462: Abi Aspen Glencross: 'My career in food'
We are well and truly into exam results season in many parts of the world and so we are having a bit of a focus on careers (https://foodmatterslive.com/career-resources/) . In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we welcome the brilliant Abi Aspen Glencross to the podcast. Abi is Co-Founder of FoodSquared (https://www.foodsquared.earth/) , which makes plant-based shellfish. Her pre...
28m Aug 17, 2023
28m
461: Best bits: The big interviews
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. This episode f...
31m Aug 14, 2023
31m
460: The £3.2bn food waste challenge facing the food industry
Each year, food waste costs the industry £3.2 billion. That’s according to WRAP, which found that 1.1 million tonnes of it comes from food services and hospitality. But businesses are often unsure of how to tackle the issue, so the cycle of waste continues. In 2019, WRAP launched Guardians of Grub, a campaign that aims to empower professionals from across the hospitality and food service sec...
30m Aug 07, 2023
30m
459: Best bits: The three priorities? Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition
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. This episode f...
34m Aug 03, 2023
34m
458: Cultivated meat: World watches after American approval
Cultivated meat is something many of us are yet to experience. But for US consumers, it will soon become a reality. In June this year (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/us-approves-the-sale-of-upside-foods-and-good-meats-cultivated-meat/) , the Department of Agriculture approved the sale of lab grown meat, allowing two Californian companies to offer “cultivated chicken” to US consumers. Thi...
40m Jul 31, 2023
40m
457: Best bits: Meet the food innovators
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. This episode f...
36m Jul 27, 2023
36m
456: The challenge of creating a circular food system
Waste is a huge concern for the food industry. According to a 2022 UN report, 17% of global food production is wasted. And it will continue to be if the industry continues as it is. Recognising this, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is leading the new Big Food Redesign Challenge with the aim of bringing together producers, suppliers and retailers in embracing a circular food system. The challe...
33m Jul 24, 2023
33m
455: Nutrition, Crohn's and Colitis
Crohn's disease and colitis are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and they affect over 500,000 people in the UK. Characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, IBD can cause a whole range of health complications and can have a profound impact on a person's life. Although there is no cure, there are ways of managing the symptoms, including through die...
47m Jul 21, 2023
47m
454: Exploring the link between nutrition and Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain, but what causes that loss is unclear. Parkinson’s is fundamentally a condition that affects the brain but there is growing evidence that the gut may have a role to play. The idea has...
31m Jul 19, 2023
31m
453: Italy's cultivated meat ban - permanent or just ciao for now?
In March 2023, Italy's minister of agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/cultured-meat-is-a-veritable-suicide-for-a-country-like-ours-says-italy-minister-of-agriculture-francesco-lollobrigida/) , announced that the country will be the first to ban lab-grown foods, including the production and commercialisation of cultivated meat. The draft bill (https://foodm...
38m Jul 17, 2023
38m
452: When will food prices start to fall?
Food inflation is a huge concern across the world. Over the course of 2022, food prices were on average 14.3% higher than the year before. In the UK, things are looking a little worse than average. The Office for National Statistics found that in the 12 months leading up to March 2023, food prices rose 19.2%. The thing is, the World Bank is reporting that, globally, wholesale prices are sta...
44m Jul 14, 2023
44m
451: The need for more research into nutrition in women's sport
Nutritional studies are vital to the world of sports. The right nutrients can optimise an athlete’s performance, reduce their risk of injury and help them get the most out of training. But traditionally, research on nutrition for female athletes has been lacking. Despite their incredible achievements and contributions to sports, a review from the University of Chester suggests just 6% of spo...
27m Jul 12, 2023
27m
450: A measure of success? New initiative to standardise emissions reporting
The measuring and reporting of carbon emissions by companies in the food industry is not uncommon. It helps businesses understand where their environmental impacts lie, where they need to reduce emissions most, and helps track their progress towards sustainability. The problem is, they do not all measure their carbon footprint in the same way. That leads to inconsistencies and can make it di...
20m Jul 10, 2023
20m
449: The truth about metabolism - and how to boost it
“I’m putting on weight because my metabolism is slowing down.” It is something many of us hear, or maybe even say ourselves, fairly regularly. Or the contrary: “So-and-so can eat what they like because they have a fast metabolism.” The truth is, for many, we might have a vague idea of what our metabolism is, but do we really understand it? Beyond these casual remarks, do we truly grasp the ...
41m Jul 07, 2023
41m
448: Can you eat your way to healthy skin?
The link between nutrition and our skin is complex. Various claims have been made and new products are constantly being developed. Yet a review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that the data on the link is not well supported and that this often leaves medical professionals and patients confused and uncertain. Recognising that diet (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/the-no-fad-d...
