Munching on Molecules

Food scientist. Fungal fanatic. Systems thinker. In this episode of  Munching on Molecules , we meet Brian Chau, whose serendipitous start at UC Davis led to a career spent bridging food science with human systems, transforming how food ideas become reality. Brian’s consulting firm Chau Time has supported everything from early-stage product R&D to complex contract manufacturing searches. With...

In this episode of  Munching on Molecules , we chat with Aaron Skelton, the dynamic President and CEO of the Canadian Health Food Association, to talk about his unconventional path to leading one of Canada's most influential voices in the natural, organic, and wellness industry. Aaron shares: His career journey from the world of retail operations to building brands to CHFA CHFA’s advocacy role...

In this episode, we crack open the tasty and functional world of almonds with Harbinder Maan, Associate Director of Trade Marketing & Stewardship with the Almond Board of California. With over 7,600 growers behind it, the Almond Board is a powerhouse of innovation,  research, and stewardship.   We explore: How the Almond Board is advancing sustainability across the value chain The latest nutri...

In this episode of  Munching on Molecules , we chat with Jill Houk, Corporate R&D Chef at Culinary Culture.  A pivotal moment came early in her journey, when her mother asked:  “If you could do anything you wanted, what would you do?”  That question sparked a career transformation. We dive into her path, from launching a health-conscious catering company to becoming a cookbook author, podcaste...

After a decade of helping build products for  other  brands, food scientist and product developer, Abigail Modell is stepping into the founder spotlight and she’s doing it with purpose. In this episode, Abigail shares the behind-scenes in launching OVU Bars, a new line of snack bars designed to support women on hormonal balance and their fertility journey through targeted nutrition. We dig into th...

In this episode of Munching on Molecules, we sit down with Dr. Jon-Paul (JP) Powers, Partner and Scientific Advisor at Gowling WLG. One quote that’s guided his career? A gem from mentor Dr. Bob Hancock: “The jobs we want don’t exist, you have to find a way to create them.” That’s exactly what JP did, purely by luck, carving a path that didn’t exist on paper, but makes perfect sense in hindsight. F...

What do kimchi, wood-fired pizza, and pea protein have in common?  Ian Heieie, of course. In this episode, we chat with Ian Heieie, who brings big culinary energy and scientific savvy to the plant protein space. He takes us through his fine-dining roots at The Bachelor Farmer and Young Joni (yes, that James Beard Award-winning one) to studying plant proteins at University of Minnesota's Plant...

Christine and Lara take you behind the scenes of their recent road trip to Vancouver Island, where they co-presented to BC Food & Beverage Peer Group on all things product development and innovation. From the warm welcome in Nanaimo to the spirited conversations with local processors, the island energy was real and refreshingly candid. We tackled how small and large teams can scale smart, blen...

Food scientist. Serial entrepreneur. Podcaster. From 4am granola bar factory adventures, to co-founding Better Meat Co and Sobo Foods, Adam’s journey into food has been anything but bland. We get the inside scoop on his early exploratory cooking days (yes, toast in omelettes), his pathway into food science, and starting in 2016,  My Food Job Rocks!,  the original food industry-centric podcast. Ada...

Our worlds are colliding! In this special crossover episode, Lara and Christine sit down with the dynamic duo behind  This Commerce Life,  Phil Chang and Kenny Vannucci, for a candid, hilarious, and insightful conversation that spans everything from their  very first  podcast, Canadian CPG, and the evolving world of content creation. We get the inside scoop on:  How  This Commerce Life  started (s...

In this special edition of  Munching on Molecules , we’re joined by three inspiring members of the CHFA Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs team:   Sonia Parmar , VP of Regulatory Affairs & Government Relations   Jules Gorham , Director of Regulatory Affairs & Policy   Ashley Cornell , Director of Regulatory Affairs & Policy Together, they give us a sneak peek into the  CHFA...

Cristina Dias, founder of  Mogiana Coffee , is continuing a journey that began in 1890 when her great-grandfather first started farming coffee in Brazil's Mogiana valley region. Today, her company imports and roasts her family farms' specialty grade  Coffee arabica  variety beans (specifically Yellow Bourbon and Red Bourbon) in British Columbia, building a transparent, purpose-led business...

