The Behind The Flavor’s Podcast

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Episode 9: 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.

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)

Episode 7: Ozzie Smith's BackFlip All-Star Beverages

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.

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.