Will Siete Go Downhill? | #318

Heal Thy Self with Dr. G

In this episode, Dr. G dives into the recent $1.2 billion acquisition of Siete Foods by PepsiCo and what it could mean for the health-conscious consumer. Siete, known for its grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free Mexican-American-inspired products, has gained a loyal following for its commitment to allergen-friendly foods. But now that PepsiCo is taking the reins, can we be sure the quality and authenticity will remain intact?

Dr. G also reveals several health and wellness brands you may not realize were acquired by major corporations, including Annie’s, RXBAR, and Garden of Life. With these takeovers come concerns about product changes—like the introduction of GMOs, preservatives, or shifting ingredient quality.

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Show Notes:

00:00:00 - Pepsi Acquires Siete Foods for $1.2 Billion

00:00:15 - Overview of Health Food Company Acquisitions

00:00:47 - Introduction to Siete Chips and Their Allergen-Free Appeal

00:01:24 - Implications of Pepsi's Acquisition of Siete Chips

00:02:05 - Companies That Changed Products After Being Acquired

00:02:37 - Understanding Certificates of Analysis

00:03:22 - Notable Acquisitions: Annie's, Kashi, and Applegate Farms

00:04:49 - The Controversy of Burt's Bees Acquisition

00:05:05 - Garden of Life's Acquisition by Nestlé

00:09:18 - Bare Snacks Acquisition by Pepsi

00:10:16 - Ethical Concerns with Acquired Brands

00:11:03 - The Impact of Nestlé on Acquired Companies

00:13:02 - Odwalla's Decline Post-Coca Cola Acquisition

00:14:54 - Applegate Farms and Hormel's Influence

00:15:40 - Garden of Life's Shift After Nestlé Acquisition

00:16:47 - Honest Tea's Changes Under Coca Cola

00:17:20 - Other Supplement Brands Affected by Acquisitions

00:18:51 - Pharmaceutical Companies Buying Organic Brands

00:19:19 - Reasons Behind Small Companies Selling Out

00:19:42 - Overview of Company Acquisitions in Health Food

00:20:09 - The Process of Companies Buying Out Smaller Brands

00:20:32 - Ethical Considerations When Supporting Acquired Brands

00:21:11 - Personal Values and Company Ethics

00:22:06 - Different Perspectives on Supporting Acquired Brands

00:22:36 - Alternatives to Purchased Products

00:23:10 - Monitoring Ingredient Changes After Acquisition

00:24:27 - Importance of Trust in Product Quality

00:25:30 - Understanding Certificates of Analysis (COA)

00:27:25 - Interpreting Heavy Metal Levels in Products

00:29:04 - Proposition 65 and Heavy Metal Standards

00:29:57 - Conclusion and Thank You