EP105: How Flour Influences Product Development

Protein (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/high-protein-bread/) is having a serious moment in the baking world. It's showing up in everything from sandwich breads to morning muffins, and bakers are finally getting the chance to think outside the traditional flour box. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Gideon Butler-Smith, the Southeast Area Sales Manager at Lesaffre North America to talk protein. Lesaffre North America (https://bakerpedia.com/lesaffre/) is a trusted partner to bakers of all sizes, providing yeast and ingredient solutions, from clean label and organic to gluten-free, backed by nearly two centuries of fermentation expertise and a commitment to nourishing and protecting the planet. Pumping Up the Protein While they discuss protein, some topics covered include: The rise of protein in the baking industry Protein sources Flavor profile impacts Troubleshooting formulation Clean label influence FODMAP Certification Protein quality & nutrition

While baking might be an art, bakers know that it isn’t always a cakewalk. Between trends (https://bakerpedia.com/the-top-bakery-trends-for-2025/), formulation, regulations (https://bakerpedia.com/navigating-fda-deregulation-in-the-baking-industry/), and scaling up, there are plenty of challenges bakers can face when it comes to succeeding in the industry. Although it is popular to look up to others in the industry for inspiration, we should never forget that sometimes it can come from those who excel in other talents. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Aaron Golub to discuss how to deal with adversity. Aaron Golub is a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant who became the first legally blind Division I athlete to play in a game. Making the Most of Differences Some topics covered include: Shifting perspectives around challenges Making adjustments for success The importance of communication Consistency and teamwork Championing creativity and problem solving

Vanilla remains one of the most popular flavors in the baking industry, but this fruit has a much more complex history than many realize. Vanilla (https://bakerpedia.com/ingredients/vanilla/) is thought to have originated in Central and Northern America, more precisely Mexico. In the 16th century, it was introduced to Europe by Spanish conquerors. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Emmanuel Laroche (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuellaroche/) to discuss all things vanilla. Laroche is VP of Marketing & Consumer Insights at Symrise (https://www.symrise.com), creator and host of the podcast “Flavors Unknown,” and author of Conversations Behind The Kitchen Door and A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island. Savoring the Flavor Some topics covered include: The “bean” fallacy Vanilla goes global Bye-bye vanilla bee Intricacies of vanilla production Vanilla versus vanillin Functional properties of vanilla

Bakery Showcase is Canada’s biggest baking show. Hosted by the Baking Association of Canada [https://www.baking.ca] (BAC), this well-known event is the ideal spot to catch up on the latest trends and innovations in the Canadian baking industry. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by several bakery professionals to discuss bakery equipment, ingredients, and innovation solutions. Keith Ellis is the Director of Sales for Eastern Canada at Harvest Corporation (https://www.harvestbakeryequipment.com). Since 1964, Harvest Corporation has been committed to providing the food industry in North America and beyond with top-quality bakery equipment and exceptional service. Ender Ceber is the Founder and CEO of Chef Ceber, Inc. Chef Ceber (https://chefceber.com) is a premier chocolate and desserts brand created to bring traditional craftsmanship together with modern gastronomy. Spiromatic (https://www.spiromatic.com/en/) is a global leader in automated ingredient handling systems, specializing in flour storage, pneumatic conveying, dosing solutions, and sourdough systems for industrial bakeries and food manufacturers. E.B. Russell is the Senior Sales Manager at Lesaffre North America. The Lesaffre Group (https://lesaffrebaking.com) is a key global player in baking, food taste and pleasure, healthcare, and industrial biotechnology. Their family history spans over 170 years and in over 50 countries, and lives each day through our more than 11,000 employees. Mathias Weigel is the Head of International Sales at IREKS. IREKS (https://www.ireks.com/en/) is an internationally operating family company with its headquarters in Kulmbach, Germany, and customers in 90 countries worldwide. Stephen Brand is a Machine Operator at Barry Callebaut. Barry Callebaut (https://www.barry-callebaut.com/) is the world's leading maker of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products. Tina Tourangeau is the Client Development Manager, and Kate Tomic is the Business Team Director at Caldic North America. Caldic (https://www.caldic.com/en-us) powers innovation coast to coast by delivering tailored solutions and market-ready ingredients to the Life Sciences, Personal Care, and Biopharma markets. Arla Pro (https://www.arlapro.com/en/) is the dedicated food service business of the global dairy co-operative Arla Foods. Arla (https://www.arla.com) is a cooperative of dairy farmers who produce milk and dairy products for consumers worldwide. Daniel Moir is the Senior National Account Executive at Ardent Mills. Ardent Mills (https://www.ardentmills.com) is North America's leading flour supplier, producing multi-use flours, whole grains, and supported by 40+ flour mills and bakery-mix facilities. From the Show Floor While at the showcase, some topics covered include: Affordable bakery equipment Protein solutions for desserts Ingredient handling technology Fermentation Shelf-life extension Sourdough Bread mixes Chocolate products Ingredient supply Cheese ingredients for baking Cocoa replacement solutions

Choosing the right flour can make or break your bakery process. Wheat flour constitutes over 50% of bread formulas and about 25% of cake formulas, which is why controlling the quality (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/flour-quality/) of this key ingredient is essential. Through R&D and collaboration with millers, bakers can reduce costs over time while maximizing their yield and profits. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by master baker Richard Charpentier to discuss how bakers can use the right ingredients to get the most out of the research and development process. Richard Charpentier has over 35 years of extensive bakery experience in snacks and breads. Classically trained as a French baker and Certified Master Baker, he has gone on to include bakery science, grain milling, and food history in his repertoire. He is currently the CEO of Baking Innovation (https://baking-innovation.com), finding practical uses for emerging innovations and technologies. Better Ingredients for Better Margins Some topics covered include: Thermal profiling Bakery equipment considerations Advice for managing ingredient costs Selecting the right flour Leveraging AI, with a caveat The exciting future for bakers This podcast is brought to you by: Grain Millers Grain Millers is a leading manufacturer of organic and conventional whole grain ingredients focused on supplying safe and healthy ingredients that add value. Check out their gluten-free oats, fibers, wheat, barley, and rye ingredients at www.grainmillers.com!

