Behind the Flavor is a first-of-its-kind podcast from Beck Flavors that takes you on a journey into the fascinating world of flavor. Go behind the scenes with exclusive interviews featuring Beck’s own flavor chemists and the innovative brands they work with. Whether you’re a flavor enthusiast or just curious about the magic behind what you taste, this show offers fresh insights and surprising stories from inside the industry. Tune in and discover what’s Behind the Flavor.
What really happens after you request a flavor sample? In this episode of Behind the Flavor, our Beck sample coordinators take you inside the Beck Lab to explain the sample creation process and why a request as simple as “strawberry” can involve much more than you might think. From the application and dosage to choosing between a true-to-fruit or candied profile, we’ll cover the key details to include in your sample requests to help you get the right flavor the first time—and move from concept to commercialization faster.
8 Sept 2026
Behind the Flavors S2E9: Behind the Trends
What makes a trend a true trend—and how can brands separate lasting consumer shifts from short-lived fads?
In this episode of Behind the Flavor, we sit down with Trevor Reibling from Innova Market Insights for a closer look at the world of food and beverage trends. From the different methods used to collect and analyze trend data to identifying the bigger picture behind emerging consumer behaviors, Trevor shares insight into how trends take shape and why understanding them matters.
We also look back at some of the biggest trends influencing the industry in 2026 and explore what could be on the horizon for 2027. Plus, we take a deeper dive into one of the industry's most influential mega-trends: “Better for You.”
Whether you're developing the next food or beverage innovation, building your brand strategy, or simply curious about where consumer preferences are headed, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the data, insights and thinking that help define what comes next.
Tune in to go Behind the Trends.
10 Aug 2026
Behind the Flavors S2E8: Behind the Intern
Ever wondered what it's really like to intern in the flavor industry?
In this special episode of Behind the Flavors, we sit down with our summer R&D intern, Oscar, as he reflects on his experience at Beck Flavors before returning to the University of Missouri. From creating flavors in the lab to presenting at the IFT Expo in Chicago, Oscar shares what surprised him most, the projects he enjoyed, and the skills he'll take with him into his future career.
You'll also hear:
What first drew Oscar to food science
- How flavors are developed (without giving away any industry secrets!)
- What it's like working in an R&D flavor lab
- His favorite—and most unusual—flavors he tasted this summer
- Fun rapid-fire questions, including the ultimate debate: Pineapple on pizza?
13 Jul 2026
Behind the Flavors S2E7: Behind the Vision
Behind the Vision – A Conversation with Beck's Leadership
Go behind the scenes with Beck Flavors President Matt Carr and Vice President Paul Tripi as they share the vision shaping the future of Beck. In this episode, they discuss the company's continued growth, the importance of preserving a family-first culture, exciting investments in innovation and manufacturing, and what sets Beck apart in the flavor industry. From leadership insights to the values that have guided the company for generations, this conversation offers a look at where Beck has been—and where it's headed next.
1 Jun 2026
Behind the Flavor S2E6: Beyond the Flavor
What if flavor could do more than taste good? What if it could create a full sensory experience?
In this episode the Beck Flavors sensory science team takes a deep dive into Beck Beyond™ — our new line of sensory-driven flavor enhancers designed to transform how beverages are experienced. From cooling sensations and lingering heat to juicy mouthfeel amplification and bright citrus puckering, this episode explores how modern flavor innovation is moving beyond taste alone.
Join Megan and Mike as they break down all four Beck Beyond™ enhancers:
🔥 Up the Heat
❄️ Cooling Enhancer
🍊 Pith Pucker
🍑 Juicifier
They discuss the science behind trigeminal sensations, the consumer trends driving multisensory beverages, and how brands can use these systems to create more immersive, memorable, and differentiated products across alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
11 May 2026
Behind the Flavor S2E5: World of Coffee Recap
Step inside one of the coffee industry’s biggest events of the year! In this episode of Behind the Flavors Podcast, the Beck Flavors team takes you behind the scenes at the 2026 SCA World of Coffee Expo in sunny San Diego, California. From trending coffee flavors and innovative brewing equipment to roasting education and industry insights, this expo brings together baristas, roasters, coffee shop owners, flavor houses, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world. Whether you attended the show, missed it, or have always wondered what it’s like inside a massive coffee expo, this recap gives you a firsthand look at the energy, innovation, and creativity shaping the future of coffee. Grab a cup of coffee and come experience the show with us!
20 Apr 2026
Behind the Flavors S2E4: The Hurdles and Keys to Success Behind Manufacturing
Discover a milestone installment of Behind the Flavor Podcast featuring host Michael Schubert in conversation with his brother, Doug Schubert, Director of Operations and Procurement at Beck Flavors. This unique discussion explores firsthand perspectives on scaling an organization, offering practical guidance for businesses considering facility growth or operational enlargement. Doug shares real-world lessons drawn from years of experience supporting Beck’s evolution, highlighting essential strategies that drive successful transitions. Throughout this conversation, several critical focus areas are explored, including: • Strategic preparation • Regulatory approval navigation • Process development implementation • Team structure cultivation
23 Mar 2026
Season 2 Episode 3: Behind the Infusion
The THC/CBD beverage category is experiencing accelerated growth, driven by the continued shift toward low- and no-alcohol consumption. Developing successful cannabis-infused beverages requires a nuanced understanding of both flavor science and functional formulation.
