Food Matters Live Podcast

There is no getting away from it; Western diets are lacking in fibre, but what are the implications for our health? As awareness grows around the critical role of fibre in overall health, it is more important than ever to look closely at the current state of fibre consumption and its implications.  In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in November 2024, our expert panel lays bare the true picture of fibre intake in the UK. Our guests discuss how a lack of fibre is contributing to our overall health, the challenges around increasing fibre consumption, and the opportunities stemming from low fibre intake. All of this with one overarching question; how do we bridge the fibre gap? Guests: Nicole de Wit, Food, Health and Consumer Research, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research Eric Holub, Professor of Plant Genetics, University of Warwick

As with any production process, the production of food leads to by-products that are discarded. But are we doing enough to put these products to use and avoid waste? In this episode of the podcast, recorded live at the Food Matters Live event in Manchester in November 2024, we examine the transformative potential of upcycled food, including its economic, environmental, and societal impact.  What more can governments do the incentivize upcycling in the food industry? How do we get the food industry to work together to help solve the waste issue? And how much waste is too much waste? We hear from leading experts in this field and learn about some exciting real-world examples of collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and academics. Upcycling is just one piece of the broader sustainability puzzle, but it is an important one.  Guests: Alessandro Biraglia, Associate Professor of Marketing, Leeds University Amanda Oenbring, Chief Executive Officer, Upcycled Food Association

Cognitive health is of increasing concern to an ageing population, but what role does nutrition have to play in this vital area?From memory to mood, cognitive health encompasses a wide range of elements, and there is good evidence that all of these things can be influenced by nutrition. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our event in Manchester in November 2024, our panel of experts delves into the world of positive nutrition and cognitive health.In an environment of increasing consumer awareness and engagement with health and nutrition, cognitive health is an area in which the science and opportunities continue to evolve. This episode examines the latest trends and functional ingredients shaping the market.Guests:Dr Matthew Pontifex, Lecturer in Health Sciences (Dietetics), University of East AngliaDr Catarina Rendeiro, Assistant Professor in Nutritional Sciences, University of BirminghamAndy Thomas, Founder and Chief Executive, BetterYou

Personalised nutrition is transforming the world of sports science, offering groundbreaking insights into how tailored strategies can enhance athletic performance and recovery. But how far has the field come, and what challenges remain?In this episode of the podcast, recorded live at Food Matters Live in Manchester in November 2024, our panel of experts explores the latest research and practical applications of personalised nutrition in sport.From the science of nutrigenomics, to the evolving understanding of the gut microbiome, our speakers discuss the technologies and strategies shaping the future of sports nutrition.They cover advances in genetic testing, biomarker analysis, and wearable tech, and how they relate to questions about reliability, ethical considerations, and real-world implementation.This episode unpacks the cutting-edge research and collaborative efforts needed to bring personalised nutrition from theory to practice, helping athletes at all levels unlock their full potential.Guests:Rob Hobson, Registered NutritionistSamantha Abbott, Lecturer, Nottingham Trent UniversityEmma Fielding, Marketing Communications Specialist, GNT

Gut health, nutrition, and public health are dominating conversations in the food industry, but what are consumers most concerned about in 2025 and beyond? In this episode of the podcast, recorded live at the Food Matters Live event held in Manchester in November 2024, our panel of experts define the issues and concerns that will be driving the nutrition sector in the years to come. We explore the latest insights shaping consumer trends and public health strategies, with a particular focus on gut health, women’s health, and the drive for a cleaner, more transparent food system. From the rise of functional nutrition to the science behind ultra-processed foods, they discuss the changes needed to make healthier choices accessible for everyone. Guests: Bertel Haugen, Head of Innovation and Sustainability, Rude Health Adele Costabile, Professor of Clinical Nutrition and Microbiome, University of Roehampton Dr Emily Prpa, Company Nutritionist and Science Manager, Yakult

In this episode we look back at some of the highlights from previous podcasts we have made, focussing on some of the biggest names we have interviewed. You will hear from journalist and campaigner George Monbiot, the Green Party peer and former party leader Natalie Bennett, Olivia Ferdi who is co-founder of the drinks brand TRIP, and David Nabarro who is a member of the steering committee for the UN Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy, and Finance. Many of the conversations we re-visit focus on sustainability in the food industry, how are doing and some ideas on how we can improve things. The Food Matters Live podcast is taking a short break over Chrtistmas, but we will return in January with brand new content for 2025.

