The PricePlow Podcast

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 TruShieldâ„¢ 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. TruShieldâ„¢ 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 TruShieldâ„¢ Certified with Lori Bestervelt and Thane Campbell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-m-QHg6nDk Detailed Show Notes: TruShieldâ„¢ 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-CRÄ’T, 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

We’re back at SupplySide Global 2025 as Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott from NNB Nutrition return for Episode #192 of the PricePlow Podcast. Since Episode #152, NNB has undergone a dramatic transformation, fully committing to precision fermentation and launching their Pure Potent Precise campaign that’s reshaping how the supplement industry thinks about ingredient quality, potency, and manufacturing. Filmed directly from NNB’s stunning new booth at SupplySide Global, this conversation explores the company’s evolution from novel ingredient supplier to industry thought leader driving pharmaceutical-grade supplement innovation. Shawn and Dustin detail their strategic shift toward 99%+ pure compounds, fermentation-based manufacturing, and microdosing strategies that deliver unprecedented efficacy while solving sustainability challenges. The episode showcases NNB’s OnSwitch concept beverage, discusses their Pürest Creatine and Pürest Collagen launches, and dives deep into why isolated compounds often outperform whole herbs for modern formulation. We also tackle the controversial question of whether commodity creatine quality is declining as demand skyrockets, explore microplastic contamination in supplements, and preview three mystery ingredients launching with exclusive brand partners. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for NNB Nutrition news alerts on PricePlow before diving in. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nnb-nutrition-pure-potent-precise-192 Video: NNB Nutrition’s Precision Fermentation Revolution with Shawn Wells & Dustin Elliott https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFSQpMdQyXI Detailed Show Notes: Pure, Potent, Precise – NNB’s Industry Evolution (0:00) – Introduction and Mike’s Party Foul (1:15) – SupplySide Global 2025 and Industry Growth (3:45) – The NNB Party: Validation and Networking (6:45) – Building the NNB Dream Team (9:45) – OnSwitch: The Mind-Body Resilience Formula (12:15) – The Birth of Pure Potent Precise (15:45) – Potency: Reaching New Performance Levels (18:00) – Precision: Eliminating the Noise (21:45) – 6-Paradol vs Whole Grains of Paradise (24:30) – The SalidroPure Success Story (27:30) – Strategic Phase-Out of Non-Pure Compounds (29:00) – MitoBurn and Ergothioneine: Proof of Cost Efficiency (30:45) – The Spaceship Booth: Differentiation and Brand (33:00) – The Podcast Room and Booth Functionality (35:15) – Location Strategy: Learning and Evolving (37:45) – Cold Approaches from Major Retailers (38:30) – Pürest Creatine: Disrupting a Commodity Market (40:45) – The Safety Question: Yesterday’s Data vs Tomorrow’s Quality (43:15) – The Dose and Exposure Argument (45:30) – Third-Party Testing Proposal (48:30) – Total Toxin Exposure Philosophy (50:00) – Fermentation: The Clean Manufacturing… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

For Episode #191 of the PricePlow Podcast, we explore one of the most interesting and scientifically-rigorous appetite control stories we’ve encountered on the podcast yet. Mike sits down with Sarah Kennedy, founder and CEO of Calocurb, and Dr. Edward Walker, the lead scientist behind the development of Amarasate®, the natural hop extract at the heart of Calocurb’s formula. This isn’t your typical supplement origin story. Instead of a garage startup or bodybuilding brand, Calocurb emerged from a $20 million New Zealand government research grant specifically designed to develop a plant-based obesity treatment. Calocurb: From New Zealand Science to Commercial Reality Dr. Walker takes us through the fascinating scientific journey that began in 2009, when the New Zealand government funded research to find better alternatives to weight loss drugs. His team screened over 1,000 plant