What Stood Out at IFT First for FoodTech and CPG Innovators

What We Saw on the Show Floor

From our booth in the Startup Pavilion at last week’s IFT First show in Chicago, we saw a wide range of food innovation on display—from faba bean protein to marine‑derived functional ingredients to research on how smoke exposure affects wine grapes.

Much of the innovation showcased at the show is already in the market today. In the case of the Startup Pavilion and the impressive student research that was presented, many of these concepts could reach the market in the next few years, provided viable commercialization paths are established.

Alternative sweeteners were everywhere, with tagatose standing out among the options. Hydration remains a major theme, though many of the products on display struggled to deliver clearly differentiated benefits. Natural colors and flavors also continued to have a strong presence across the show floor. GLP‑1s were not as visible as we had expected. Fiber options were present, but no real breakthrough innovation was to be seen.

Food & Beverage Trends We’re Continuing to Watch

Here are the food and beverage trends we’re continuing to watch:

• AI in product discovery – Both in‑house solutions and partner platforms, including startup Turing Labs and the CoDeveloper platform developed by IFT itself.
• New peptides and peptide “stacking” – Emerging peptide ingredients and combinations designed to amplify functional benefits.
• Functional ingredients for healthy aging – With a particular focus on cognitive support, mobility, and aesthetic health (skin, hair, and overall appearance).
• Plant‑based protein options – Especially those that improve processing performance, sensory experience, or bioavailability instead of just checking the “plant‑based” box.
• The non‑alcoholic (NA) space – Improved flavors, more sophisticated formats, and products that better simulate a “buzz” experience without alcohol.

As these trends evolve, we’re particularly interested in how science‑driven food and beverage brands will translate them into ingredients or products with clear, credible benefits—and how they’ll communicate that value to both supply chain partners and consumers.