This episode marks a significant milestone for Food Rebels as host AJ Sharp takes the mic for her first-ever solo show. Temporarily moving away from the traditional guest interview format, AJ creates a "No-BS" deep dive into the industry by answering real listener questions gathered from social media and industry peers.

The show tackles the high-stakes world of "Big Food" versus "Independent Brands," addressing the "Trojan Horse" theory of brand acquisitions and the brutal reality of supermarket listings. AJ provides a masterclass in brand transparency, teaching listeners how to look past marketing buzzwords to find genuine value. From the mooted dark side of farm shops to the professional optimism, and occasional embellishments of founder stories, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to be a food founder. It is an essential listen.

In this episode of Food Rebels, AJ Sharp sits down with Charles Banks, partner and MD of The Food People, to navigate the shifting landscape of food and drink in 2026. Charles explains the "magic" of food trend prediction, how anthropologists and psychologists look beyond viral TikToks to identify deep cultural shifts.

The conversation explores the rising "snacking culture" and the "Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) movement," which is forcing both consumers and industry to demand ingredient transparency. A major highlight is the discussion on GLP-1 (weight-loss medications) and how they are reshuffling the industry toward smaller, nutrient-dense portions and "maintenance diets." From the rise of functional, non-alcoholic drinks like Kombucha to the "Single Specialism" trend in restaurants (like the perfect bowl of Ramen), this episode reveals that in 2026, food is no longer just fuel, it is a primary expression of our identity.

In this special New Year’s Eve edition of Food Rebels, host AJ Sharp brings together a roundtable of industry experts to reflect on the seismic shifts of 2025 and predict what will be on our plates in 2026. This episode explores the rapid rise of the anti-UPF movement, the premiumization of the frozen aisle, and why gut health has become the "new gym membership."

The Guest Panel: AJ Sharp (Host) is joined by Laurie Fermor (Freddie’s Farm), Mitch Lee (PACT'D & The Unfounders), Tessa Stuart (Shopper Stalker), Stephen Minall (Moving Food), and Vietnamese Chef Thuy Hoang.

Key Topics: The conversation covers the UPF tipping point and why everyday families are now reading labels for emulsifiers. We discuss the rise of "Green Umami," fermented foods, and how mycelium-based products are supporting the gut microbiome. The panel also looks forward to 2026, predicting smaller but more nutrient-dense portions, the growth of functional non-alcoholic drinks with a "buzz," and the return to seasonal British-grown produce. Finally, we share our 2025 Food Rebel nominations, highlighting industry pioneers like Barney Mauleverer and Lauren O’Donnell.