Barb Stuckey: Wellness Speaker

    Food innovation leader and taste expert Barb Stuckey helps brands elevate flavor, consumer insight and product development through decades of experience shaping breakthrough foods and beverages for national markets.

    Quick Facts:

    • Highlights:
      • President and Chief Innovation Officer at Mattson
      • Nationally recognized expert in taste science, food trends and product development
      • Author of Taste What You’re Missing and Taste
      • Regular Forbes.com contributor on food and innovation
    • Formats: Keynote speaker, food innovation expert and taste educator
    • Audiences: Food and beverage brands, CPG innovators, culinary schools, R&D teams, product developers and organizations seeking flavor improvement and consumer-driven innovation.
    • Outcomes:
      1. Clear frameworks for improving flavor and understanding the science behind taste.
      2. Actionable insights on food trends, consumer behavior and product development.
      3. Strategies to elevate innovation processes and create products that resonate with today’s market.
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
    • **Fee range: On Request

    Talent Services

    Talent Short Bio

    Barb Stuckey is President and Chief Innovation Officer at Mattson, the nation’s leading independent developer of foods and beverages for retail and chain restaurants. Since joining the company in 1997, she has become one of the industry’s most respected voices in taste science, food trends, innovation strategy and consumer insights. Her work centers on improving flavor and guiding companies through the full product development process, from ideation to commercialization.

    With more than two decades of daily tasting embedded into her role, Barb has refined a rare ability to diagnose flavor challenges and teach others how to make food taste better. She distilled this expertise into her acclaimed book Taste What You’re Missing, later re-released as Taste, which introduced scientific yet accessible insights on how humans experience flavor.

    Barb’s passion for taste education extends into the classroom as a long-standing instructor at The San Francisco Cooking School, where she teaches the Fundamentals of Taste to each entering class. She is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com, writing on food industry trends and innovation, and serves on the advisory board of the Plant Based Foods Association.

    Barb Stuckey has been at Mattson since 1997, and is currently President and Chief Innovation Officer at the country’s most successful independent developer of foods and beverages for the retail foods and chain restaurant industries.

    Barb is known as a taste, food trend, innovation, consumer insights, and product development expert.

    As part of Barb’s role in the innovation projects that make up her daily job, she is required to taste food and figure out how to make it better. After more than 2 decades doing this, she’s honed her tasting skills and ability to help others make food taste better. She shared this insight with the world in 2012 when her book Taste What You’re Missing was published. In 2013, the paperback edition was released (under the simplified title Taste).

    Barb Stuckey was instrumental in helping The San Francisco Cooking School integrate the science of taste into their curriculum. She now teaches the Fundamentals of Taste to each entering class.

    She is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com where she writes about the food industry. And she sits on the advisory board of the Plant Based Foods Association.

    Previously, Barb has sat on the board of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at the University of California, Davis and La Cocina, the San Francisco food incubator.

    Barb Stuckey lives with her hypertaster husband, two artisan cats, and splits her time between San Francisco and Healdsburg, in the heart of Sonoma wine country. She can be bribed with good tomatoes.

    Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on  LinkedIn

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    You may be interested in...

    • (16)

    As a Corporate Culture Specialist, Greg Hawks shapes environments where everyone gets to contribute their best daily! For two decades he has mentored leaders, developed teams, crafted culture and empowered employees. As a Keynote Speaker, he is an enthusiastic character. His style, wit and energy consistently capture the attention and imagination of audiences. His forward […]

    • Travels from: Edmond, OK
    • Culture Speakers
    • (6)
    Troy Hazard

    Troy Hazard stands as a seasoned navigator, having weathered storms of both failure and triumph. With a track record spanning over two decades, he epitomizes resilience and entrepreneurial acumen, having founded and cultivated twelve ventures. From the brink of financial ruin to the pinnacles of success, Hazard’s journey embodies the essence of strategic risk-taking and […]

    • Travels from: Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (24)
    Chris-Waddell-2

    Chris Waddell’s story is one of unimaginable resilience, boundless courage, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Chris refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he redefined what was possible—not just for himself, but for millions who would come to be inspired by his journey. […]

    • Travels from: Park City, UT
    • Winter Olympians
    • (65)
    • (1)
    Jenna Banks - Image 06 (January 27, 2026)

    Jenna Banks is a best-selling author, professionally trained keynote speaker, event moderator, and facilitator, Jenna has dedicated her life to inspiring and empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential. Her unique brand of inspiration, coupled with her engaging presentation style, makes her a sought-after speaker at events around the globe. Jenna’s profound insights […]

    • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (35)
    Danelle Umstead

    Danelle Umstead is an extraordinary individual, a beacon of inspiration whose journey transcends sports and embodies the resilience of the human spirit. As a top inspirational keynote speaker and three-time Paralympic bronze medalist, Danelle has not only conquered the slopes but has also conquered the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.   Alongside her husband […]

    • Travels from: Park City, UT
    • Summer Olympians
    • (13)
    • (3)
    Eva Saha - Image 07 (April 1, 2026)

    Eva Saha stands at the forefront of professional hosting, renowned for her exceptional command of audiences both in person and virtually. With a career spanning multiple platforms, Eva’s journey to becoming a sought-after host, emcee, and moderator is marked by her innate warmth, commanding presence, and a natural ability to connect with diverse audiences. Eva’s […]

    • Travels from: Chicago, IL
    • Business Emcees
    • (59)
    Jeff Butler - Image 03 (April 7, 2026)

    Jeff Butler is an author and workplace strategist who explores human behavior within the working world. His experience spans over 40 industries in 4 continents on how different cultures and employees interact with each other. He studies common threads of behavior in industries such as IT professionals, underground utility workers, police officers to clothing retail […]

    • Travels from: Dallas, TX
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (14)
    Jerry Rice

    Jerry Rice is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history and one of the most accomplished athletes of all time. As a three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Rice has demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic, determination, and commitment to excellence. His inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a […]

    • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
    • Sporting Speakers
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

    Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
    Your subscription has been successful.

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

    We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

    Our Mission:

    We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.