CEO Who Takes Creatine and Understands GLP-1 This episode, part of our ongoing four-part podcast series that began with Episode #169 featuring Jack Sehgal and Ben Benedict of Nutralabz, showcases how Michael’s consumer-first philosophy and science-driven approach are transforming GNC’s relationship with both franchisees and customers. From his early days buying “suspect” creatine when people thought it might be “steroids” to his current mission of refocusing GNC on consumer needs, Michael’s story demonstrates the power of authentic leadership rooted in genuine industry passion. The conversation explores GNC’s unique franchise-corporate hybrid model, the strategic positioning around GLP-1 medications, and Michael’s vision for making GNC the trusted destination for personalized supplement guidance. His insights into ingredient trends, consumer education, and the critical importance of knowledgeable staff reveal why GNC remains essential in an increasingly crowded marketplace. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/gnc-ceo-michael-costello-170 Video: GNC CEO Michael Costello Shares His Consumer-First Vision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU1j_OaTGJ4 Detailed Show Notes: Michael Costello’s Mission to Refocus GNC (0:00) – Introduction: Meeting GNC’s CEO at Global Conference (1:00) – GNC’s Unique Franchise-Corporate Hybrid Model (4:15) – Personal Journey: From Volleyball Courts to Corporate Leadership (8:00) – Professional Evolution: From Clorox to GNC (10:15) – The GNC Turnaround Strategy: Refocusing on Consumers (12:00) – The Power of Personalized Guidance vs. Big Box Retail (13:45) – Strategic Positioning Around GLP-1 Medications (16:45) – Ingredient Trends and Science-Based Decision Making (18:15) – Daily Routine and Leadership Philosophy (19:45) – Healing the Corporate-Franchise Relationship (21:30) – The Global Convention Philosophy (22:00) – Future Vision and Call to Action: Give GNC Another Chance Where to Follow Michael Costello and GNC Michael Costello: LinkedIn GNC: Website Related Episodes: Jack Sehgal & Ben Benedict – Nutralabz Story – Episode #169 Jose Antonio – ISSN & Creatine History – Episode #137 Thank you to Michael for sharing his remarkable journey and vision for GNC’s future. His combination of personal supplement ex… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In Episode #169 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with industry veterans Jack Sehgal and Ben Benedict at the 2025 GNC Global Conference to explore the remarkable journey behind Nutralabz and its two breakthrough brands: Basic Supplements and GR8 Lifestyle. This conversation reveals the strategic thinking, authentic partnerships, and “daily driver” philosophy that have rapidly transformed these concepts into successful retail brands. Jack, CEO of Nutralabz and the manufacturing powerhouse behind both brands, shares his evolution from behind-the-scenes manufacturer to brand storyteller, while Ben Benedict brings his extensive GNC franchise background and sales expertise as the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer. Together, they’ve created what they call a “brand house” – a strategic approach to developing multiple brands that serve different consumer needs without competing against each other. The discussion dives deep into the revolutionary “daily driver” concept that sparked Basic Supplements, the premium lifestyle positioning of GR8, and the unique eight-ingredient formula constraint that has become central to their product development philosophy. From the authentic friendship forged over a Ruth’s Chris dinner to the community-over-competition mentality that’s reshaping industry relationships, this episode offers rare insights into modern supplement brand building and the power of strategic partnerships. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jack-sehgal-ben-benedict-nutralabz-gr8-gnc-169 Video: Jack Sehgal & Ben Benedict Share the Nutralabz Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1gmJdhIJsQ Detailed Show Notes: Building the Nutralabz Brand House (0:00) – Introductions: From Buffalo to GNC Global Conference (0:45) – Ben Benedict’s Journey: From Sneaker Sales to Supplement Industry Leadership (4:10) – The Jack and Ben Partnership: Two Years from Concept to Reality (5:50) – Jack’s Evolution: From Behind-the-Scenes to Brand Storyteller (8:30) – The Daily Driver Revolution: Addressing Market Overcomplexity (10:30) – Basic Supplements Philosophy: Transparency and Simplicity (14:00) – GR8 Lifestyle: Premium Performance for Modern Lifestyles (18:30) – The Eight-Ingredient Constraint: Innovation Through Limitation (22:30) – Community Over Competition: Reshaping Industry Relationships (25:00) – Manufacturing Excellence and Brand Differentiation (29:30) – Real-World Retail Success: Consumer and Retailer Feedback (34:00) – PricePlow’s Product Development Partnership (38:00) – International Success and Growth Strategy (40:30) – The Brand House Vision: Future Expansion Plans (43:30) – Lessons Learned and Strategic Focus (47:00) – Industry Evolution and Future Outlook Where to Follow and Learn More Jack Sehgal: LinkedIn Ben Benedict: LinkedIn Basic Supplements: Learn about… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome TJ Dillashaw, two-time UFC Bantamweight champion turned supplement entrepreneur, to discuss his journey from elite fighter to founder of Wild Society Nutrition. This fascinating conversation explores how TJ’s decades of competition experience, combined with hard-learned lessons about supplement quality and industry practices, led him to create a brand focused on clean, effective products for athletes and health-conscious consumers alike. TJ shares his evolution from someone who “didn’t really care” about supplementation early in his career to becoming deeply knowledgeable about nutrition and ingredient quality. His frustrations with taking products he wouldn’t personally use, despite being sponsored by major brands, ultimately drove him to create Wild Society with a focus on natural flavoring, natural sweeteners, and third-party testing through Informed Sport certification. The discussion reveals a fighter’s mentality applied to business, emphasizing transparency, quality over margins, and building products that can “outlive” their founder. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry innovators who are reshaping the supplement landscape through science, quality, and authentic purpose! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tj-dillashaw-168 Video: TJ Dillashaw Discusses Wild Society and Fighter-to-Founder Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc7jThXfLZI Detailed Show Notes: From UFC Champion to Supplement Innovator (0:00) – Introduction: Welcome TJ Dillashaw (3:00) – The Garage Education: Learning Beyond the Classroom (6:00) – From Sponsored Athlete to Brand Creator (8:00) – Informed Sport Certification: Doing It Right from Day One (11:00) – Product Development: Creating What He Wished He Had (14:00) – The Clear Whey Revolution (16:00) – The Business Partnership Evolution (19:00) – Natural Market Strategy: Building for Sprouts and Beyond (22:00) – Demographic Understanding and Market Expansion (25:00) – The Self-Worth Journey and Entrepreneurial Purpose (28:00) – The Longevity Protein: Innovation with Heart (30:00) – Family Legacy and Personal Stories (32:00) – Wrestling Origins, Athletic Foundation, and Mental Toughness (34:00) – Flow State and Peak Performance (37:00) – Training Evolution and Current Routine (38:00) – Manufacturing Transparency with Actus Nutrition (40:00) – Women’s Health and Supplement Science (43:30) – Recovery Protocols and Infrastructure (47:00) – Energy Drinks and Market Positioning (50:00) – Caveman Eats: The Unexpected Hero Product and Supply Chain Challenges (53:00) – Future Vision and Brand Building Where to Follow and Learn More Wild Society Nutrition: wildsocietynutrition.com Wild Society Nutrition on PricePlow Instagram: @wildsocietynutrition TJ Dillashaw: @tjdillashaw Retail Locations: Sprouts Farmers Market, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC Caveman… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In Episode #167 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Laura Katz, founder and CEO of Helaina, for an in-depth exploration of human-identical lactoferrin technology and the revolutionary effera™ ingredient. This fascinating conversation traces Laura’s journey from discovering the black market for breast milk to developing precision fermentation technology that creates bioactive proteins identical to those found in human milk. From Black Market Discovery to Biotechnology Breakthrough: The Helaina Story Laura, a food scientist by training, shares the unexpected inspiration behind Helaina – a 2015 podcast about people purchasing breast milk from strangers on the internet. This revelation led her to recognize that bodybuilders, athletes, cancer patients, and parents were all seeking the same thing: access to the bioactive proteins found exclusively in human milk. Rather than accepting this dangerous black market solution, Laura set out to replicate these components using precision fermentation technology. Six years later, Helaina has launched effera™, the world’s first commercially available human-identical lactoferrin ingredient produced through yeast fermentation. Unlike bovine lactoferrin extracted from cow’s milk, effera™ is recognized by the human body as “self,” demonstrating superior bioavailability, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced efficacy across multiple health applications from women’s health to athletic performance. The discussion reveals compelling clinical data showing that participants taking bovine lactoferrin developed antibodies against the protein, while those taking effera™ showed no immune response – a critical finding that validates the “human proteins for humans” hypothesis. Mike also shares his personal experience using lactoferrin to help manage dangerously high ferritin levels, providing real-world context for the ingredient’s iron-regulating capabilities. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with pioneering entrepreneurs and scientists who are reshaping the supplement industry! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/podcast/laura-katz-effera-lactoferrin-167 Video: Laura Katz Explains Human-Identical Lactoferrin Technology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7hEQcAeRFg Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Business of Human Bioactive Proteins (0:00) – Introduction: Meeting the Founder Who’s Replicating Human Milk (3:00) – The Black Market Discovery That Started Everything (5:45) – Building a Biotech Company in 2019/2020 Through Cold Emails (8:45) – Why Existing Lactoferrin Wasn’t Good Enough (12:00) – What about Colostrum? The First Milk’s Unique Properties (14:45) – Lactoferrin Deep Dive: The Iron-Binding Miracle Molecule (17:45) – The Declining Lactoferrin Phenomenon and Supplementation Benefits (21:00) – effera™: Creating Human-Identical Lactoferrin Through Precision Fermentation (23:45) – Clinical Proof: Why Human Beats Bovine (27:00) – The Iron Regulation Mechanism: More Than Just Binding (29:45) – Women’s Health Applications: Pregnancy and Menopause Opportunities (33:00) &nd… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In episode #166 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Ed Dosz, VP of Science Innovation at NutriScience Innovations, to discuss MalTor, a groundbreaking ingredient that combines taurine and L-malic acid in a patent-pending complex. With his Ph.D. in food science and extensive background at NOW Foods, Ed brings deep scientific expertise to the conversation about this novel recovery-enhancing and mitochondria-supporting ingredient. Ed Dosz & NutriScience’s MalTor: Revolutionizing Recovery Through Mitochondrial Support The discussion explores MalTor’s development journey from initial concept to clinical validation, highlighting how this uniquely-complexed ingredient improves upon the individual benefits of taurine and L-malic acid. Ed explains the rigorous research process behind MalTor, including preclinical nematode studies and human clinical research conducted by Dr. Jose Antonio showing significant benefits for muscle recovery and pain threshold management after intense exercise. Beyond recovery applications, the conversation ventures into MalTor’s potential for healthy aging, sports nutrition formulations, and synergistic combinations with other ingredients like citrulline. The episode also features an enlightening tangent into Ed’s background as the “Broccoli Guy,” where he shares fascinating insights about sulforaphane and optimal cooking methods to preserve broccoli’s bioactive compounds. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry insiders on breakthrough ingredients and the science behind effective supplementation! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/podcast/nutriscience-maltor-ed-dosz-166 Video: Ed Dosz Explains NutriScience’s MalTor – Taurine & Malic Acid Complexed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC7JzhKaEgA Detailed Show Notes: The Science Behind MalTor with Ed Dosz (0:00) – Introduction and Ed’s Scientific Background (4:15) – NutriScience Innovations: Company Overview and Philosophy (11:45) – The Development of MalTor: From Concept to Finished Ingredient (19:00) – The Scientific Rationale Behind MalTor (24:30) – Research Methods: From Nematodes to Human Studies (33:40) – Human Clinical Research on MalTor (38:00) – Recovery Applications and Mechanisms (42:00) – Formulation Applications and Synergies (44:15) – Additional Product Formats and Applications (48:45) – Healthy Aging Applications for MalTor (53:00) – Additional Ingredient Combinations for Healthy Aging (55:00) – The “Broccoli Guy”: Ed’s Research on Sulforaphane (1:04:00) – Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Where to Find Ed Dosz and Learn More About MalTor NutriScience Innovations: NutriScienceUSA.com (track news on PricePlow.com/nutriscience NutriScience on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/nutriscience-innovations-llc/ Ed Dosz on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/edward-dosz/ MalTor Breakdown Article:… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In Episode #165 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Cody Flynn of OmniActive Health Technologies to discuss the company’s impressive botanical ingredient portfolio and manufacturing processes. Recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2025, this enlightening conversation covers OmniActive’s journey from its roots in the spice trade to becoming a leader in standardized botanical extracts for both the dietary supplement and sports nutrition industries. From Marigold Fields to Dopamine Boosters: Inside OmniActive’s Botanical Empire Cody, Business Development Manager for OmniActive, shares his journey through the supplement industry and his experiences visiting OmniActive’s extensive agricultural operations in India, where they partner with over 10,000 local