26m Jul 05, 2023
26m
447: The innovation hubs designed to make us eat better
Six new Diet and Health Innovation Hubs are starting work in the UK to overcome the challenges of producing and getting us all to consume healthier, more nutritious food. They form part of a group called the Diet and Health Open Innovation Club (https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/diet-and-health-open-innovation-research-club-innovation-hubs/) . £15m worth of funding has been made available by t...
43m Jul 03, 2023
43m
446: "I lived a double life" - the battle faced by many LGBTQ+ farmers
Pushing for better diversity and inclusion is important in every industry. A 2018 report from the charity Stonewall found that, due to their sexuality, 18% of the UK’s LGBTQ+ workers had been negatively targeted by colleagues. And the agricultural industry is no different. In fact, it can come with a whole lot of its own specific challenges. Farming can be a lonely, high-pressure business. T...
21m Jun 30, 2023
21m
445: Could mycoforestry help feed the world and save the planet?
Deforestation, soil health and biodiversity are all major concerns in the agricultural industry. A recent United Nations report claims an estimated 80% of global deforestation is down to agricultural practices, as well as being the leading cause of habitat destruction. But does farming always have to lead to deforestation? Can crops and trees not only co-exist, but possibly thrive together? ...
24m Jun 28, 2023
24m
444: Why are eating disorders still rising in girls?
Why have, for many years, eating disorders disproportionately affected girls? In a previous episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we focused on how eating disorders affect boys and men (https://foodmatterslive.com/podcast/we-need-to-talk-about-eating-disorders-in-men-and-boys/) . For boys and men, it is a relatively new topic of discussion, even if the issue has been around for some time....
47m Jun 26, 2023
47m
443: EcoTrophelia - meet the future stars of the food industry
In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we are looking to the future. Specifically, at the food innovators who may well be shaping the industry for years to come. EcoTrophelia UK is a national competition where students design eco-innovative food products. The winners go on to compete in a European final and, as well as receiving a cash prize, some of the entrants could see their p...
35m Jun 23, 2023
35m
442: Are food systems now central to the climate change conversation?
Last November, the eyes of the world were on Sharm el-Sheik as Egypt hosted COP27, the UN Climate Change Conference. The host country was rallying other nations to gear up their climate action, hoping to persuade politicians around the globe to take us in a direction which avoids climate catastrophe. COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 was criticised in some quarters for failing to put food systems at t...
42m Jun 21, 2023
42m
441: Pip & Nut Founder: 'Entrepreneurs need to be hungry to learn'
Pippa Murray is a visionary entrepreneur, a trailblazer in the world of nut butter, and the founder of the acclaimed brand Pip & Nut. Founded in 2013, it saw incredible success from the very beginning. Just a couple years in, her products were winning awards and were launched in Sainsbury's and Selfridges. It has been B Corp Certified since 2019 and is now the fastest growing nut butter bran...
30m Jun 19, 2023
30m
440: From Paris to the local park - a potted history of picnics
The picnic is a pastime loved by many. They bring people together, connect us with nature and make mealtime a little more exciting. But the evolution of the picnic is a fascinating one and there is a rich history behind this outdoor feast. From 18th century banquets to modern-day gatherings in the park, the picnic has evolved over time, reflecting changes in social norms and everyday life. F...
33m Jun 16, 2023
33m
439: Is net zero really achievable for the food and drink industry?
Climate change is the great challenge of our time (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/its-sickening-its-unbelievable-jonathon-porritt-fires-shots/) – a problem so big, that tackling it requires co-operation on a scale we have never seen before. Our reliance on fossil fuels means that most aspects of our lives as individuals, and the economies we rely on, contribute to rising temperatures. An...
38m Jun 14, 2023
38m
438: Exploring the role of nutrition and antioxidants
As more of us look to improve our health and wellbeing, antioxidants have piqued the interest of some in the food and drinks industry. There is plenty of evidence that antioxidants are vital in protecting our cells from harm, but how does that link to our diets? How does what we eat correlate with the number and type of antioxidants in our bodies? And what about supplements? What role can th...
24m Jun 12, 2023
24m
437: A drop of faith - religion's influence on alcohol
In this episode we explore the links between alcohol (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/the-history-rise-of-low-no-alcohol-drinks-clubs/) and religion. The consumption of alcohol is central to some of the world’s most popular religions, and for centuries it has been an important part of religious and spiritual rituals. The question is – why? This relationship between religion and alcohol h...
