{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Gr\u00fcns Boom, Peak Protein & Water\u2019s Shifting Health Halo","description":"Gr\u00fcns landed a $1.2 billion acquisition less than three years after launch. Added protein still dominates shelf space \u2013 but how much runway does the trend really have left? Meanwhile, bottled water is facing growing scrutiny as its long-standing \u201chealth halo\u201d begins to crack. We unpack the headlines and trends shaping innovation across food and beverage \u2013 and what they reveal about where CPG is headed next. Show notes: 0:20: Brad Is Back. Big Green Deal. Do We Need Protein In This? On To Austin. The Plastic Problem. \u2013 BevNET and Nosh senior reporter Brad Avery joins the show as the hosts unpack Unilever\u2019s acquisition of fast-growing functional gummy brand Gr\u00fcns, and why strong repeat purchase and DTC momentum can drive outsized valuations even without broad retail distribution. From there, the conversation turns to the still-surging \u201cprotein in everything\u201d wave, with a look at new protein-forward launches spanning chips, pasta, soda, and coffee, and a candid debate over which formats feel intuitive versus engineered. The hosts also dig into how brands are factoring in the rise of GLP-1 drugs when shaping innovation pipelines. Ray thanks attendees of Taste Radio NYC Meetup, highlights the upcoming Austin meetup, and previews BevNET Live NYC 2026. Brad shares insights from his recent reporting on the bottled water category, where concerns around microplastics and packaging are beginning to chip away at its long-standing health halo \u2013 though behavior change remains early. The episode wraps with a tasting of sour innovations, from date-based candy alternatives to low-sugar gummies. Brands in this episode: Gr\u00fcns, Goli, Athletic Greens, Liquid I.V., Koia, Khloud, Purely Elizabeth, Kaizen, Protein Pints, Pop Tarts, Laird Superfoods, Crisp Power, Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop, C4, Bloom, Ballpark, Essentia, Path Water, Open Water, Icelandic Glacial, DADDL, Behave, Warheads ","author_name":"Taste Radio","author_url":"http:\/\/tasteradio.com","html":"