farmers. The discussion explores the company’s vertically integrated approach – from their 14-acre seed research facility near Bangalore where they develop hybridized botanical seeds, to their sustainable manufacturing plants powered by steam energy. An Introduction to enXtra (Alpinia Galanga Extract) The conversation dives deep into signature ingredients like enXtra (alpinia galanga extract), examining its mechanism of action through dopamine pathways and real-world application as a caffeine companion or alternative for sustained focus without sleep disruption. Beyond their flagship ingredients Lutemax and enXtra, Mike, Ben, and Cody discuss OmniActive’s evolution from solid dose formats into powders and beverages, addressing flavor challenges with botanical extracts and exploring innovative delivery systems like freeze-dried fruit applications. The episode also reveals upcoming innovations in women’s health ingredients and new clinical research set to be unveiled at Supply Side West. For anyone interested in botanical ingredients, sustainable manufacturing, or the science behind cognitive enhancers, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the industry’s most innovative ingredient suppliers. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/omniactive-botanical-innovations-165 Video: Learn about OmniActive Health with Cody Flynn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKSF2QQNnE Detailed Show Notes: OmniActive’s Botanical Innovations (0:00) – Introductions (2:15) – OmniActive’s Transition from Solid Dose to Sports Nutrition (4:15) – Application Science: The Challenge of Botanical Flavoring (7:40) – Agricultural Roots: OmniActive’s Farming Heritage (10:35) – Seed Research and Botanical Standardization (14:25) – Vertical Integration: From Farm to Finished Ingredient (16:45) – Sustainable Manufacturing: The Steam-Powered Plant (18:30) – enXtra: Mechanism and Benefits (22:15) – Sleep-Friendly Focus: enXtra’s Versatility (25:00) – Portfolio Expansion: The Innovate Acquisition (26:30) – Sleeproot: Concentrated Valerian for Recovery (30:00) – Clinical Validation: Sleep Research (31:00) – Personal Background: Wrestling and Fitness (33:15) – From Athlete to Model: Dymatize Connection (34:15) – Personal Supplement Regimen: enXtra Usage (36:10) – Caffeine and enXtra Timing Strategies (41:10) – Future Innovations: Women’s Health and Supply Side West (44:00) – Novel D… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

For Episode #164 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben Kane sits down with Cassie Smith (Senior Editorial Content Director at SupplySide) and Josh Long (Associate Editorial Director at SupplySide Supplement Journal) for a dynamic discussion recorded live at SupplySide Connect New Jersey 2025. This wide-ranging conversation dives into the most pressing issues facing the supplement industry today, with particular focus on the regulatory uncertainty created by changing tariff policies, FDA oversight challenges, and the evolving landscape of GLP-1 related products and claims. The panel unpacks the complex implications of recent tariff changes on supplement ingredients from China, the ongoing evolution of FDA enforcement priorities under changing leadership, and the controversial marketing practices surrounding GLP-1 mimetics in the supplement space. Throughout the conversation, they highlight a critical need for industry unity, more nuanced discourse on regulatory matters, and a stronger focus on quality products that genuinely benefit consumers rather than minimal-effort “functional” products with questionable claims. Make sure to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and stay up to date with the latest supplement industry news, regulatory developments, and emerging trends that impact both businesses and consumers. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/supplyside-connect-new-jersey-2025-164 Video: Industry Trends & Regulatory Challenges at SupplySide Connect NJ 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMs-I_oH2JQ Detailed Show Notes: PricePlow Podcast with SupplySide Editorial Team (00:00) – Introductions and Welcome to New Jersey (02:00) – Tariffs: The Hot Topic Dominating Industry Conversations (05:00) – Supply Chain Shifts: Looking Beyond China (10:00) – FDA Oversight and Political Uncertainty (15:00) – The MAHA Movement and Political Divisiveness in Health Policy (20:00) – Mandatory Product Listing Debate (25:00) – GLP-1 Claims and Marketing Ethics (29:30) – Weight Loss Drug Support Products (34:30) – Peptides and Regulatory Gray Areas (39:30) – Media Coverage and Industry Reporting Priorities (44:30) – Functional Foods and Beverages: Beyond the Politics (49:30) – Economic Outlook and Consumer Spending (54:30) – Industry Unity and Positive Messaging Thank you to Cassie Smith and Josh Long for joining us on this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, and thanks to SupplySide Connect for hosting! Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and don’t forget to leave us a review!

