Episode 36: Food Systems with Brian Chau, Founder of Chau Time

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 an eye on infrastructure and integrity, he shares how to build not just great products, but great processes.Key themes we explored:The “three rounds” method: structured R&D that flexes for real-world constraints.Scaling with intention: insights from launching 500+ SKUs across 13+ categories.Biodiversity & specialty crops: why valorization is the future.Building bridges from Bay Area tech to Midwestern manufacturing hubs.Plus: Brian’s top Chicago eats, and a powerful question for our next guest to chew on.Heading to IFT FIRST in Chicago July 13–17? So is Brian. Connect with him there!Resources: Chau Time: www.chau-time.com