Flavor University Podcast

In this episode, experts Hadar Cohen Aviram, Maddie Cahill, and Ross Romero go behind the scenes of the McCormick 2026 Flavor Forecast and explore how trends become tangible product concepts. Our guests share how cross-functional teams translate global insights into the 2026 Flavor of the Year while navigating sourcing, development, and commercialization realities.Key highlights:How Flavor Forecast guides innovationThe journey from trend to Flavor of the YearWhy collaboration drives successful launches

Join McCormick Flavor Solution experts Jordan Carfagno, Sarah Malphrus, and Gina Walter to celebrate 3.14 and explore the history, evolution, and potential of pie in this special Pi(e) Day episode. The team connects nostalgia, consumer insights, and technical strategy to show how pie continues to inspire cross-category innovation. Tune in to discover:The origins of pie and the true definitionTop pie flavors, regional trends, and nostalgic insightsTranslating pie flavors into cross-category applications Pie recipes and technical flavor development tips

In this episode, host Randee Donovan is joined by Product Manager, Carrie Rock and Associate Scientist, Hannah Subgrunski for a hands‑on flavor adventure inspired by McCormick’s Fresh Fruit Flavors Deep Dive Guide. Discover why “wild,” “regional,” and blended fruits are redefining familiarity, and how science and creativity combine to spark the next innovation in food and beverage.Tune in to learn:How consumer interest in fruit flavor trends are evolving from global exotics to hyper‑regional favoritesA broad variety of compelling fruit profiles The science behind flavor swaps and sympathetic compoundsInspiration for new fruit‑forward flavors in all applications

In this episode we explore how flavor and enjoyment play a critical role in building sustainable wellness routines. Regulatory Affairs Manager, Courtney Wachtel and Associate Product Manager, Angelo David share personal and professional stories on balance, motivation, and mindfulness to reveal why healthy habits are likely to last longer when they taste good. Discover the emotional power of flavor in Health & Nutrition product development and beyond, and uncover what it really means to make wellness both consistent and satisfying.

Podcast Episode 53: The Secret Sauce: Driving Flavor InnovationIn this episode, host Randee Donovan explores the flavorful world of sauces, dressings, dips, and spreads with Product Development Scientist Erika James, and Senior Product Manager Roger Lane. They uncover how these everyday condiments drive innovation and identity. Join us as we reveal the secret sauce that keeps consumers coming back for more. Tune in to learn:How sauces are true “flavor powerhouses” How LTOs fuel excitement and brand loyaltyGlobal flavor influences shaping 2026 and beyondWhat your favorite condiment says about you

In this episode we explore how the food industry defines and creates benchmarks for flavor perfection using gold standards. Paul Hoffman, Senior Scientist, reveals how sensory, culinary, and flavor experts collaborate to identify the best versions of products, ingredients and recipes and translate them into a shared language. Tune in to understand how aligning with these benchmarks can deliver authenticity, consistency and emotional resonance which is true gold when it comes to great flavor.

Join Randee Donovan and Dr. Elizabeth Clark as they explore how culture, generation, and science shape our love for spicy food. From global flavor trends and pop culture, to the chemistry behind heat perception, this episode dives into what makes spicy food so fascinating — and how you can develop products for consumers’ spicy-hot cravings. Listen now and spice up your perspective! Skip ahead to hear:19:00 – “What makes heat?”26:45 – How to measure heat41:00 - Heat delivery factors

In this episode, our host, Randee Donovan, talks with Laura Partida, Principal Flavorist, and Jason Mittelheuser, Sr. Principal Scientist. They explore how congruent flavors help create harmony in product formulations. Discover how the right complementary flavors can be an advantage to support taste attributes within a difficult product base, how "approachable adventure" is used to build complexity in the taste experience, and beyond!

In this episode, our new host, Randee Donovan, sits down with Annelieke Van Ooij, Product Development Director, and Alex Brewer, Regulatory Affairs Director, as they guide us through all things product reformulation. From increased synthetic dye bans and ongoing FDA updates, shifting regulations are forcing brands to rethink their product formulation. Our experts break down today’s evolving regulatory landscape and provide technical guidance that will help you formulate without compromising on taste.

In this episode, we chat with Executive Chef Hadar Cohen Aviram and Product Manager Carrie Rock about all things Flavor Forecast. What will be the next trend to shake up your products and your consumers? From Tropical Vibes to the layered complexity of Charred and Smoked, our experts explore the trends that will shape the way we all flavor, cook and eat in the upcoming year and beyond. Plus, discover the ways the 2025 Flavor of the Year is heating things up!