33m Jun 09, 2023
33m
436: Marginal gains – the growing role of nutrition in eSports
Over the last few years, the world of eSports has exploded in popularity. By 2024, its global audience on platforms like YouTube and Twitch is expected to reach nearly 600 million people. That is a huge increase on the roughly 400 million recorded in 2019. Yet despite the growing recognition of gaming as a serious sport, there remains a significant gap in the research around the role of nutr...
26m Jun 07, 2023
26m
435: The heartbreaking story that inspires Harriet Lamb
What is it that drives Harriet Lamb, the woman behind the Fairtrade movement and current CEO of WRAP (https://wrap.org.uk/) ? It is the first question we ask in this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, and the answer is a chastening one. "I was researching why bananas are so cheap in our shops and I went to Costa Rica," she says. "I was met by Carlos, who drives me for miles through pla...
36m Jun 05, 2023
36m
434: The tumultuous history of British cheese
Britain is a nation of cheese lovers. In 2022 a Mintel report showed a third of us ate it two-to-three times a week. And British cheese is booming. The British Cheese Board says we now produce more than 700 varieties. But it was not always thus… In fact the history of British cheese is a turbulent one, with peaks and troughs throughout the ages. Things got so bad in the post-War period that...
1hr 4m Jun 02, 2023
1hr 4m
433: "Sustainability does not mean sacrifice, it can mean a better life"
When it comes to sustainability (https://foodmatterslive.com/theme/sustainability/) , academic research is at the heart of moving ideas forward, creating innovation and generating effective policy. Seeking to maximise the positive impact of the research in this area, in 2022 the University of Surrey launched the Institute for Sustainability (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/institute-sustainability/ab...
36m May 31, 2023
36m
432: We need to talk about eating disorders in men and boys
Eating disorders are a growing problem in the Western world and failure to treat them properly can lead to devastating outcomes. In England, the National Health Service says hospital admissions have risen by more than 80 per cent in the last five years. The increase is particularly stark among boys and young men, with a 128 per cent rise in that time. Various studies show that males account ...
53m May 30, 2023
53m
431: Childhood eating habits - and how to change them
It is probably a universal concern for parents: Is my child eating the right food to support their physical and mental development? But in between dealing with everyday life and cooking foods your child actually likes, meeting their nutritional needs can be a challenge. And other factors like the cost of living crisis only add to the stress. A recent study in the UK suggests a fifth of paren...
37m May 26, 2023
37m
430: The history of vegetarianism - from persecution to popularity
Vegetarianism, in Western cultures at least, is on the rise. More people are choosing not to eat meat, although globally it is a much more opaque picture. There is no doubt that in the West, adopting a vegetarian diet has been one of the top trends for the food industry to consider in recent years. But the history of vegetarianism is anything but recent. It goes all the way back to new idea...
44m May 24, 2023
44m
429: Paul Lindley - from Ella's Kitchen to tackling childhood obesity
Paul Lindley OBE is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and philanthropist whose career has been one of innovation and social responsibility. In 2006, he founded the organic children’s food brand Ella's Kitchen which has seen phenomenal success. In the UK, it is the largest baby food business, amongst the 10 fastest growing private companies, and was one of the first certified B Cor...
47m May 22, 2023
47m
428: Honey: Are we overlooking the bees' needs?
We could probably survive in a world without bees, but it would be a poorer one. It is nothing new to say that bees play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems. In a world without bees, not only would we have to get by without their delicious honey (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/is-honey-vegan-a-guide-to-ethics-practices-and-alternatives/) , many of the food stuffs we currently enjoy w...
44m May 19, 2023
44m
427: Why food education matters more now than ever before
Knowing where food comes from may not seem essential to some. Why know how to grow a courgette when you can simply buy one at the supermarket? But is that attitude sustainable in a world with rising costs (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/government-launches-investigation-uk-food-price-inflation/) , rising temperatures, and rising global insecurity? A recent study suggests our knowledge a...
40m May 17, 2023
40m
426: Deep dive: How to overcome the difficulties in creating plant-based cheese and dairy
Plant-based dairy (https://www.avebe.com/markets/food/plant-based-dairy/) is, perhaps, the longest-running success story of the plant-based movement. In parts of the world, people have been drinking milk alternatives for centuries, whilst margarine has widely been made without the use of animal products since the end of the Second World War. But there is no doubt that the dairy-free trend has...
24m May 15, 2023
24m
425: Spotlight: World Hunger Day
Across the world, hunger is a daily reality for far too many people. Around 2.4 billion people lack access to sufficient nutrition, which is almost a third of the global population. It is often passed through generations, making the vicious cycle of hunger hard to tackle. And factors like poverty, conflict and climate change only exacerbate the problem. Each year, World Hunger Day (https://...
