3 Squares: Dishing On the Food Industry

Is plant-based food getting back to its roots? As consumer preferences evolve, food brands are rethinking everything from product innovation and packaging claims to retail strategy. And for Wholly Veggie! the focus is simple: Make eating more vegetables convenient, tasty and fun. Tune in for the Fri., Oct. 30, edition of 3Squares Live! as Wholly Veggie! co-founders John Bonnell and David Gaucher share lessons learned navigating the changing plant-based market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New consumer data suggests health, wellness and sustainability are becoming increasingly connected, even when consumers don’t use words like “climate,” “regenerative” or “biodiversity.” From protein and nutrient density to changing shopping habits and the growing influence of GLP-1s, personal priorities may be driving broader impacts in unexpected ways. NielsenIQ’s Sherry Frey joins 3Squares Live! to unpack the latest consumer trends and explore what they could mean for the future of food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do big companies struggle to innovate – even when they have plenty of great ideas? In the August edition of 3Squares Live!, Charlie Arnot, Susan Schwallie and Kevin Ryan dig into the organizational roadblocks that can derail innovation. From a lack of focus and momentum to the “dilution effect” that can water down a promising idea, the trio explores why innovation can get stuck – and what organizations can do differently.Plus, Kevin puts Charlie and Susan to the test with a state fair-themed quiz featuring corny dogs, butter sculptures, fried dough, Disney churros and more. Grab a seat at the table for a conversation about focus, momentum and making good ideas happen – with a little fair food fun on the side. Tune in for the August edition of 3Squares Live! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the July 2026 edition of 3Squares Live! Charlie, Susan and Kevin explore how inflation, technology and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the supermarket experience. From auto-replenishment and click-and-collect to the growing importance of fresh, sensory shopping, the trio examines why the traditional grocery store may be on the cusp of its next major evolution. Register for 3Squares at foodintegrity.org for a monthly serving of food industry insights! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From college classrooms to Whole Foods shelves! On the June edition of CFI’s 3Squares Live! hear from Eli and Grace, the founders of Absurd Snacks. They share how a senior year project became a thriving snack business, complete with sleepless nights, cross-country supply runs, product pivots – and plenty of persistence! Join us for a conversation about food innovation, consumer trends, allergen-friendly foods and the realities of building a food brand from the ground up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do food prices feel higher than inflation reports suggest? In this episode of CFI’s 3Squares Live! economist Ricky Volpe breaks down the real drivers of food inflation, from labor shortages and energy costs to supply chain pressures. Listen in for a data-driven look at what’s behind the prices you see at the grocery store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do condiments have in common with cereal? More than you’d expect.In this episode of 3Squares Live! from The Center for Food Integrity, the conversation explores how changing lifestyles are reshaping the way we eat and why condiments are becoming a major force in the food system. From convenience and flavor to private label, digital retail and brand influence, the discussion looks at what’s driving this shift and what it means for the future of food. Plus, grow your gardening knowledge with Kevin's food quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does trust look like in a world of AI, influencers and information overload?In this month’s 3Squares Live, we dig into how consumer expectations around food and agriculture are evolving, from ingredient transparency and sourcing to the rise of personalized digital discovery.Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ joins us to explore what’s driving these shifts, how trust is being redefined across generations and why more information doesn’t always mean more clarity.Listen in as Sherry shares insights on where trust is headed and what it means for food and ag leaders today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie, Susan and Kevin sit down with John “JP” Parrish, Chief Commercial Officer of Oats Overnight, on the Friday, Feb. 27, edition of 3Squares Live! Hear how one man’s dream to make breakfast better has caught the attention of more than 2.4 million customers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do dietary guidelines still influence how people eat or have influencers replaced them? That’s one of the big questions tackled in the January 2026 edition of 3Squares Live! Join hosts Charlie Arnot, Kevin Ryan and Susan Schwallie as they welcome Jess Steier, CEO and founder of Unbiased Science. She discusses the new food pyramid and its impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.