In this episode, we dive deep into the link between nutrition and healthy ageing, but bringing together highlights from previous episodes on the topic.With an ageing population in much of the western world, growing old healthily is of increasing concern to a growing number of people.The links with nutrition seem logical, eat well and you are more likely to live a healthy life.But what do we know about the scientific links between what we eat and how healthy we are in later life?We cover a number of topics in this episode:Healthy ageing and nutrition trendsWhat healthy ageing actually looks likeBlueberries and so-called 'superfoods'Fortification and claims on packagingIf you would like to get more detail on the topics covered in this episode, take a listen to the full episodes:Why healthy ageing never tasted so goodIngredients for longevity and health in later lifeBrilliant blueberries? Here's what the science saysEating for the future: Nutrition’s role in healthy ageing

Technology is reshaping the food industry, enabling faster innovation, improved efficiency, and more personalised product offerings. But how are businesses navigating the balance between cutting-edge tools and consumer expectations, especially when it comes to new product development (NPD)?In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Food Matters Live event in Ascot in October 2024, our expert panel discusses the role of technology in driving product development, from recipe management systems to the impact of artificial intelligence on the innovation process.Technology can help us streamline NPD workflows and analyse vast amounts of consumer data, so how will that help companies, both large and small, innovate more effectively?Our panel delves into the pros and cons of emerging technologies, the importance of balancing data-driven insights with the human touch, and how businesses are leveraging tech to scale quickly without compromising on quality.Guests:Michael Adams, Head of Product Innovation, Campden BRIAndrew Godley, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of SussexMichaela Neame, Head of Product, Merchant GourmetAmir Mousavi, Founder, Good Food Studio

The rise of plant-based foods has been fuelled by the global push for sustainability and healthier diets. But with ongoing debates about taste, texture, and the ultra-processed food narrative, how is the industry adapting to meet consumer expectations?In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at Food Matters Live in October 2024, our expert panel explores the innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping sustainable nutrition today.Check out our Events CalendarFrom the development of mycoprotein as a sustainable protein source, to tackling ingredient innovation, flavour, and nutritional profiles, there are plenty of exciting opportunities and challenges ahead.Our panel unpacks the role of alternative proteins, the potential of locally sourced ingredients, and the evolving consumer mindset around sustainable nutrition, from plant-based and beyond.Guests:Dr Hannah Theobald, Head of Nutrition, Marlow FoodsAnthony Warner, Freelance Development ChefZoe Hill, Registered Associate Nutritionist, British Nutrition FoundationJoanne Lunn, Partner and Senior Ethics and Sustainability Manager, Waitrose

Food allergies are a growing public health concern, impacting millions worldwide and reshaping how we think about food safety. So how if the food industry doing when it comes to protecting consumers?In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at Food Matters Live in Ascot in October 2024, our panel of experts delves into the latest developments in allergen management and consumer protection. Check out our Events CalendarFrom the significance of near-miss reporting, to the implications of emerging allergens, our panel share insights into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of allergen safety.With one in 12 children now living with a food allergy, and 30% of them managing multiple allergies, ensuring safe and inclusive food options is critical. This episode unpacks the collaborative efforts needed across the industry to create a safer, more transparent food system for everyone.Guests:Caroline Benjamin, Founder, Food Allergy AwareJulianne Ponan MBE, Founder and CEO, Creative NatureAmena Warner, Head of Clinical Services, Allergy UKSterling Crew, President, IFST