compounds, searching for those that could trigger the release of appetite-suppressing hormones. After years of research, including two years spent collecting intestinal biopsies from hospital patients, they identified a specific New Zealand hop variety that produces remarkable results. The clinical data shows Amarasate® increases GLP-1 and CCK levels sixfold over baseline, reduces hunger by 30%, decreases cravings by 40%, and cuts caloric intake by 18%. Sarah Kennedy licensed the technology in 2017 and launched Calocurb in 2018, years before the GLP-1 injectable phenomenon made appetite control a household topic. Today, Calocurb is positioned as a natural GLP-1 activator that works three ways: as a standalone appetite suppressant, as an adjunct to reduce injectable dosages and side effects, and critically, as post-cycle therapy to prevent the rebound weight gain that occurs when people stop taking GLP-1 drugs. With new clinical trial results expected from a 150-patient, six-month study, Calocurb represents a potent bridge between traditional supplements and pharmaceutical interventions in the weight management space. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/calocurb-191 Video: Calocurb: Natural GLP-1 Activation Through Bitter Hops Science https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c17t11gwlNc Detailed Show Notes: Sarah Kennedy and Dr. Edward Walker on Calocurb® and Amarasate® (0:00) – Introductions: A Different Kind of Supplement Story (1:00) – Dr. Walker’s Background: From Berry Compounds to Gut Science (3:00) – The New Zealand Government Grant: $20 Million to Solve Obesity (5:50) – How New Zealand Funds Primary Research (7:15) – The Government-to-Commercial Pathway (10:35) – The Pre-Ozempic Marketing Challenge (13:00) – The Timeline of GLP-1 Knowledge: 2009 vs. Today (15:45) – The “Bitter Brake” Theory: Location Matters (17:10) – Two Years in Hospital Waiting Rooms Collecting Biopsies (20:20) – Bitter Taste Receptors Throughout the Gut (22:30) – Why Plants and Humans Evolved This Way (24:15) – Why Bitter Detection in the Small Intestine? (26:15) – Were CCK and GLP-1 Well-Known in 2009? (27:45) – Screening 1,000 Plant Compounds: The Lab Work (29:45) – The Four Finalists (and Why Three Failed) (30:45) – Why Hops Won: Safety, Stability, and Supply Chain (33:30) – The Advantage of Industry-Aware Research (35:30) – … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

On Episode #190 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben host a special round-robin format from SupplySide Global 2025, recorded live at the ONE Innovation Labs booth. This episode showcases the collaborative power of the supplement industry, featuring conversations with Dr. Pedro Perez and Anthony Armas (ONE Innovation Labs), Katie Emerson and Karen Todd (Kyowa Hakko), Dan Force (Prinova), Zain Saiyed (Lonza), Dr. Benjamin Weeks (Adelphi University), and Nathan McWherter (Sports Research). The Miami-based ingredient innovator behind PureWay-C® is making waves with their LiposoMax® liposomal delivery platform, and this episode demonstrates how pharmaceutical-grade technology is transforming supplement formulation across multiple categories. From Setria® Glutathione to creatine monohydrate, from DUOCAP® capsule-within-capsule technology to ready-to-drink applications, this conversation reveals how genuine innovation creates opportunities throughout the supply chain. Beyond technical discussions about phospholipid complexes and cellular uptake kinetics, this episode tells the story of how ingredient suppliers, distributors, technology partners, and brands collaborate to bring differentiated products to market. If you’re a formulator seeking to understand how delivery technology can justify premium positioning, or a brand builder looking for genuine scientific differentiation, this episode provides a masterclass in strategic partnerships that create value at every level. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/one-innovation-labs-liposomax-190 Video: ONE Innovation Labs Round Robin at SupplySide Global 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEU-PmSV6qs Detailed Show Notes: Pharmaceutical-Grade Innovation Meets Industry Collaboration (0:00) – Introduction: The Innovators Behind PureWay-C® (4:45) – The LiposoMax® Platform: True Liposomal Technology (10:45) – Kyowa Hakko: Elevating Setria® Glutathione with LiposoMax® (14:45) – Topical Applications and the Recycling Properties (20:30) – Prinova Partnership: Bringing LiposoMax® Creatine to Market (25:15) – The Science Behind LiposoMax® Creatine (28:45) – Clinical Data: Two Times Cellular Absorption (32:00) – Creatine’s Mainstream Moment (37:00) – Format Flexibility: From Beverages to Soft Gels (39:30) – Lonza Partnership: The DUOCAP® Revolution (44:15) – Advanced Release Profiles and Formulation Strategies (48:00) – Benjamin Weeks’ Cellular Research Methodology (51:30) – Magnesium Innovation and Niacin Parallels (54:30) – Lonza’s Enzyme Delivery Research (58:30) – Sports Research: Commercial Success with Liposomal Vitamin C (1:02:00) – Authenticity in Liposomal Claims Where to Follow and Learn More ONE Innovation Labs ONE Innovation Labs on LinkedIn Anthony Armas on LinkedIn Dr. Pedro Perez on LinkedIn Erne… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

On Episode #189 of the PricePlow Podcast, we bring you a special panel discussion from SupplySide Global 2025 featuring the brilliant minds behind CREATEA Mighty Mango, the groundbreaking collaborative concept beverage that’s redefining what’s possible in functional drink formulation. Building on the viral success of last year’s XPO NRG, CREATEA takes beverage innovation to the next level by focusing on commercial viability, natural ingredients, and solving one of the industry’s biggest challenges: stable creatine in ready-to-drink formats. Ben moderates this powerhouse panel featuring Steve Fink (PLT Health Solutions), Brent Petersen (Glanbia Nutritionals), Shawn Wells (NNB Nutrition), Katie McCammack (Lacore Nutraceuticals), and Michael Lelah (NutriScience Innovations). Together, these industry leaders discuss the technical breakthroughs, formulation challenges, and collaborative spirit that made CREATEA possible. From CreaBev’s revolutionary creatine stability to Zynamite S’s beverage-ready cognitive enhancement, SweetVantage’s natural sweetener breakthrough, and InnovaBean’s sustainable natural caffeine, this panel reveals how setting competition aside creates products that elevate the entire industry. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/createa-supplyside-global-2025-189 Video: CREATEA Mighty Mango Panel Discussion at SupplySide Global 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOh6djtUes8 Detailed Show Notes: The Future of Formulating Beverages (0:00) – Welcome and Panel Introductions (2:15) – Collaborative Innovation and Zynamite S (8:15) – CreaBev: Solving Creatine’s Beverage Stability Challenge (13:30) – Market Trends and Consumer Preferences (23:00) – The Beverage Stability Imperative (25:15) – Comprehensive Beverage Stability Testing (30:00) – The Power and Sustainability of Collaboration (32:45) – Collaboration as Industry Reality Where to Learn More About CREATEA and Featured Ingredients CREATEA Mighty Mango Article: Full formulation breakdown and background PLT Health Solutions: LinkedIn | News on PricePlow Glanbia Nutritionals: LinkedIn | News on PricePlow | CreaBev Article NNB Nutrition: LinkedIn | News on PricePlow NutriScience Innovations: LinkedIn | News on PricePlow Lacore Nutraceuticals: LinkedIn | News on PricePlow Related PricePlow Podcast Episodes … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

For Episode #188 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome Edwin Gonzalez, Functional Health Sales Manager at Health Tech Bio Actives (HTBA), alongside Michael Alfaro from Master Foods Lab. This episode marks a milestone collaboration: putting cutting-edge vitamin B12 science into functional foods that consumers can actually feel working. Edwin introduces MecobalActive, HTBA’s ultra-pure, optimized methylcobalamin ingredient that’s redefining what B12 supplementation can do. Traditionally, the industry positioned B12 as a deficiency vitamin for tired, anemic, or sluggish individuals. HTBA is changing that narrative completely. New clinical research demonstrates that just three days of MecobalActive supplementation significantly improved both physical power output and cognitive reaction time in healthy, well-trained