# Your Margin Will Always Go Down — Here's How to Protect It from Day One

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/scaling-your-healthy-food-product-7117840/your-margin-will-always-go-down-here-s-how-to-protect-it-from-day-one
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/scaling-your-healthy-food-product-7117840/your-margin-will-always-go-down-here-s-how-to-protect-it-from-day-one.md
Podcast: [Scaling Your Healthy Food Product](https://stenobird.com/podcast/scaling-your-healthy-food-product-7117840)
Published: 2026-05-15T18:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://4d45ca93-f467-4a3b-be1c-e69c4a9ad88f.libsyn.com/your-margin-will-always-go-down-heres-how-to-protect-it-from-day-one
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/4d45ca93-f467-4a3b-be1c-e69c4a9ad88f/Episode_69__Your_margin_will_always_go_down__heres_how_to_protect_it_from_day_one_-_2026-05-15_2.07PM.mp3?dest-id=4773677
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Duration seconds: 1077

## Resource

I'm currently working with a founder who has two SKUs running below zero margin. The product sells. It just costs more to make than they charge for it. In this episode, I walk through exactly how that happens — ingredient inflation, hidden co-manufacturing costs, and how to build a pricing structure that can absorb years of pressure from day one. TOPICS COVERED • The real story: two SKUs below zero margin • Why ingredient inflation isn't a one-time hit • Hidden co-manufacturing costs most founders never see coming • How to build a pricing structure that absorbs pressure • What to do if you're already underwater on margin Get the recipe scaling and costing template here 📌 Ready to get your product scale-ready the right way? ➡ Take the Scale Up & Retail Readiness Quiz — [ Take Quiz here ] ➡ Join the Emerging Food Business Hub — [ Join here ]

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## Transcript

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