Flavor University Podcast

Hosted by McCormick Flavor Solutions

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Learn the science and creativity behind flavor. McCormick’s Flavor University® Podcast takes you behind the scenes to where taste begins. Listen as flavor professionals talk about the how, what, and why behind the flavors in food, beverage and healthcare products. From the science of taste and aroma to predicting the next trends in flavor innovation to understanding regulatory labels, and so much more. Listen in and get a taste of Flavor University! Looking to learn more? Check out our Flavor University Page: https://www.mccormickflavor.com/learn/flavor-university

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59 recent

June 9, 202636 min

Flavor University Ep. 59: A Flavorists Toolbox

What does a flavorist really do? In this episode, Flavorist Katie Beaver reveals how flavors move from concept to authentic consumer experience. Through the lens of cinnamon, she explores how terroir, sourcing, and cultural understanding shape formulation decisions. Learn how customization can go far beyond just selecting from a flavor library.In this episode:• A behind-the-scenes look at the training and craft behind the flavorist profession• Learn how regional differences in cinnamon influence taste • Understand why sharing context leads to stronger, more authentic flavor solutions

May 18, 202636 min

Flavor University Ep. 58: First in Flavor® - A Data-Led Approach to Flavor Tracking

In this episode, Talia D’Adamo, Innovation & Scale Manager II, and Tiffany Fiore, Senior Product Manager, explore First in Flavor—McCormick’s data-led approach to identifying emerging flavors poised for mainstream adoption. Tune in to discover how to:Track trend acceleration, not just appearanceValidate trends before retail saturationTurn insight into commercial actionThis episode reveals how timing—not just trend spotting—drives successful innovation.

April 14, 202657 min

Flavor University Ep. 57: McCormick 2026 Flavor Forecast®

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

March 9, 20261 hr 0 min

Flavor University Ep. 56: Celebrating Pi(e) Day: Beyond the Slice

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

February 13, 202644 min

Flavor University Ep. 55: The New Era of Fruit Flavors: From Familiar to Wild

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

February 6, 202640 min

Flavor University Ep. 54: The Flavor of Wellness: How Taste Fuels Sustainable Health Habits

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.

December 19, 202546 min

Flavor University Ep. 53: The Secret Sauce: Driving Flavor Innovation

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

December 5, 202532 min

Flavor University Ep. 52: Chasing the Gold Standard in Flavor Creation

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.

October 2, 202554 min

Flavor University Ep. 51: Hot & Spicy: The Sensory Side of Heat

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

August 29, 202534 min

Flavor University Ep. 50: Congruent Flavors

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!