athletes without B12 deficiency. This isn’t about correcting what’s broken, it’s about optimizing what already works. The conversation explores HTBA’s nearly 50-year European heritage, their unique position as the only EU manufacturer of all active B12 forms, and the proprietary green chemistry process that yields MecobalActive’s exceptional purity and stability. Michael walks through the technical challenges of incorporating functional ingredients into Skinny Bite cakes (showcased at SupplySide Global 2025), revealing the complex interplay between formulation science, manufacturing constraints, and innovative problem-solving. From raspberry-colored B12 filling to protected cake layers to the partnership model driving functional food innovation, this episode delivers both scientific depth and practical application insights. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/vitamin-b12-htba-mecobalactive-188 Video: Redefining B12 with HTBA’s Edwin Gonzalez and Master Foods Lab’s Michael Alfaro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGqZm9Q5bkw Detailed Show Notes: MecobalActive B12 Takeover (0:00) – Welcome Back: A Dive Into Functional Foods (2:00) – Redefining B12: From Deficiency to Performance Enhancement (4:45) – Creating Functional Foods: The Clear Can Problem (7:15) – The Formulation Challenge: Making Actives Work in Real Food (11:00) – HTBA’s European Heritage and Manufacturing Excellence (14:30) – Green Chemistry: Manufacturing B12 Without Toxic Reagents (16:45) – Light Sensitivity and Creative Product Applications (19:00) – Redefining B12 Like Creatine Was Redefined (22:00) – The Clinical Study: Triple-Blind Crossover in Healthy Athletes (26:45) – The Results: 4% Power, 6% Fatigue Resistance, 5% Cognition (31:00) – Structure/Function Claims and Market Applications (35:45) – Color-Driven Innovation and Future Applications (37:00) – The Chocolate Coating: Formulation Within Constraints (39:00) – Manufacturing Mastery: Solving the Protein Cake Challenge (41:00) – The Partnership Model: When Ingredient Suppliers Become Collaborators (42:00) – The Pressure Cooker: Building Brands in Real Time (44:00) – Closing and Where to Find Edwin, HTBA, and Michael Where to Find HTBA, MecobalActive, and Master Foods Lab HTBA and MecobalActive: MecobalActive: Healt… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

On Episode #187 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome Richard Foster (founder of Strom Sports UK) and Dean Harris (president of Strom Sports US) for an in-depth discussion filmed at PLT Health Solutions headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. Joined by PLT’s Steve Fink (who first joined us in Episode #146), this marks the podcast’s first deep dive into the UK supplement market and the transatlantic differences in formulation philosophy, regulatory frameworks, and consumer expectations. Richard brings 19 years of industry experience building Strom from a UK supplement shop into a global brand focused on performance athletes, while Dean shares insights from bringing the brand to American consumers. The conversation explores why UK health products often exceed US standards despite America’s more permissive approach to stimulants, how branded ingredients like ApresFlex and CellFlo6 deliver superior results compared to generic alternatives, and why the supplement industry is entering its “golden age” of science-backed innovation. Whether you’re interested in international market dynamics, ingredient science, or the future of supplement formulation, this episode delivers valuable insights from both sides of the Atlantic. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/strom-sports-plt-health-187 Video: Strom Sports UK/US at PLT Health Solutions – International Supplement Market Insights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVkhvOkyiVc Detailed Show Notes (0:00) – Welcome to PLT Health Solutions (2:15) – UK vs US: Quality Standards and Distribution Models (6:40) – Beast Farm: Eddie Hall’s Supplement Brand (8:30) – The Dinner That Started Everything (10:00) – ApresFlex: The Joint Health Game-Changer (15:00) – The Evolution of Informed Consumers (17:00) – UK Novel Food Regulations: The 1997 Rule (19:30) – The Ashwagandha Controversy (28:00) – Anti-Inflammatories and Clinical Dosing (31:30) – CellFlo6: From Acquisition to Integration (33:45) – Differentiation in a Sea of Branded Ingredients (38:00) – CreaPure and the Branded Ingredient Spectrum (40:00) – The Rise of the Informed Consumer (43:45) – Third-Party Testing and the Informed Sport Trap (46:15) – Beverage Formulation Challenges (47:50) – CellFlo6 in Peak Max: Bodybuilding Applications (52:15) – CellFlo6 for Libido and Cardiovascular Health (55:00) – Mega Natural and the Sustainability Question (57:15) – Flavor: The Hardcore vs Mainstream Divide (1:03:45) – Nostalgia for the Wild West Era and Current Glory Days (1:08:30) – The Collagen Controversy (1:11:15) – The EU Caffeine Regulation Dilemma (1:14:45) – Extended Release Caffeine and zümXR (1:20:00) – zümXR Caffeine and PLT’s Nootropics (1:23:30) – The Cognitive Health Revolution in the UK (1:36:15) – The Death of Present-Moment Experience (1:38:45) – Where to Find Strom Sports Where to Follow Strom Sports and PLT Health Solutions Strom Sports UK: str… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

For Episode #186 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome back Marc Lobliner, who returns with major news: he’s now President of Ketone Labs. Marc brings his signature energy and bold predictions to discuss why he believes goBHB will become bigger than creatine in the supplement industry. Since we last formally spoke with Marc on the podcast in October 2021 (Episode #053), he’s not just launching products like the Outright Bar, but is taking the helm at Ketone Labs. This isn’t just another business venture for Marc — he’s calling goBHB a “transformative ingredient” that will change everything from athletic performance to concussion prevention to overall health. Marc discusses the real-world applications he’s implementing, including concussion protocols for his own kids in football and wrestling, the differences between D-BHB and L-BHB isomers, and why he believes healthier individuals experience more pronounced effects from ketone supplementation. He also shares candid insights about product development timelines, legal challenges in the supplement industry (including those infamous Prop 65 warnings), and his vision for making goBHB as ubiquitous as creatine. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/marc-lobliner-gobhb-186 Video: Marc Lobliner on goBHB, Ketone Labs, and the Future of Supplements https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-US7QIKl7U Detailed Show Notes with Marc (0:00) – Welcome Back, Marc “The Machine” Lobliner (2:00) – Balancing Multiple Ventures (5:45) – Concussion Protocols for Young Athletes (8:45) – Safety Profile: No LD50 for BHB (10:00) – The One Three Butanediol Problem (12:15) – The Plan for goBHB: Clinical and Consumer Applications (15:00) – Product Applications Across Categories (18:00) – The Sleep Study Discovery (20:45) – Product Development Timelines in Supplements (23:45) – The Outright Bar Story: Lessons in Distribution (30:30) – Legal Landmines in the Supplement Industry (31:45) – The California Problem: Prop 65 and Beyond (34:25) – Media Bias and Heavy Metals Testing (36:30) – Major Studies with Dr. Jose Antonio (39:00) – White Glove Formulation Services (41:00) – D-BHB vs L-BHB: The Ketone Meter Paradox (44:45) – L-BHB and Cardiovascular Research (45:45) – The Anabolic Properties of BHB (49:30) – Why Healthier People Feel It More (50:15) – The Niacin Parallel (51:30) – Marc’s Passion and Work-Life Balance (52:45) – Training Schedule and Competitive Future (55:00) – Formulating the Perfect BHB Powder (55:30) – What’s Next: Supply Side and Beyond Where to Find Marc Lobliner and Ketone Labs Marc Lobliner on Twitter and Instagram: @MarcLobliner / @MarcLobliner Ketone Labs News on PricePlow: https://www.priceplow.com/ketone-labs Ketone Labs Instagram: @KetoneLabs Thanks for bringing your trademark energy to the podcast, Marc—we’ll see … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

