The Behind The Flavor’s Podcast

Discover a milestone installment of Behind the Flavor Podcast featuring host Michael Schubert in conversation with his brother, Doug Schubert, Director of Operations and Procurement at Beck Flavors. This unique discussion explores firsthand perspectives on scaling an organization, offering practical guidance for businesses considering facility growth or operational enlargement. Doug shares real-world lessons drawn from years of experience supporting Beck’s evolution, highlighting essential strategies that drive successful transitions. Throughout this conversation, several critical focus areas are explored, including: • Strategic preparation • Regulatory approval navigation • Process development implementation • Team structure cultivation

The THC/CBD beverage category is experiencing accelerated growth, driven by the continued shift toward low- and no-alcohol consumption. Developing successful cannabis-infused beverages requires a nuanced understanding of both flavor science and functional formulation.   In this episode, Beck Flavors’ Senior Applications Manager & Technical Sales expert, Adam Berge, explores the critical elements of THC beverage development—from emulsion technology and cannabinoid delivery systems to advanced sweetness modulation and bitterness masking strategies. He breaks down how these components interact to optimize stability, bioavailability, and sensory performance, offering a comprehensive look at the science behind creating balanced, consumer-ready cannabis beverages.

Get ready for a brew-tiful deep dive in one of our most anticipated episodes yet!   In this coffee-focused installment of Behind the Flavor, our resident coffee and tea experts — National Sales Director Carrie Cubberley and Director of New Business Development Sara Borusiewich — spill the beans on everything happening in the world of coffee today. From the challenges shaping the market after 2025 to practical guidance on how to successfully commercialize your next coffee product, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.   Carrie and Sara also break down how a flavor company can elevate coffee formulations — from tackling bitterness and enhancing sweetness to optimizing usage rates for both performance and cost efficiency. And of course, they serve up a fresh look at emerging trends, highlighting the flavors, formats, and consumer preferences set to define the upcoming Spring and Summer coffee season.   Whether you’re developing your next ready-to-drink launch, exploring new flavor directions, or simply looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode delivers the perfect blend of strategy, innovation, and inspiration.

Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into our 2026 Flavors of the Year. In this episode of Behind the Flavor, we explore the trends, inspirations, and consumer insights shaping what’s next in taste—from emerging global influences to comfort-driven favorites with a modern twist. Join us as we break down why these flavors matter and how they’ll show up across beverages, food, and beyond.

Step inside the Beck Lab with Flavor Technologist Hunter Rohlf and Flavor Scientist Nick Viriyasiri as they unveil the intricate science—and artistry—behind creating flavors from the ground up. In this episode, they share what it takes to become a certified flavorist, a rigorous seven-year journey that transforms compounding technicians into true creators of taste. From Dubai Chocolate to Salted Watermelon, Nick and Hunter explore how chemistry, sensory analysis, and creativity combine to shape flavors across a wide range of applications—from coffee and confections to beverages and frozen desserts. Discover how solubility, formulation, and molecular interactions define whether a flavor shines in oil- or water-based systems and gain an insider’s look at the innovation driving the next generation of flavor creation.

Food safety and quality are the backbone of every successful production facility. In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck’s Regulatory Specialist and Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager pull back the curtain on the meticulous steps that ensure every flavor meets the highest standards. From raw ingredient sourcing to final product release, they break down the critical checkpoints, regulations, and best practices that keep Beck Flavors’ creations both safe and exceptional in quality.   Join us, as Dan and Tracie cover these topics: What to look for in finding approved vendors How to execute a successful SQF process Setting up a GFSI plan How to prepare for audits and food safety SOPs Identifying Critical Control Points (CCP)

We are honored to have the Wizard himself, St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Famer – Ozzie Smith – in the Beck studios to share his story about his BackFlip cocktail line of beverages from ideation to the shelves. Ozzie describes the challenges of the process as well as the rewards.   Plus, we couldn’t have one of the greatest Cardinals of all time and not talk baseball. Ozzie tells the story behind his iconic backflip and some of his fondest memories of playing in St. Louis.

In this first customer podcast, we’re joined by Norm Snyder, CEO of Reed’s Ginger Ale. Norm takes you behind the scenes on what goes into making the best ginger ale on the market. Plus, he explains Reed’s approach to innovation and new product development and why it’s important to have strong partnerships along the way.

In this episode of Behind the Flavor, Beck Flavorist Julia Pollard offers an insightful exploration of flavor classifications, including artificial, natural & artificial, natural WONF (with other natural flavors), and organic. She also delves into the various production methods—from washes to extracts—and outlines the key regulatory requirements necessary for TTB approval.

Beck's Senior Applications Manager & Technical Sales, Adam Berge, takes you Behind the Formulation discussing what goes into making new beverage formulations. If you have an idea for an energy drink, THC/CBD seltzer, soda, or canned cocktail, Adam can help take you from ideation to product shelves.

Beck's Principal Flavor Chemist reminisces about early days of flavored coffee, some of his favorite outlandish projects he's worked on and what went into creating those unique flavors, as well as his rock band Bonedaddy!

In Episode 2, Beck's Certified Principal Flavor Chemist Kevin Berdak takes an in-depth look at the history of vanilla, different types and folds, and labeling requirements.

In our debut episode we have Megan Samson, our Sensory & Analytical Scientist, discussing all things sensory. She talks about what goes into product testing, different methods, and other sensory capabilities there are to further assist product development.