Ingredients IFT FIRST
Ingredients IFT FIRST 2025: Proteins, More Proteins, and then Healthy Carbs and Natural Colors By starting with a lactose-free milk base loaded with 13 essential nutrientsby Donna Berry Three exhibitors at IFT FIRST 2025, which was held July 13-16 in Chicago, came together to serve a prototype that could have been the theme of this year’s exhibition: proteins, more proteins, healthy carbs and natural colors. BENEO, a manufacturer of functional ingredients; California Natural Color, a global ingredient supplier of grape juice concentrates, natural colors and grape seed extract; and GELITA, a specialist in collagen peptides, collagen and gelatin; developed a performance drink concept that showcased the individual strengths of each company. The result of the partnership was a clean-label, milk-based sports drink that provides a range of scientifically proven benefits for improving performance. It delivers sustained energy, enhances the effects of endurance training and promotes efficient fat burning. The concept speaks to the many consumers now taking a proactive approach to supporting their health through exercise. -protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, potassium, selenium, zinc and vitamins A, D, B2, B3, B5 and B12—the beverage formulation had a kickstart to providing solid nutrition. The beverage got a protein boost with GELITA’s bioactive collagen peptides, PeptENDURE, which are scientifically proven to enhance endurance performance. Daily consumption has been shown to significantly improve running capacity, increase fat-free mass and support muscle regeneration compared to a placebo. The protein-packed beverage then was fortified with BENEO’s smart carbohydrate Palatinose, which provides a mild sweetness, lowglycemic profile and a sugar-like taste. The ingredients’ scientifically proven effects include sustained energy supply, fat oxidation and hydration, supporting fitness goals and body composition. Finally, for visual appeal, California Natural Color’s Pure Brown Carrot was included. It is a high-strength, natural color in a unique crystal format that is highly stable--holding up to heat, light and pH--and easily soluble. The color also aligns with consumer preference for a clean label with the ingredient labelled as “vegetable juice for color” in the U.S., supporting a simple, recognizable label that consumers can trust. Proteins and Fiber Unite Dairy made a noticeable comeback at IFT FIRST 2025, having been overshadowed in previous years by the plethora of plant protein suppliers showcasing their innovations. Leprino Nutrition, for example, served a high-protein salted caramel pudding designed to support muscle repair and growth after exercise. The protein content—20 grams per 130-gram portion—also provides satiety, helping curb hunger pangs and aiding weight management. The American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI) showcased a clear, mangoflavored gel-like dessert made with acidified whey protein isolate and galacto-oligosaccharides. The latter is a prebiotic fiber inherent to dairy and is associated with improved mineral absorption and brain health. KJ Burrington, vice president of technical development at ADPI, explained that the low-calorie, proteinand fiber-enhanced dessert was designed to appeal to those on GLP-1 medications. These consumers rely on medications that trick the body into feeling full by manipulating the satiety hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1, or simply GLP-1. Photo: BENEO These dieters need nutrition but barely have an appetite. Many are turning to single-serve portions of easy-to-eat, high-quality, proteinpacked foods, which is fueling dairy’s new-found popularity, especially in beverages and bars. Formulators are boosting the nutrition composition of 10 food Marketing & Technology • August 2025
Ingredients these products to make them more complete. Some may add prebiotic fibers, probiotics or slow-metabolizing sugars. “At IFT, we showcased our toolbox of natural ingredients that are valuable and proven companions for losing weight, be it during, after or without GLP-1 medication,” said Jon Peters, sales director-Americas for BENEO. “With managing weight being usually a lifelong journey, nutritious solutions are needed that are effective and can be used long-term.” Weight management journeys encompass different stages. In addition to nutrient-dense foods for those on GLP-1 medications, Peters said the need for fiber and protein remains equally important for those dieting the “traditional” way without medication. “Consumers are interested in stimulating GLP-1 naturally,” he said. “Palatinose helps stimulate the body’s natural GLP-1 release, supporting satiety and stable blood sugar- two critical benefits for sustained weight management.” Alongside supporting the body’s natural GLP-1 response, developing satiety-promoting diets is key to addressing a major consumer concern: regaining weight after dieting. Fiber and protein play an important role in generating a natural feeling of fullness and should be a vital part of everyday meals. Foodology by Univar Solutions showcased a range of GLP-1-friendly products including a better-for-you power brownie fortified with Sensus Fruitafit CLR and Sensus Frutalose SF75 fibers and reduced in sugar using Cargill Truvia Stevia RA95. Protein and fiber suppliers exhibiting at IFT FIRST prioritized these three approaches to weight loss and management. Many showcased new sources of protein and fiber. Burcon NutraScience Corporation, for example, used IFT FIRST to debut Solatein, a line of 90%-plus protein ingredients derived from sunflowers. “Sunflower is the world’s third-largest oilseed crop—behind soy and canola/ rapeseed—and is a natural oilseed source of non-GMO, non-allergenic, clean-label protein,” said Paul Lam, director-investor relations and communications at Burcon. “Sunflower seed is an excellent source of nutrition, composed of approximately 21% protein and 51% oil, with a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Once the oil is extracted from the seeds, the remaining meal byproduct is traditionally fed to livestock as animal feed.” By upcycling the sunflower meal byproduct, Burcon’s proprietary process allows for the production of highly pure, food-grade protein ingredients from sunflower seeds. The end product is a highly sustainable, clean-tasting protein ingredient. The company showcased its use in a protein-fortified hummus. Pitching Sustainability The Pitch competition took place on the third and final day of IFT FIRST. It involved six technology startup finalists competing for financial support to help bring their global food system solutions to market. The first place winner was Plantible’s Rubi Protein, a functional and nutritional plant-based protein ingredient that allows food manufacturers to replace eggs, dairy ingredients and synthetic emulsifiers with a single clean ingredient. The highly soluble protein foams, emulsifies and binds, often outperforming whole eggs, whey, skim milk powder and methylcellulose in commercial food applications, according to Tony Martens, CEO. The company received ,000 from the competition sponsor Seeding The Future Foundation. Martens explained that the Rubi Protein is found in all green plants and plays an important role in photosynthesis. Using advanced scientific methods, the company has been able to commercial it from lemna leafy green aquatic plants. Unlike most plant proteins, Rubi contains all nine essential amino acids and has a protein digestibility score of one, which is similar to animal protein and soy. “We grow lemna on aqua farms. Lemna requires 10-times less water than soybeans and almost 100-times less than beef,” according to Martens. “It uses zero arable land.” Agri-tech firm Crush Dynamics was the runner-up in The Pitch, receiving a ,500 award. The company’s proprietary fermentation process enhances sweetness perception and reduces off-notes in plant-based proteins. The patented technology involves using bacteria and yeast to transform grape pomace into a bioactive ingredient. Pomace is the residual biomass generated during the grape pressing process in the manufacture of juice and wine. Photo: CarobWay Bars food Marketing & Technology • August 2025 11