On Episode #185 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Jonathan Baner (Senior R&D Director) and James Stone (Vice President of Global Marketing and Insights) from Glanbia Nutritionals to explore the fascinating world of protein extrusion technology and better-for-you snacking. This powerhouse team brings deep expertise in both the science and consumer insights driving the functional foods revolution, revealing how advanced extrusion processing is solving the longstanding challenge of creating high-protein snacks that actually taste good and deliver satisfying texture. From Ingredients to Extrusion Technology, Glanbia Nutritionals is Behind Better Snacking The conversation dives into the mechanics of twin screw extrusion technology that transforms fine protein powders into everything from cheese puffs to protein cereals, the critical differences between dairy and plant-based proteins in processing, and the four distinct snacking behavior profiles that brands need to understand. From Jonathan’s 25 years of extrusion expertise to James’s insights on consumer trends showing that Americans consume sweet snacks 6.4 times per week, this episode unpacks how Glanbia is pushing protein fortification from the typical 5-7% found in traditional snacks up to an impressive 65-85% range without sacrificing the crunch and flavor consumers demand. Beyond the technical breakthroughs, we explore real-world market dynamics including the tight supply situation for whey protein isolate, the evolution of clean label formulations, the seed oil debate, and how GLP-1 adoption is driving unprecedented protein demand. This episode showcases how ingredient innovation at the B2B level is transforming what’s possible in functional snacking, with applications ranging from airport grab-and-go options to high-protein cereal that’s eaten more as snacks than breakfast. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/glanbia-nutritionals-healthy-snacking-185 Video: Glanbia Nutritionals – Extrusion Technology & Better-For-You Snacking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng1ZC_yq7K0 Detailed Show Notes: Engineering Better-For-You Snacks with Protein Extrusion (0:00) – Introduction to Glanbia’s Functional Foods Team (5:00) – The Snacking Landscape: Consumption Patterns and Consumer Demands (8:00) – Understanding Extrusion Technology: From Play-Doh to Protein Puffs (12:00) – The Protein Challenge: Why High-Protein Snacks Were Nearly Impossible (17:00) – Texture Optimization and Business Model (21:15) – Functional Ingredients and Plant Protein Challenges (26:00) – The Plant-Based Meat Decline: Lessons for Functional Foods (29:30) – Flavor Innovation: Ethnic Profiles and Cheese Evolution (33:30) – The Four Snacker Types: Texture Preferences and Product Formats (37:30) – The Keto Perspective and Protein Cereal’s Surprising Use Case (43:00) – Trail Mix Reinvention and Extrusion Versatility (47:30) – Emulating Textures and Consumer Acceptance (54:00) – Whey Protein Supply Constraints and GLP-1 Impact (58:00) – Extrusion Process Details and Customer Collaboration (1:00:15) – Fortifying Fruit Snacks and Multi-Category Capabilities (1:03:00) – Fiber Fortification and Gastrointestinal Health (1:06:00) – Colostrum: Immune Support and Gut Health Innovation (… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In Episode #184 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome back Ed Dosz, VP of Science Innovation at NutriScience Innovations, for a comprehensive exploration of ButyraGen, a revolutionary ingredient that generates butyrate directly in the small intestine. With butyrate serving as the primary fuel for colon cells while playing crucial roles in gut barrier function, immune modulation, and the gut-brain axis, Ed explains why this short-chain fatty acid has become one of the most important yet overlooked compounds in modern nutrition. Ed Dosz Returns to Discuss ButyraGen: Solving the Modern Butyrate Crisis The conversation tackles a fundamental problem facing modern gut health: the average American consumes only half the fiber needed for adequate butyrate production, and traditional prebiotics work only if you have the right gut bacteria. Ed details how ButyraGen’s unique tributyrin-based formulation bypasses these limitations entirely through enzymatic action, delivering consistent butyrate generation regardless of microbiome status, age, or dietary habits. Beyond the science of butyrate delivery, Ed shares insights from two published clinical studies demonstrating ButyraGen’s real-world benefits, including significant reductions in belly pain and improvements in digestive quality of life. The discussion reveals particularly strong benefits for women and postmenopausal individuals, explores the fascinating gut-brain connection, and examines ButyraGen’s potential applications in metabolic health, GLP-1 support, and beyond. This episode provides a comprehensive look at why direct butyrate generation represents the next evolution in digestive health supplementation. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with ingredient scientists and industry innovators! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nutriscience-butyragen-184 Video: Ed Dosz Explains NutriScience’s ButyraGen – Direct Butyrate Generation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnXrruuWyBE Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Clinical Benefits of ButyraGen (0:00) – Introduction and Reconnecting with Ed Dosz (1:30) – Why Butyrate Matters: The Gut’s Primary Fuel (5:00) – The Modern Butyrate Deficit Crisis (9:15) – Why Traditional Prebiotics Fall Short (13:30) – Introducing ButyraGen: Direct Butyrate Generation (18:45) – Dosing Efficiency: Small Dose, Massive Impact (23:00) – Clinical Evidence: Two Published Human Studies (28:15) – Women’s Health: The Standout Clinical Finding (33:30) – The Gut-Brain Axis and Future Research Directions (38:45) – Metabolic Health and GLP-1 Connections (43:15) – Practical Applications and Product Formulations (48:30) – Quality Matters: Not All Tributyrin Is Created Equal (53:00) – Stacking Strategies and Combination Recommendations (57:45) – Safety, Tolerability, and Long-Term Use (1:02:15) – Ed’s Vision for the Future of Gut Health (1:06:30) – Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Where to Follow Ed Dosz and Learn More About ButyraGen NutriScience Innovations: NutriScienceUSA.com NutriScience on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/nutriscience-innovations-llc/ Ed … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

On Episode #183 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Raza Bashir, Chief Innovation Officer at MuscleTech and Iovate, for an in-depth conversation about supplement quality control, manufacturing excellence, and the exciting innovation pipeline that has him more energized than ever in his nearly 20-year career. Broadcasting from MuscleTech’s laboratory facility, Raza provides unprecedented transparency into the rigorous processes that ensure every product meets the highest standards across 140 countries. This conversation goes far beyond typical brand discussions, diving deep into the nuts and bolts of quality assurance: how MuscleTech manages relationships with 28+ contract manufacturers worldwide, the extensive third-party testing protocols that validate every batch, and the end-to-end oversight that distinguishes legacy brands from newcomers. Raza shares insights from recent Consumer Reports testing that validated MuscleTech’s mass gainers as the only products without concerning levels of heavy metals, demonstrating how comprehensive quality systems deliver tangible consumer protection. The discussion then shifts to innovation, with exclusive reveals of breakthrough effervescent technology launching through the EFF’N Series at GNC, new peptide formulations combining cutting-edge ingredients like dileucine with HMB and essential amino acids, and the evolution of stimulant technology through EuphoriQ and the revolutionary Stacked pre-workout featuring Hydronox citrulline hydrochloride. Throughout the conversation, Raza’s passion for both scientific rigor and consumer experience shines through, explaining why MuscleTech continues setting industry standards after three decades. