Jaynelle St. Jean
Recipe and Strategy Expert Eater
22 articles on The Pie
IngredientsSweet Heat Snack Formulation: What the Swicy Trend Means for CPG Ingredient Sourcing
The swicy trend has cleared the specialty shelf. Sweet heat snack formulation is now a mainstream retail category, and CPG R&D teams are managing the full complexity that comes with that: volatile chili pepper supply chains, sweetness systems that fight back on nutrition labels, and consumers who want clean-label credentials alongside the burn.
AI & Food TechHow AI Is Reshaping the Food System — And What It Means for CPG Ingredient and Formulation Teams
If you work in R&D or supply chain at a mid-market CPG brand, you already know the pressure has changed shape. It is not one bad quarter or one disrupted supplier anymore. The volatility is structural — climate events, geopolitical shifts, and regulatory requirements arriving faster than most formulation workflows can absorb.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Cacio e Pepe from Trader Joe's
Bring the comfort of Roman cuisine to your table with this Journey Foods twist on the beloved Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe. This version highlights classic flavors while letting you adapt with Journey’s signature ingredients—making it hearty, simple, and delicious for any weeknight dinner.
Industry InsightsThe Pie: Small Town Lunches and AI Big Wigs
Hey Pies — We were invited to this this month’s AI for Good summit in Geneva, where food finally took center stage of the AI convo. Most of the summit focused on using AI to transf
Industry InsightsThe Pie: Food from the '90s
Hey Pies, Are you watching Wimbledon, reading more, cooking your favorite berry dish? We want to know! ... So, nostalgic brands are back, store brands are winning, and even food wa
Industry InsightsThe Pie: Buyer Creativity Check — SNAP vs. Luxury
Hey Pies, We’ve been making the rounds at some of the year’s biggest gatherings: Fancy Food Show, Cannes Lions, London Climate Week. The buzzwords everywhere? Creativity, collabora
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Sabra Hummus with Recipe
Sabra’s score of 65 reflects its processed oils and preservatives. A homemade version (89/100) delivers better fats, more nutrients, and brighter flavor — no additives required.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Stovetop Stuffing #DUP
Stovetop’s 58/100 score reflects its processed base and high sodium. Homemade herb stuffing (score: 83) is a fiber-filled, flavor-rich upgrade that’s worth the extra 20 minutes.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Boxed Mashed vs Scratch-made Potatoes with Recipe
Hungry Jack scores 52 due to processed flakes, additives, and artificial flavor. Homemade mashed potatoes rise to 88 with whole ingredients, better fats, and superior taste and texture.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Lunchables vs Bento Style Lunch with Recipe
With a Journey Score of 85 vs. Lunchables’ 54, the homemade bento brings real protein, fiber-rich crackers, and fewer additives — all with the same convenience.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Nutri-Grain Bars - with Recipe!
This blog compares store-bought Nutri-Grain Bars with a homemade version, focusing on ingredients, nutrition, and cost. The homemade bars come out ahead in terms of nutrition quality, ingredient simplicity, and overall Journey Foods score, offering a straightforward alternative for those looking to minimize additives and added sugar.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: DIY Italian Dressing - with Recipe!
This blog compares Olive Garden’s Signature Italian Dressing to a homemade version made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. While the store-bought dressing offers ease and familiarity, the homemade option delivers a cleaner ingredient list, better fat sources, and a significantly higher Journey Foods Nutrition Score.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Creamy Vanilla Frosting Recipe #DuncanHinesDup
This blog compares Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting with a quick homemade version. While both serve the same function, the homemade frosting offers a simpler ingredient list and better fat quality, earning a higher Journey Foods Nutrition Score without sacrificing flavor.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Instant Ramen with Recipe
Maruchan’s 48/100 reflects its processed oils, low fiber, and salt-heavy seasoning. Homemade miso-ginger ramen (85/100) is a satisfying, whole-food upgrade that turns a snack into a meal.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Swanson Chicken Broth #DUP
Swanson’s 58/100 reflects its high sodium and reliance on additives. Homemade broth earns 92/100 thanks to clean ingredients, nutrient density, and its foundational role in whole-food cooking.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: At-Home Toaster Waffles Recipe
Eggo’s 61/100 waffles don’t bring much more than nostalgia. A homemade version (Journey Score: 84) delivers better nutrition and freezer convenience, without seed oils or sugar overload.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Make Your Own Mac & Cheese - with Recipe! #KraftDup
This blog compares Kraft Mac & Cheese to a homemade version made with real cheese and milk. The boxed version is quick but heavily processed, while the DIY option offers better ingredients, richer flavor, and a Journey Foods Nutrition Score nearly double that of the original.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix #DUP
Jell-O pudding scores a 54 for relying on additives and synthetic flavors. Homemade pudding climbs to 85, thanks to whole-food ingredients, customizable options, and far better flavor.
Industry InsightsThe Pie: May Prayers and Pivots
Behind it all, AI is letting small teams scale faster than ever; policy is shifting; packaging is evolving. These signals aren’t just trends — they’re strategy cues.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Haribo Goldbears
Haribo Goldbears earned a low 39/100 for ultra-processed ingredients and high sugar. Homemade fruit juice gummies scored 79/100 — a fun, customizable treat with real fruit benefits.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Organic Granola Recipe #NaturesPathDup
Homemade granola is a clear upgrade in terms of nutrition, customization, and cost. With a Journey Score of 89 compared to Nature’s Path's 74, the DIY version brings better fats, lower sugar, and more diverse fiber — making it a more functional food for everyday energy and long-term health.
Formulation & R&DHomemade Upgrade: Yogurt & Fruit Cup Recipe
With a Journey Score of 86 versus Yoplait’s 58, the homemade yogurt bowl brings better fats, more fiber, less sugar, and actual fruit. It’s a simple, delicious upgrade that fuels your morning without spiking your afternoon.