IFT FIRST 2024 Recap: Key Trends Shaping The Future of Food Innovation

As seasoned participants and exhibitors at the premier food innovation event hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), we are thrilled to share our insights and reflections on this year's IFT FIRST event. IFT FIRST, which stands for Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology, serves as a vital platform not only for showcasing groundbreaking product innovations and cutting-edge ingredient solutions but also for identifying emerging trends and understanding where the industry is heading. 

Our team had a fantastic time at IFT FIRST, meeting with industry professionals and food enthusiasts at our booth (#1271). It was great to exchange ideas, showcase our latest products, and dive into the challenges manufacturers face daily in developing new offerings. We truly value the opportunity to connect face-to-face with key industry leaders, discuss emerging trends, and explore exciting new opportunities for innovation in the food and beverage sector. This year's event highlighted consumer demands shifting towards cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable food options.

“CLEAN LABEL” SOLUTIONS CONTINUE TO BE IN HIGH DEMAND

The "clean label" trend remains the primary focus among consumers, with an increasing demand for transparency and simplicity in food ingredients. Throughout the event, our conversations with attendees revealed a strong preference for products made with simple, familiar ingredients that are easily recognizable and free from artificial additives. This shift toward clean-label products is driven by consumers' desire for transparency and trust in what they consume.

At A&B Ingredients, we are committed to providing ingredient solutions that align with the clean-label trend. Our portfolio includes a range of natural and minimally processed ingredients designed to meet consumer expectations for clean-label products. From natural preservation ingredients to functional starches, fibers, and proteins, our offerings help manufacturers create products that are both innovative and aligned with current consumer values.

INNOVATIONS IN CLEAN LABEL SHELF LIFE EXTENSION

A significant focus at the IFT 2024 event was on innovative methods for extending the shelf life of clean-label products. Attendees expressed a growing concern over food waste and a desire for longer-lasting, quality products. Many of our discussions centered around using natural preservation methods to maintain product freshness and safety without compromising ingredient transparency.

Our CytoGUARD® line of natural flavors and extracts was highlighted for its effectiveness in controlling spoilage and extending shelf life. These solutions not only help maintain product quality over shelf life and reduce food waste but also support the clean label movement by offering an alternative to synthetic preservatives. By leveraging natural ingredients, we provide manufacturers with the tools to deliver safe, high-quality products that align with consumer expectations for clean-label food and beverages.

Extending the shelf life of foods and beverages is not only beneficial for consumers but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability of our supply chain. By preventing spoilage and reducing food waste, these innovations help optimize resource use and minimize the environmental impact of food production and distribution. Longer-lasting products reduce the frequency of transportation and storage, lowering carbon footprints and contributing to a more sustainable food system. This approach aligns with the broader industry goals of reducing waste and promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Learn more about about CytoGUARD® portfolio of natural preservation and shelf life extension solutions.

"HEALTHY" SUGAR REDUCTION WITH SOLUBLE FIBER AND PREBIOTICS

Reducing sugar intake remains a top health priority for consumers, driving a surge in demand for "healthy" sugar alternatives. At this year's IFT event, manufacturers and product developers expressed keen interest in functional ingredients that not only lower sugar content but also offer additional health benefits. This interest has brought prebiotic fibers into focus as a dual-purpose solution: they support digestive health while reducing sugar content.

Prebiotic soluble fiber syrups, like FOSLIFE®, have emerged as a popular "healthy" alternative for sugar reduction in low-calorie or lower-energy-dense foods. These ingredients help consumers enjoy sweet treats with fewer calories and less sugar while providing numerous health benefits.

Incorporating prebiotic soluble fiber into food products allows manufacturers to maintain sweetness and texture while significantly reducing sugar content. The prebiotic properties of these fibers contribute to gut health, which is increasingly recognized as crucial for overall well-being. This dual functionality makes prebiotic fiber an attractive ingredient for developing new food products that meet the growing demand for healthier, clean-label alternatives.

At the event, we showcased high-fiber caramels formulated using FOSLIFE® prebiotic soluble fiber syrup, demonstrating its versatility in reducing sugar content without compromising taste or texture.

Learn more about “healthy” sugar reduction with FOSLIFE®.

SODIUM REDUCTION WITH NATURAL SEA SALTS AND FLAVOR ENHANCERS

Sodium reduction is another critical area of focus, as consumers become more aware of the health risks associated with high sodium intake. The challenge for manufacturers has been to maintain flavor while reducing sodium content. At IFT 2024, we presented our Two Seas Sea Salts® as a clean-label solution for sodium reduction. These natural sea salt blends contain significantly less sodium than traditional salt but maintain the familiar salty taste that consumers expect.
Additionally, the event highlighted using natural flavor enhancers to improve the taste profile of reduced-sodium products. These innovations allow manufacturers to meet consumer demands for lower sodium content without compromising on flavor, supporting a healthier diet without sacrificing the enjoyment of food.

Learn more about natural salt reduction with Two Seas Sea Salts®.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

One of the highlights at the A&B Ingredients booth was our ability to demonstrate the functionality of our ingredient solutions in demo products like plant protein-fortified Asian Dumplings and reduced-sugar Caramel Bites. We were thrilled to share insights from our R&D efforts and showcase how our ingredients perform in real-world applications. Seeing firsthand how our solutions enhance product quality and meet consumer needs was a rewarding experience for both our team and our visitors.

The trends observed at IFT FIRST 2024 underscore the ongoing shift towards cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable food options. As consumers continue to seek products that align with their health and wellness goals, the food industry must adapt by embracing clean-label ingredients, innovative preservation methods, and solutions for reducing sugar and sodium content. At A&B Ingredients, we are dedicated to leading this transformation, offering our customers the ingredients and expertise needed to create the next generation of food and beverage products.

Contact us to learn more about our functional, clean-label ingredient solutions.