# R&D RADIO: Brian Chau from Chau Time

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2026-04-01
- Length: 26m
- Episode: 284
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-04-01-r-d-radio-brian-chau-from-chau-time
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a9759f92

## Summary

Brian Chau, founder of Chau Time, an R&D operations consulting firm, explains his four-phase process for taking food products from concept to commercialization. He details the concept of 'fiber stacking' used in functional chocolates like Dirty Gut and Femme Health, and discusses navigating the global cacao supply crisis by sourcing directly from heirloom farmers. Chau argues that fiber will eventually surpass protein as the dominant functional ingredient trend due to its multifunctional benefits in gut health and product formulation.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Brian Chau and Chau Time's Scope
2. The Four-Phase R&D Process and MVP Development
3. Case Study: Dirty Gut and Fiber Stacking
4. Case Study: Femme Health and Lactoferrin
5. Navigating the Cacao Supply Crisis
6. Setting Parameters and Managing Trade-offs
7. Startups vs. Large Companies: Prioritizing Cost vs. Flavor
8. Future Trends: Fiber, Bioactives, and Mushrooms

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Chau Time (company)
- Dirty Gut (product)
- Femme Health (product)
- David Protein (company)
- Barry Callebaut (company)
- Helena (company)

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## Citing this page

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