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/muscletech-quality-control-183 Video: Raza Bashir Discusses MuscleTech’s Quality Control and Innovation Pipeline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-efByKU-cyk Detailed Show Notes: Quality Systems and Innovation at MuscleTech (0:00) – Introductions: Inside MuscleTech’s Innovation Lab (0:45) – Raza’s Journey: From Passionate User to Innovation Leader (4:00) – The Manufacturing Network: Managing 28+ Global Partners (6:45) – The Qualification Process: Rigorous Audits Before Production (10:30) – Ingredient Qualification: Testing Before Approval (14:00) – The Branded Ingredient Advantage: Established Supply Chains (17:15) – Production Consistency: Managing Multiple Manufacturers Per Product (22:15) – The Multiple Manufacturer Strategy: Service and Supply Chain Resilience (24:15) – Third-Party Testing and Consumer Reports Validation (27:00) – Protein Testing and Nitrogen Analysis Methods (32:00) – The Creatine Conundrum: Testing Above Label Claim (36:30) – The Transparency Advantage: Avoiding Proprietary Blends (39:00) – Innovation Without Over-Engineering (40:15) – Business Resilience and Continued Innovation (43:30) – The Innovation Risk: Pioneering New Ingredients (47:00) – EuphoriQ Evolution: Responding to Consumer Feedback (52:00) – The Leaner Business Philosophy: Focused Excellence (55:00) – The EFF’N Series: Revolutionary Effervescent Technology (59:00) – Theolim: Novel Metabolism Enhancement (1:04:00) – EFF’N Energy: Genius Pure and Yohimbe (1:06:00) – The Effervescent Experience: Dissolutio… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

On Episode #182 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome back Max Fairchild alongside industry legend Chuck Letchman and marketing strategist Dan Pierce to explore the launch of Brew Shockalaka, a revolutionary zero-sugar coffee beverage that’s redefining what functional drinks can be. This isn’t your typical RTD coffee or energy drink – it’s a complete reimagining of the category that combines dessert-inspired flavors with a powerful 1000mg nootropic matrix, all while maintaining zero sugar and zero dairy. Brew Shockalaka! Zero-Sugar Dairy-Free Nootropic Coffee That Tastes Amazing Max, who first appeared on the PricePlow channel back in 2018 during his Nutrex Research days, has partnered with distribution veteran Chuck Letchman to create what they call “the Deadpool of coffee” – a brand that refuses to take itself too seriously while delivering serious functional benefits. From the challenges of retort manufacturing to the strategic decision to launch in fitness channels first, this conversation reveals the complexities of beverage innovation and the power of industry relationships in bringing disruptive products to market. The team discusses their unique approach to product development, from sourcing natural caffeine from Colombian beans to incorporating CognatiQ coffee fruit extract and a strategic 560mg dose of potassium. With flavors like Salted Caramel, Café Mocha, and Maple Cinnamon Donut, “Brew Shock” is targeting the convergence of energy drinks, functional coffee, and nootropic supplements while building a brand identity that embraces music, comedy, and authentic consumer connections. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/brew-shockalaka-182 Video: Brew Shockalaka – The Coffee Revolution with Max Fairchild, Chuck Letchman, and Dan Pierce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eDuXsHu2m0 Detailed Show Notes: Building the Zero Sugar Coffee Revolution (0:00) – Introductions: Reuniting with Max Fairchild (2:15) – Chuck Letchman’s Industry Legacy and Partnership Philosophy (4:15) – Dan Pierce: The Digital Marketing Strategist (6:00) – The Genesis Story: From Powder to RTD Innovation (8:30) – Manufacturing Challenges: The Retort Reality (12:00) – Flavor Development: Dessert-Inspired Innovation (17:00) – The Science Behind the Buzz: Nootropic Innovation (22:00) – Labeling Strategy: Transparency as Differentiation (26:45) – The Retort Advantage: Manufacturing as Competitive Moat (32:00) – The Chuck Letchman Effect: Industry Relationships as Assets (38:45) – Team Dynamics: Swiss Army Knife Approach (44:15) – Strategic Pacing: Growth Management Philosophy (50:30) – Target Demographics: Coffee Culture Convergence (53:45) – Brand Personality: The Deadpool of Coffee (55:30) – Alcohol Collaborations: Expanding Usage Occasions (1:00:15) – Strategic Partnerships: Redefine Foods Collaboration (1:07:15) – Digital Marketing Revolution: TikTok Strategy (1:12:00) – International Expansion: Testing Global Waters Where to Follow and Learn More Brew Shockalaka: Company Website PricePlow.com/brew-shockalaka …… Read more on the PricePlow Blog