Episode 53
A Food Scientist Processes Nova and UPFs, Red-Hot Food Dye Substitutes, What’s Next for America’s Dietary Guidelines?
Episode Description
Get the latest insights from the food science and technology community in the February 2025 episodes of the Omnivore podcast.
Food scientist Matt Teegarden offers a thoughtful take on the high-profile food classification system Nova and its characterization of ultra-processed foods. IFT’s Renee Leber delves into food color additive bans, why color reformulations can be challenging, and what manufacturers need to keep top of mind when adjusting colors in various applications. Dr. Joanne Slavin, a former member of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee, chats with Omnivore about what to expect in the latest iteration of the DGAs for 2025-2030.
Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT Membership. Connect with our diverse community and discover a world of new opportunities. Explore the benefits of membership at ift.org/membership.
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Featured Guests
-
Matt Teegarden PhD
Matt Teegarden, PhD, is a food scientist who has worked in industry and academia and has expertise in food, nutrition, and health. A past president of the IFT Student Association, he hosts Tasting Columbus, a web series that explores Central Ohio restaurants and highlights the science behind some popular dishes. He has a BS, MS, and PhD in food science and technology from The Ohio State University. -
Renee Leber Technical services manager
Renee Leber, technical services manager at the Institute of Food Technologists, has a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America and a bachelor’s in food science and technology from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining IFT, Leber worked in R&D and product development for U.S. Foods, Freshway Foods, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. -
Joanne Slavin PhD
Joanne Slavin, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and served as a member of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (jslavin@umn.edu).
Categories
-
Food Health Nutrition
-
Food Ingredients and Additives
-
Dietary Guidelines
-
Podcasts
-
Omnivore
Omnivore
IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.
Recent Podcasts
May 18, 2026
Rethinking Complete Nutrition in Frozen Foods, Plastic-Free Packaging
Podcasts
May 11, 2026
Winning Back Trust in Food Science
Podcasts
Apr 20, 2026
Food Product Scale-Up Strategies, A New Path for Chocolate Production
Renee Leber unpacks scaling food innovations from lab to plant trials, plus California Cultured CEO Alan Perlstein discusses how plant cell culture could reinvent cocoa production with sustainable, scalable solutions for future chocolate supply.
Podcasts