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome back Katie Emerson of Kyowa Hakko USA after Katie’s year and a half hiatus from the PricePlow Podcast. They’re joined by first-time guest Tony Miano, Director of sales and business development and the man behind putting Cognizin® citicoline into so many numerous beverage innovations. Recording from Expo West 2025 at the Kyowa Hakko booth, the team dives into exciting research developments for both Cognizin and Setria® Glutathione, with particular focus on Setria for sport applications. Katie Emerson is Back, and Doing Serious Research at Kyowa Hakko Katie, now Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs at Kyowa Hakko, shares her enthusiasm for leading multiple new research initiatives, including three upcoming Cognizin studies and renewed research on Setria Glutathione. The conversation explores how Kyowa bridges academic rigor with practical industry applications, uncovering quality structure-function claims based on existing research while developing new studies to expand their ingredients’ potential applications in sports nutrition and cognitive health. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry thought leaders on the science behind effective supplementation! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kyowa-hakko-2025-research-updates Video: Mike and Ben Interview Tony and Katie at Expo West 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5QmZWwotqc Detailed Show Notes: New Research Underway at Kyowa Hakko It’s good to be back! (0:00) – Introductions: Reconnecting with Katie Emerson at Expo West 2025 (3:00) – Katie as the Bridge Between Academia and Industry (4:15) – Expanded Structure-Function Claims for Cognizin (7:15) – Deep Dive on Aldehydes and Oxidative Stress (8:30) – From “Supports” to “Improves”: Strengthening Claims (10:15) – New Research Areas: Mood, Motor Function, and Sports Performance (11:30) – Setria Glutathione and Cognizin Connection (12:30) – Kyowa Hakko’s Approach to Ingredient Synergy (14:00) – Review of Setria Research Studies (16:30) – Extracting Value from Imperfect Studies (18:30) – Setria for Sport: Rebranding and Positioning (20:30) – Labeling and Positioning Setria for Sport (22:15) – Solution-Based Approach to Customer Needs (23:15) – Flow-Mediated Dilation and Claims Development (24:45) – Navigating Regulatory Language for Pump Claims (26:00) – Oral Glutathione Bioavailability (29:15) – Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments Where to Follow and Learn More Kyowa Hakko USA: PricePlow.com/kyowa-hakko and kyowa-usa.com Katie Emerson: LinkedIn Tony Miano: LinkedIn Cognizin Citicoline: blog.priceplow.com/supplement-ingredients/cognizin Setria Glutathione: See GHOST Vitamin C + Setria Glutathione … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Holmes, Business Development Manager for LGC Science’s Informed family of certification programs. This fascinating conversation dives deep into the world of dietary supplement testing and certification, focusing on how these programs help ensure product safety and quality for athletes and everyday consumers alike. 1 in 10 Non-Certified Supplements May Have Banned Substances?! Time to Get Informed… Andy explains the rigorous testing standards and quality control measures that make Informed Sport, Informed Choice, and Informed Protein the global leaders in supplement certification. From testing every batch for over 280 banned substances at parts-per-billion levels to auditing manufacturing facilities for cross-contamination risks, Informed’s programs provide critical quality assurance in an industry where approximately 1 in 10 non-certified supplements may contain prohibited substances. Throughout the discussion, we learn how these certifications not only protect athletes from inadvertent doping but also provide brands with meaningful market differentiation and consumer trust. Beyond the science of supplement testing, Andy shares his unique background as a former competitive judo athlete who trained at the Olympic Training Center, his experience working with military special forces, and even his life operating a family cattle ranch. This wide-ranging conversation offers valuable insights for supplement brands, athletes, and any consumer concerned about supplement quality and safety. Make sure to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and stay up to date with the latest in supplement industry news, science, and certification standards. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/informed-supplement-testing-162 Video: Andy Holmes Explains LGC’s Informed Programs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyCGrTCOKzk Detailed Show Notes: The Informed Testing Programs with Andy Holmes (0:00) – Introductions (3:00) – How Informed Certification Works (6:00) – Testing Protocols and Standards (8:30) – Protein Testing and Label Claim Verification (15:00) – Global Reach and Testing Volume (19:00) – Andy’s Athletic Background (24:00) – LGC’s History and Corporate Structure (29:00) – Contamination Risks and Prevention (35:00) – Notable Brand Partners (39:00) – Military Applications and Special Forces (44:00) – Consumer Education and Market Trends (47:00) – Real-World Contamination Stories (52:00) – Testing Process and Chain of Custody (54:00) – Economic Benefits of Certification (56:00) – Andy’s Recovery Supplements for Athletes (58:00) – Jiu-Jitsu Training and Injuries (1:00:00) – Education and Closing Thoughts Thank you very much to Sensapure Flavors for allowing us to host this podcast in your booth, and thanks to Andy and the entire Informed and LGC teams for partnering with us – this was a fun and wildly informative episode! Sign up for our Informed news alerts above, and subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on any and all platforms — reviews on iTunes and Spotify are greatly appreciated!

In a special episode of the PricePlow Podcast that includes a tasting panel, we welcome Sebastian Poulsen, Application Scientist at Arla Foods Ingredients, to explore the future of ready-to-drink protein beverages. Alongside returning guest Preston Losee, Sebastian guides us through an extensive sampling of innovative protein drink concepts powered by beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), demonstrating how this powerful protein fraction is revolutionizing the RTD landscape through superior taste, texture, and functionality. Building upon our previous discussions about Arla’s protein innovations in Episode #108 and Episode #145, this conversation focuses on the practical applications of BLG in beverages, from clear protein waters to carbonated drinks and medical nutrition solutions. Sebastian explains the critical role of protein chemistry and pH control in formulation, while sharing insights from his extensive experience in Arla’s application center. Through live taste-testing, we experience firsthand how BLG enables unprecedented protein concentrations while maintaining exceptional clarity and mouthfeel – including an impressive 21-gram protein shot that delivers over 3 grams of leucine in just 3 fluid ounces. We also come up with an idea for an energy drink that includes 10 grams of protein! The sampling session reveals remarkable versatility across various applications – from sparkling protein sodas to nutrition-packed medical beverages – each demonstrating why BLG represents the next generation of protein innovation. For brands looking to differentiate in the crowded RTD market, these formulations showcase how Arla Foods Ingredients continues pushing boundaries in protein beverage development, offering solutions that combine excellent taste with meaningful nutritional benefits for diverse consumer needs. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/rtd-protein-innovation-arla-foods-ingredients-161 Video: Protein RTD Science and Innovation with Sebastian Poulsen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg4ZjmSV3YY Detailed Show Notes: The Arla Foods Ingredients RTD Tasting (0:00) – Introducing Sebastian Poulsen & Arla Foods Ingredients (2:45) – The Chemistry Behind Clear Proteins (9:00) – High Acid vs. Low Acid Applications (13:15) – The Many Applications of BLG (17:00) – Real-World Testing: The First Taste Test (21:45) – Exploring Protein Chemistry and Stability (25:00) – Special Applications: Medical Nutrition & Hydration (31:00) – Innovation in Carbonated Protein Beverages?! (37:15) – Medical Nutrition Applications & Fat Integration (42:00) – Equipment and Processing Capabilities (46:30) – Coffee Applications and pH Challenges (49:00) – Brand Opportunities and Market Potential (53:00) – Accessibility and Manufacturing Considerations (53:29) – Future Innovation Possibilities with Ketones? (54:55) – Final Insights and Market Opportunities Where to Follow Arla Foods Ingredients Arla Foods Ingredients on LinkedIn Arla Foods Ingr… Read more on the PricePlow Blog