{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Startup CPG Podcast","title":"The Year of Fiber: What to Expect at Expo West 2026 with Comet","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":796,"description":"In this mini episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Hannah Ackermann and Taylor Davis from Comet to explore the fiber and gut health trends taking over CPG—and what brands should expect to see at Expo West 2026.\n\nIf last year was the year of protein, this year is shaping up to be the year of fiber. From prebiotic sodas to functional jams and bone broth, fiber is showing up in categories we never imagined.\n\nHannah and Taylor break down why consumers are suddenly obsessed with gut health, how the \"Poppy effect\" is influencing product innovation, and why people are starting to have preferred fiber types—just like they do with protein.\n\nListen in as they cover:\n\nWhy fiber is becoming the next big functional ingredient\nThe rise of prebiotic sodas and how brands like Poppy changed the game\nWhy different fibers (like resistant starch vs. inulin vs. arabinose) matter\nConsumer insights: two-thirds want fiber in baked goods and bars, not powders\nThe connection between Dry January, mocktails, and functional beverages\nWhere all that volume from alcohol reduction is really going\nEmerging categories: prebiotic jams, bone broth, and spreads\nHow to differentiate your brand with the right prebiotic fiber\nWhy arabinose-based fiber is gentle, fully soluble, and easy to formulate with\nWhere to find Comet at Expo West (booth N1746 in Hot Products!)\n\nWhether you're formulating a new product or just want to stay ahead of CPG trends, this episode will help you understand why fiber is everywhere—and how to use it strategically in your brand.\n\nComet will be at Expo West booth N1746 with samples of Be Pop, a sparkling prebiotic beverage made with natural honey and arabinose fiber. Stop by to try it and connect with their applications team.\nEpisode links:\n\nWant to learn more? Visit comet-bio.com\n\n\nLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/comet-bio/ \n\nDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/pMuUaMpWaAi3tfCEgC2OkLBVzokuLjLsIzwDIbGFqi4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMTFl/MTgxNTNlZTAwZjU1/ZmNmNWM1ZjkwMDg5/NTU4MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}