In this episode, Beck Flavors’ Senior Applications Manager & Technical Sales expert, Adam Berge, explores the critical elements of THC beverage development—from emulsion technology and cannabinoid delivery systems to advanced sweetness modulation and bitterness masking strategies. He breaks down how these components interact to optimize stability, bioavailability, and sensory performance, offering a comprehensive look at the science behind creating balanced, consumer-ready cannabis beverages.
23 Feb 2026
Season 2, Episode 2: From Bean to Brand - Commercializing Coffee in Today’s Market
Get ready for a brew-tiful deep dive in one of our most anticipated episodes yet!
In this coffee-focused installment of Behind the Flavor, our resident coffee and tea experts — National Sales Director Carrie Cubberley and Director of New Business Development Sara Borusiewich — spill the beans on everything happening in the world of coffee today. From the challenges shaping the market after 2025 to practical guidance on how to successfully commercialize your next coffee product, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Carrie and Sara also break down how a flavor company can elevate coffee formulations — from tackling bitterness and enhancing sweetness to optimizing usage rates for both performance and cost efficiency. And of course, they serve up a fresh look at emerging trends, highlighting the flavors, formats, and consumer preferences set to define the upcoming Spring and Summer coffee season.
Whether you’re developing your next ready-to-drink launch, exploring new flavor directions, or simply looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode delivers the perfect blend of strategy, innovation, and inspiration.
2 Feb 2026
Season 2, Episode 1: 2026 Flavors of the Year
Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into our 2026 Flavors of the Year. In this episode of Behind the Flavor, we explore the trends, inspirations, and consumer insights shaping what’s next in taste—from emerging global influences to comfort-driven favorites with a modern twist. Join us as we break down why these flavors matter and how they’ll show up across beverages, food, and beyond.
17 Nov 2025
Ep. 09: The Flavor Creation Process
Step inside the Beck Lab with Flavor Technologist Hunter Rohlf and Flavor Scientist Nick Viriyasiri as they unveil the intricate science—and artistry—behind creating flavors from the ground up. In this episode, they share what it takes to become a certified flavorist, a rigorous seven-year journey that transforms compounding technicians into true creators of taste. From Dubai Chocolate to Salted Watermelon, Nick and Hunter explore how chemistry, sensory analysis, and creativity combine to shape flavors across a wide range of applications—from coffee and confections to beverages and frozen desserts. Discover how solubility, formulation, and molecular interactions define whether a flavor shines in oil- or water-based systems and gain an insider’s look at the innovation driving the next generation of flavor creation.
27 Oct 2025
Episode 8: Quality Control & Food Safety
Food safety and quality are the backbone of every successful production facility. In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck’s Regulatory Specialist and Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager pull back the curtain on the meticulous steps that ensure every flavor meets the highest standards. From raw ingredient sourcing to final product release, they break down the critical checkpoints, regulations, and best practices that keep Beck Flavors’ creations both safe and exceptional in quality.
Join us, as Dan and Tracie cover these topics:
What to look for in finding approved vendors
How to execute a successful SQF process
Setting up a GFSI plan
How to prepare for audits and food safety SOPs
Identifying Critical Control Points (CCP)
We are honored to have the Wizard himself, St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Famer – Ozzie Smith – in the Beck studios to share his story about his BackFlip cocktail line of beverages from ideation to the shelves. Ozzie describes the challenges of the process as well as the rewards.
Plus, we couldn’t have one of the greatest Cardinals of all time and not talk baseball. Ozzie tells the story behind his iconic backflip and some of his fondest memories of playing in St. Louis.
15 Sept 2025
Episode 6: Reed's CEO talks Innovation & Development
In this first customer podcast, we’re joined by Norm Snyder, CEO of Reed’s Ginger Ale. Norm takes you behind the scenes on what goes into making the best ginger ale on the market. Plus, he explains Reed’s approach to innovation and new product development and why it’s important to have strong partnerships along the way.
26 Aug 2025
Episode 5: Flavor Types, Organics, Extracts, TTB and more!
In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck Flavorist Julia Pollard offers an insightful exploration of flavor classifications, including artificial, natural & artificial, natural WONF (with other natural flavors), and organic. She also delves into the various production methods—from washes to extracts—and outlines the key regulatory requirements necessary for TTB approval.
4 Aug 2025
Episode 4: Beverage Formulation
Beck's Senior Applications Manager & Technical Sales, Adam Berge, takes you Behind the Formulation discussing what goes into making new beverage formulations. If you have an idea for an energy drink, THC/CBD seltzer, soda, or canned cocktail, Adam can help take you from ideation to product shelves.
14 Jul 2025
Episode 3 - Coffee History & Juicy Flavor Creations
Beck's Principal Flavor Chemist reminisces about early days of flavored coffee, some of his favorite outlandish projects he's worked on and what went into creating those unique flavors, as well as his rock band Bonedaddy!
23 Jun 2025
Episode 2 - Deep Dive: Vanilla
In Episode 2, Beck's Certified Principal Flavor Chemist Kevin Berdak takes an in-depth look at the history of vanilla, different types and folds, and labeling requirements.
30 May 2025
Episode 1 - Megan Samson - Sensory Testing
In our debut episode we have Megan Samson, our Sensory & Analytical Scientist, discussing all things sensory. She talks about what goes into product testing, different methods, and other sensory capabilities there are to further assist product development.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact The Behind The Flavor’s Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of The Behind The Flavor’s Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