Bone broth... but make it your favourite cozy drink that'sdelicious and convenient.    Beckie Prime, a registered holistic nutritionist and CEO ofBeck’s Broth, joins us to share how she’s bringing the café experience home, one decadent, protein-infused sip at a time. Think coffee, hot chocolate, and matcha reimagined with bone broth and 15g of protein per serving.  Beckie has always been passi...

In this special “quarterly snack”, Christine and Lara take a moment from incredible guest interviews to catch up and reflect on the exciting activities across Q1 - from industry workshops, to presentations, to tasting panels, trade shows, and everything in between. Tune in for a whirlwind recap of where they’ve been, what they’ve learned, and what’s coming next. A few of the MANY highlights: - Men...

If you think campus dining is just about feeding the masses, think again.  Chef David Speight, Executive Chef and Culinary Director at the University of British Columbia (UBC), is proof that institutional kitchens can be powerful agents of change. With culinary training from Vancouver Community College and the Culinary Institute of America in New York, David blends fine dining precision with a dee...

Planning to attend CHFA NOW Vancouver from April 25–27, 2025?  CHFA NOW is Canada’s largest natural, organic, and wellness trade show , bringing together retailers, brokers, manufacturers, and innovators from across the industry. Whether you're exhibiting, scouting products and trends, this show is a must for anyone building or growing a better-for-you brand.  In this episode, Lara and Christi...

Alisa Hutton is the dynamic COO of BC Food and Beverage (BCFB), whose leadership is as nourishing as the industry she champions.   Her journey begins in the aisles of a family-run grocery store in East Vancouver, where she learned early that food isn’t just about commerce—it’s about connection. Raised among the rhythms of the neighborhood market and the wisdom of her grandparents, Alisa carries th...

Jenny Siormanolakis, President of Grandpa J’s Seasoning, shares her story rich with grace, sheer grit, and generations of flavour. From the hum of a family restaurant kitchen to the bright lights of retail shelves, Jenny’s path winds through the heart of the food world. She speaks with the warmth of a family dinner and the clarity of a seasoned entrepreneur, sharing how she, alongside her sister,...

In this episode, we discuss the world of seafood innovation with Debra Hellbach, industry veteran and passionate advocate for small-scale producers. With over 40 years of experience in the food and seafood sector, Debra has dedicated her career to helping people make and market good food—with an emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and community impact. As the force behind the Seafood Business...

Could the future of health be hidden in citrus peels?  In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Tait, biochemist, entrepreneur, and founder of Tait Laboratories Inc., to explore how he and his team are transforming overlooked citrus peels into cutting-edge health and food innovation solutions.   Andrew’s journey began with a focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) research, where he first explored th...

What do water activity, music, and mantras have in common? More than you’d think! In this episode, we dive into the science of moisture measurement with Dr. Zachary Cartwright, Lead Food Scientist & Isotherm Application Consultant at AQUALAB by Addium. Moisture is the unsung hero of food safety & shelf life. Dr. Cartwright explains how controlling water activity keeps food from becoming a...

How is  Maia Farms  redefining the future of protein? In our latest episode, we sit down with  Gavin Schneider , co-founder & CEO, and  Karen McCathy , Director of Food Innovation, to explore the cutting edge of sustainable food innovation. What makes Maia Farms different? Based in BC, Maia Farms was founded by a farmer, an engineer, and a neuroscientist—a powerhouse of expertise tackling the...

In this episode, we dive into the world of fava beans with Hailey Jefferies, Co-founder of Prairie Fava—a company revolutionizing fava and fava-based ingredients from farm to formulation. Hailey shares her journey in building a vertically integrated business that partners with farmers, processes fava beans in Manitoba, and supplies innovative ingredients to food makers across North America and bey...

Celebrating World Pulses Day – February 10th!  Pulses (dry peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas) might be small, but they’re making a big impact - on our health, our planet, and the future of food. These humble ingredients are packed with protein, fibre, and endless possibilities, fueling some of the most exciting innovations in food product development. To celebrate, we’re sitting down with Julianne C...

Planning to attend  Natural Products Expo West 2025 ? This is a massive trade show for the natural, organic, and healthy products industry, attracting over 65,000 attendees and 3,300+ exhibitors in Anaheim, California. From plant-based foods and functional beverages to sustainable packaging and wellness innovations, this show is unique and memorable on so many levels. In this episode, Lara and Chr...