Emily Vencat is a food innovation leader, journalist, and wellness advocate with nearly two decades at the forefront of nutritional product development — bringing scientific rigour and genuine passion to every aspect of healthy living.
Emily Vencat's path to becoming one of the food industry's foremost innovation leaders began with a Barnard College, Columbia University education in English & Philosophy and an Oxford postgraduate foundation — a grounding in critical thinking that has shaped everything she does.
Before entering the food world, Emily built an acclaimed career in journalism — as a London-based Correspondent for Newsweek covering global business trends, and as a Business Writer for The Associated Press during the 2008 global financial crisis. That discipline of research, fact-checking, and storytelling now infuses the way she approaches food science and product development.
Since joining YouBar in 2006 — first as Director of New Business Development, then as Chief Innovation Officer — Emily has overseen the creation and launch of hundreds of nutritional products, helping visionary food entrepreneurs bring their ideas to market and onto the shelves of Whole Foods, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, and beyond.
Emily's expertise spans the full arc of food and wellness — from understanding macronutrient science and ingredient sourcing to brand storytelling and go-to-market strategy for nutrition brands.
Deep hands-on experience formulating protein bars, pastries, snacks, and functional foods. Understanding of macro/micro nutrition, clean-label formulation, and dietary trends including keto, vegan, gluten-free, and high-protein.
Comprehensive knowledge of ingredient ecosystems — from functional proteins and sweeteners to adaptogens and superfoods. Passionate advocate for sustainable, transparently sourced ingredients.
Nearly two decades tracking the evolution of the better-for-you food industry. From the early protein revolution to today's functional nutrition boom, Emily reads the market with rare precision.
Guiding food brands from concept to shelf with a journalist's eye for narrative. Brand identity, FDA-compliant labelling, packaging design, and consumer communication strategy.
Harnessing mass customisation and open innovation principles to help entrepreneurs and established brands alike identify untapped market opportunities in the wellness space.
A published author and seasoned business writer, Emily translates complex nutrition science into accessible, compelling content for consumers, media, and brand partners.
Whether you're launching a food brand, seeking personal wellness guidance, or looking for an expert voice for your organisation, Emily brings unmatched depth of knowledge and a collaborative, results-driven approach.
Personalised wellness programmes grounded in nutritional science. Emily works with individuals and groups to develop sustainable, evidence-based approaches to food, energy, and healthy living.
End-to-end advisory for entrepreneurs launching nutritional products — from concept and formulation through to branding, compliance, and retail strategy. Emily's YouBar network is unparalleled.
A compelling storyteller with deep industry expertise, Emily speaks on food innovation, the protein revolution, wellness trends, and entrepreneurship at conferences, summits, and brand events.
Drawing on her journalism background, Emily creates authoritative wellness and food industry content — articles, white papers, brand narratives, and media commentary — that inform and inspire.
Expert analysis of product formulations, nutritional labels, and ingredient sourcing. Helping brands ensure their products are both genuinely healthy and compellingly positioned in the market.
Designing and implementing workplace wellness initiatives for companies that want to support employee nutrition, energy, and wellbeing with genuine science-backed programming.