From functional ingredients and plant-based innovations to bold global flavors, today's consumers are hungry for products that tell a story and fit their lifestyle. Savvy bakers who keep a finger on the pulse of the newest bakery trends (https://bakerpedia.com/top-trends-to-look-for-in-2026/) can pivot quickly, surprise their customers, and turn everyday baked goods into must-have indulgences. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by master baker Richard Charpentier to discuss continued and upcoming trends for the year ahead. Richard Charpentier has over 35 years of extensive bakery experience in snacks and breads. Classically trained as a French baker and Certified Master Baker, he has gone on to include bakery science, grain milling and food history in his repertoire. He is currently the CEO of Baking Innovation (https://baking-innovation.com), finding practical uses for emerging innovations and technologies. Top Trends in Baking While discuss trends for the coming year, some topics covered include: High-protein baking Gut health Artisan baking Plant-based formulations Sugar reduction Clean-label baking Sustainability Innovating with texture Gluten-free Artificial intelligence in the bakery

Gluten-free formulations come with their share of difficulties and troubleshooting. When developing gluten-free products, it’s vital to keep in mind that the lack of gluten causes structural problems in gas retention. Gluten-free baking (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/gluten-free/) requires knowledge of bakery science alongside a blend of the right ingredients for optimal texture and shelf life. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Dr. Dilek Uzunalioglu, R&D consultant and founder of Agora Food Solutions (https://agorafoodsolutions.my.canva.site/agora), specializing in food and ingredient innovation, research, development, and commercialization. With 25+ years of experience across academia and industry, she has led global food R&D programs, managed technical teams, and driven innovation for multinational corporations and startups such as Ingredion and Motif FoodWorks. The Science of Gluten-Free Baking Some topics covered include: Ingredient functions in food systems Food science vs food engineering Opportunities to improve the nutrition of gluten-free goods Considerations for Celiac disease and gluten allergies Formulating to re-create the gluten structure Enzymes for improved texture and shelf life

Wheat flour is the backbone of most baked goods, making up over half of a bread recipe and about a quarter of a cake. That’s why keeping an eye on your flour quality (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/flour-quality/) is crucial for optimal product development. The key is picking a flour that works well with your application and process in order to get the texture, flavor, and consistency you’re aiming for, each and every single time. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Dimitrios Argyriou, Managing Director at Grainair. Grainar (https://grainar.com) offers innovative solutions that help bakers improve the quality of their products. With a solid scientific background and more than 80 years of experience, they constantly explore the latest developments in biotechnology, cereal science, and industrial analytics. Talk About Flour Power Some topics covered include: The intricacies of flour milling Getting the most out of R&D Balancing experience and objective data Baking as a multifactorial process The importance of sharing knowledge

An estimated one-quarter to one-third of all food produced for human consumption worldwide is lost or wasted. As global food demand continues to rise, the challenge lies in producing more while creating less food waste (https://bakerpedia.com/baked-wasted-food-waste-commercial-baking/). In the baking industry, embracing efficient production practices, ingredient optimization, and upcycling strategies can significantly minimize waste, enhance nutritional retention, and build a more resilient, sustainable food system. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Marta Benedet, Key Account Manager at Agrain. Agrain (https://agrainproducts.com) is a food-tech company based in Denmark, specializing in the upcycling of spent grain. The company processes spent grain into aromatic and versatile flour ingredients, perfectly fit for a wide range of food products. Waste Less, Enjoy More While discussing repurposed grains, some topics covered include: Expanded ingredients range at Agrain Giving new life to spent brewer’s grains Nutritional properties of repurposed grains Improved texture in baked products Considerations for flavor profiles Upcycled ingredients for a smaller carbon footprint

Bread is more than just a staple food. It’s the cornerstone of countless meals around the world! It’s a food that humans have been enjoying for millennia, with the earliest evidence of bread (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/bread/) dating back around 30,000 years ago. Today, it remains an immensely popular food item and a hugely important market segment for modern bakers. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Aleksandra Bednarek. Aleksandra is Poland’s first certified bread sommelier (https://breadsommelier.com), who runs a bakery in California called Aleksandra’s Bakery, using her expertise in flour quality and fermentation to produce outstanding bread products. Baking Up A Passion For Bread Some topics covered include: How bread differs between Europe and North America Freshly milled flour quality The bread sommelier program Educating consumers and artisanal bakers Encouraging younger generations to become bakers Translating Trevor J. Wilson’s Open Crumb Mastery to Polish This podcast is brought to you by: Brabender This episode is brought to you by Brabender, A Brand of Anton Paar. Since 1923, Brabender has been a leading manufacturer of instruments for testing material quality and physical characteristics in all fields of research and development and production in the baking industry worldwide. Brabender is now operating as Anton Paar. To learn more, visit www.anton-paar.com