Were they flops – or just ahead of their time?

In this episode, the hosts dig into one of the food and beverage industry's most intriguing debates: whether discontinued products failed because they were poorly conceived, or because the market simply wasn't ready. From drinkable soups and early functional shots to better-for-you snacks and non-alcoholic cocktail concepts, they revisit ideas that may have been too forward-thinking for their moment.

The conversation expands into how today's shifting trends, like functional ingredients and alcohol-free innovation, could give these once-shelved products a second chance at success, where timing, not taste, may have been the real barrier.

Show notes:

0:20: A Week Away. Real Chocolate Debate. Never Had A Shot/Ahead Of Its Time. Chips & I.V. – Ray gives a final call to register for Taste Radio's NYC meetup. Melissa highlights The Hershey Company's plan to return all Reese's and Hershey's products to classic milk and dark chocolate recipes by 2027, sparking a discussion about whether a shift back to "real" ingredients could reshape consumer expectations and premium chocolate demand. The hosts then explore discontinued products, debating whether they failed due to poor execution or were simply ahead of their time, including drinkable soup, better-for-you fruit snacks, non-alcoholic cocktails, and functional shots. They wrap with notable new products, including refreshed pita chip branding, a non-alcoholic "brew," and a quirky collaboration between Grillo's Pickles and Liquid I.V.

Brands in this episode: Hershey, Reese's, Culture Pop, Feastables, Nantucket Nectars, Terranean, Just Ice Tea, Honest Tea, Poland Spring, Liquid IV, Grillo's, Fly By Jing, Fishwife, Justin's, Butterfinger, Tony's Chocolonely, Eat the Change, Welch's, Proposition Cocktail Company, Taki Mai, Spacho, Ahhmigo, Karma, Activate, Mello, Coca-Cola, GoodBelly, Cheribundi, Rhinestone, Poland Spring, Daily Crunch, Fly by Jing, Fishwife, Evergreen, V8, Superfoodio

Celebrity might open the door, but execution is what blows it wide open – and Khloud is proving it.

Co-founded by Khloé Kardashian, the fast-growing functional snack brand has raced from launch to 29,000 doors in just months, secured nationwide placement in Starbucks, and expanded beyond its flagship protein popcorn with a new line of protein chips.

But Khloud's momentum isn't just about star power.

In this episode, co-founder and CEO Jeff Rubenstein – a seasoned CPG operator with leadership experience at Vita Coco and Poppi – shares candid lessons on execution, early pricing missteps, and why celebrity alone doesn't build a lasting brand. He also breaks down how balancing mass visibility with grassroots community-building is key to long-term success.Show notes:

0:20: Jeff Rubenstein, Co-Founder & CEO, Khloud – Jeff discusses his entrepreneurial journey from Coca-Cola to building multiple successful brands and now leading Khloud. He explains Khloud's focus on "female, fun, functionality, and flavor," positioning its products as stylish, better-for-you snacks that stand apart from traditionally male-oriented functional products. Jeff emphasizes that Khloud's success goes beyond celebrity backing and shares key lessons from scaling quickly, including operational challenges like supply shortages, the importance of investing early in the right manufacturing and operations partners, over-promoting and underestimating demand. He expects Khloud to evolve from a product-driven company into a brand-driven one, aiming to create emotional connections with consumers.

Brands in this episode: Khloud, Vita Coco, Coca-Cola, Poppi, Doritos, Alani Nu, Quest, Pringles, Lays, Fritos

Deals aren't slowing – they're stacking up. What explains five strategic acquisitions in under two weeks?

The hosts break down the latest wave of CPG deals, including HOP WTR's sale to Constellation Brands and So Good So You's acquisition by a private investment group – just two of several recent moves. They explore what's fueling continued buyer activity and why non-alcoholic, functional, and better-for-you beverage brands remain especially attractive targets.

Show notes:

0:20: Meet NYC. Good Hops, Good Investment. Pints Park. Frozen Dollars. Yoo Hoo! Yaza! – The hosts preview Taste Radio's upcoming NYC Meetup on April 16 and remind listeners that only registered attendees can join. They also unpack recent acquisitions of hop-infused beverage brand HOP WTR and wellness shot and energy drink company So Good So You, adding to a growing wave of CPG deals. The conversation explores rising demand for non-alcoholic, low-sugar, and functional beverages, along with the execution, focus, and timing required to build a successful brand. They also highlight Protein Pints' entry into a sports stadium as a case study in building awareness – from concessions to grocery shelves – and wrap with their product picks of the week, featuring indulgent coconut water, granola, globally inspired dips, and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Brands in this episode: Huel, Monaco Cocktails, Dirty Shirley, HOP WTR, So Good So You, Hoplark, Spindrift, Athletic Brewing, Lucky Saint, Vive Organic, Kor, Suja, Sol-ti, Protein Pints, Hey!Hunger, Mason Dixie Foods, Zico, 100 Coconuts, Harmless Harvest, Yoo-Hoo, Harney & Sons, Good Mood, Culture Pop, Yaza, Cedar's, Spritz Society, Stellar Granola, Medase