Food Matters Live Podcast

For about a century we have been fortifying some of our foods. It has been seen as a powerful tool in the world of nutrition, where essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are added to foods to improve their nutritional value. It is a strategy that has the potential to address global health challenges , from vitamin deficiencies to other public health concerns. And still, there are new develop...

There is no doubt that a shift towards healthier and more sustainable diets presents enormous opportunities for the food industry. But it also throws up a whole host of challenges, many of which the sector is grappling with right now. Although more of us are seeking alternative food products, sometimes the alternatives being offered either don't quite fit the bill, or they will take a while to bec...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we focus on the role innovation in ingredients has to play in creating a more sustainable global food system. The demand for plant based and vegan ingredients is soaring globally as consumers become ever more health and environmentally conscious in their food and lifestyle choices.  Manufacturers are incorporating new ingredients into their food po...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we explore the nutritional powerhouses that are blueberries. Aside from being delicious, it is claimed blueberries pack an incredible punch when it comes to promoting our well-being. They are bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, and the potential health benefits of these small but mighty berries have been jumped on by food producers and...

Sustainability is a huge concern for the food industry, it is fair to say it has moved well beyond being a buzz word. But to what extent do sustainability, a healthy diet and affordability matter to consumers? It is an important question to explore, and one that throws up a whole host of additional questions. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Sustainable Food F...

Sustainability is at the heart of so much of the food sector, with discussions often focusing on manufacturing processes, food waste, and meat and dairy alternatives. But the most difficult sustainability challenges, and arguably the most impactful, are a step before any of that. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with CropLife Europe , we focus on agriculture. T...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we look at the economics of creating a more sustainable food system. Sustainability is front of mind for most businesses in the sector, but has the economic argument been won? Does being more sustainable have to mean reduced profits? This episode was recorded live at the Food Matters Live Sustainable Food Forum, held in London in September. This se...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of molecular farming. Also known as biofarming, it is redefining the way we produce essential proteins , pharmaceuticals, and other valuable substances. You could describe it as a blend of agriculture and biotechnology, and some say it could transform our world in incredible ways. But, is it all it is cracked up t...

When it comes to physical performance, increasing endurance is of huge concern to many athletes. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with GELITA , we take a closer look at an ingredient that is making waves in the world of sports nutrition: collagen. Although most of us will be familiar with its potential benefits to skin health, its allure extends far beyond aest...

There are few industries as innovative as the food sector, and few facing quite so many challenges. Global political turmoil, a growing population, and the climate crisis are once again pushing the food industry to adapt. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded in front of a live audience during our Sustainable Food Forum event in London in September 2023, we shine a light on th...

Gut health is of growing concern for many people, but for athletes it can be of vital importance, and there are some very specific issues. Problems in this area are common among the physically active, and their impact can be wide ranging. In recent years our understanding of gut health has grown considerably, and it appears the more we learn, the more we realise just how central it is to our overa...

How is consumer demand shaping the future of the food industry? It is a question that is almost constantly being asked by companies, entrepreneurs and staff across the world, in what is a hugely competitive market.  There is arguably no other sector that is as tuned in to what its customers want, and delivering on those wants and needs is crucial for any business to survive. But, as many of our li...

In a world full of uncertainty, a little knowledge can get you so far, but in-depth understanding can really make the difference. Consumers and the food industry itself have been through monumental change in recent years, and the effects are still being felt across the globe. Added into the mix are new emerging uncertainties. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership wi...

There is a global dietary problem that needs addressing, and it is called ‘the fibre gap’. Put simply, it is the difference between how much fibre we should be consuming (roughly 30 grams per day) and how much we are actually consuming (on average, 18 grams per day). That means the average person has a daily fibre deficit of 12 grams and the effects of that can be far-reaching. Fibre plays a cruci...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we dive deep into the critical topic of fuelling the bodies of athletes, with a particular focus on female athletes.  In previous episodes, we have emphasised the importance of achieving the correct nutritional balance, and explored the lack of research regarding the nutritional requirements of female athletes.  But now, we are taking a more in-dep...

The food landscape is undergoing huge change, with one of the main driving forces being a pursuit of more sustainable solutions. One key area of focus is reformulation - can we use different ingredients to make products that are healthy, tastey and attractive to consumers? This episode of the Food Matters Live podcast was recorded in front of a live audience during our Sustainable Food Forum event...

By now, you are probably aware of just how important the gut microbiome is.  Studies have linked it to playing a role in supporting the immune system, brain health and metabolism. Now, new research from the Universities of Nottingham Trent and Warwick has uncovered yet another potential link between the gut microbiome and our bodies’ metabolic processes.  The research explores endotoxins - bacteri...

In England, more people living with obesity will soon have access to the latest weight loss drugs following the announcement of a £40 million two-year pilot scheme. It comes after NICE, the organisation that publishes guidance on the use of new treatments, gave approval for the medical use of the appetite suppressant semaglutide , marketed as Wegovy, earlier this year. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak h...

As we age, our bodies undergo significant transformations, underscoring the increasing importance of maintaining our health. Protein, often referred to as the cornerstone of life, plays a pivotal role in this transformative journey.  Its contributions extend far and wide, from bolstering muscle strength and fortifying bone density, to assisting in the intricate dance of hormone regulation. For wom...

David Nabarro says people are the key to effecting change, and for him, that is no different in the food industry. "Some in the food industry tell me that they read the writing on the wall," he says. "We know we're going to have to change. "We're going to have to reduce our emissions and be much better at regenerating nature. "I would say that's a small proportion of those working in the food sect...

"The two communities act as if they are ships passing in the night." That is Lawrence Haddad's assessment of how those concerned with climate action and those concerned with nutrition behave towards each other. It is a situation he believes needs to change, and urgently. "Climate action, or a lack of action, really affects nutrition status a lot," he says. "What's maybe less known is that nutritio...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we explore the role of education in making the food industry more sustainable. Although it is a priority for many people, studies show sustainability is often misunderstood when it comes to food. An NFS Youth Engagement Report found that the young people they spoke to mostly had a basic understanding of ‘sustainability’ and some preferred not to th...

Over the last few years, the sale of sustainable foods has seen massive growth. Between 2015 and 2022, sales of food products marketed as sustainable grew 2.7 times faster than conventionally marketed products. However, the figures in 2023 are not looking as promising. Recent figures from the consumer intelligence company NIQ show that in the UK, the sale of chilled meat alternatives during this y...

Natalie Bennett sits in the House of Lords, the upper house of the UK Parliament. She was leader of the Green Party between 2012 and 2016, and is one of only two Green Party peers in the Lords. It is a far cry from where it all began. Natalie was born in suburban Sydney to teenage parents and was the first in her family to go to university. After gaining a degree in Agricultural Science, she went...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we take a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes. Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people. And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry. In this episode, we...