30m May 12, 2023
30m
424: The story behind Denmark's £1bn plant-based revolution
Denmark is a key player in the global food system, from meat and dairy exports to beer production, the label “Made in Denmark” means a lot. And now, the country is turning much of its attention to plant-based in a major way. Over the last couple of years, the Danish government has set aside well over £1bn to support the production of plant-based food and a ‘green transformation’ of the agricu...
39m May 10, 2023
39m
423: Interview: Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser on gene-edited crops
In March this year, the UK Government passed a new law (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/gene-editing-act-passed-into-england-law/) allowing gene-edited food to be developed commercially in England. It is a controversial subject and one which has its supporters and its detractors. Those in favour say it will improve food security, making it easier to develop hardier crops that will help us...
29m May 09, 2023
29m
422: How King Charles "moved the dial" on sustainable farming
The coronation of King Charles the Third is upon us. But away from the street parties and the pomp at Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, we are going to focus on the new King’s impact on agriculture. As Prince of Wales, Charles was a long-time advocate for sustainable agriculture (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/5-fascinating-facts-about-soil-and-the-root-microbiome-featuring-george...
36m May 05, 2023
36m
421: Can processed food affect your mental health?
In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we investigate the potential link between mental health and ultra-processed foods. The term ‘processed food’ encompasses more than you might think. From grinding wheat to cooking an egg, processed just means altering a food in some way during preparation. Ultra-processed foods are a bit different, usually altered beyond recognition and with pl...
37m May 03, 2023
37m
420: African Swine Fever - how worried should we be?
African Swine Fever is an incurable disease that is currently spreading between pig populations in Africa, Asia and Europe. It affects domestic pigs and wild boar, and has a mortality rate between 95% and 100%. There is no risk to human health, but the World Organisation for Animal Health says the disease is the biggest threat to commercial pig production the industry has ever seen (https://w...
36m May 02, 2023
36m
419: Turmeric - what does the science say about 'the Golden Goddess'?
There are probably few spices that have been written about as much as turmeric. It is a fantastic thing to behold, the colour alone, a rich yellow or deep orange, makes it stand out from the crowd. Half of the world's turmeric is consumed in India (https://foodmatterslive.com/article/cargill-opens-its-first-innovation-centre-to-india/) where it is often referred to as "the golden goddess". I...
34m Apr 28, 2023
34m
418: Allergen awareness - innovation and building trust
With Allergen Awareness Week in full swing, the Food Matters Live podcast, in partnership with Dutch Spices (https://dutchspices.nl/en_US/page/2851/assortiment/) , is focussing on allergen-free food. Food allergies and intolerances affect millions of people worldwide. In Europe alone, more than 17 million people suffer with them. They may find themselves avoiding eating out, missing meals wit...
18m Apr 26, 2023
18m
417: The rhizosphere - the mysterious world crucial to the future of food
There is a bewildering world beneath our feet that is both teeming with life and crucial to the global food system. It is a narrow, constantly moving, ever evolving, region within the soil known as the rhizosphere and it is vital to the health of crops and the land itself. A healthy rhizosphere is filled with a diverse range of microorganisms (https://foodmatterslive.com/podcast/biodiversity-...
43m Apr 24, 2023
43m
416: Microplastics - a very small big problem
Microplastics; tiny pieces of plastic usually less than 5mm in length, are a growing concern in the food industry. They come from a variety of sources, and the more research that is done, the more it seems they are making their way into every corner of the globe. Microplastics have been found in our oceans, our farmland, and our woodlands. They are not only polluting the environment, they ar...
26m Apr 21, 2023
26m
414: Does front-of-pack labelling actually work?
How much does front-of-pack information affect the food choices we make? When we shop, many of us have our health in mind, but it can be a challenge to work out which products are genuinely good for us. Nutritional labelling is supposed to help us along the way, but how effective is it? Since the introduction of the traffic light system in the UK, obesity numbers have actually risen (https:/...
47m Apr 19, 2023
47m
415: Deep dive: Potato, could this be the future of plant-based meat?
As more and more of us turn to a plant-based diet, the challenges the sector faces continue to come into sharper focus. One of the biggest, is recreating the appearance, texture, flavour and mouthfeel of meat products. On the Food Matters Live podcast, we have often talked to companies investing heavily in Research and Development to try to address these complex challenges. In this episode, ...
26m Apr 17, 2023
26m
413: Why there's still more to learn about diet and ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. It is estimated that globally, around 5% of children and 3% of adults have it. There is no cure for ADHD, although there are some medications to help manage the condition. There is also growing evidence that nutrition may have a role to play. The question is: How much can what we eat and drink...
32m Apr 14, 2023
32m