At this year’s IFT FIRST in Chicago, Ingredion brought our purpose to life with dynamic experiences that celebrated the science of food and the art of innovation.
From the chewy satisfaction of our Italian mochi biscuits to the last drop of our sugar-reduced summer energy slushie, visitors experienced how Ingredion is helping brands deliver what consumers demand — exceptional texture, healthful benefits and unforgettable eating experiences.
Texture that talks. Solutions that nourish.
Texture is more than just mouthfeel or a physical sensation — it’s a message. It’s how food communicates satisfaction, indulgence and even wellness. Our proprietary Texture Equation℠ helps brands decode this language, combining consumer insights, technical expertise and ingredient innovation to deliver craveable, market-winning products.
We brought this innovation to life through an immersive augmented reality experience that translated the science behind the Texture Equation℠ into a dynamic, interactive journey. Attendees explored how texture influences perception—such as crispiness, creaminess, and firmness—through engaging visuals and storytelling. The experience reinforced Ingredion leadership in technical mastery and sensory innovation.
Our healthful solutions portfolio — from protein fortification to sugar reduction — helps brands meet growing demand for products that are as good for you as they are satisfying to eat. Each food and beverage we featured was designed to demonstrate how texture can elevate healthful products — making them not only better for you, but better tasting, too.
Summer Energy Slushie
A vibrant, refreshing, sugar-reduced slushie delivering a functional energy boost with the summery tastes of watermelon, tamarind and hibiscus.
Italian Mochi Biscuits
A chewy-soft, playful twist on tradition, combining egg reduction and fiber fortification for a better-for-you indulgence.
Berry Good Soda
A reduced-sugar, effervescent drink that maintains body and fizz with texture-enhancing ingredients — made with no artificial colors or flavors.
Olive Tapenade Croquettes with Harissa Dipping Sauce
Crispy and savory croquettes showcasing solutions that keep foods crispy for longer, paired with a creamy, egg-free harissa sauce.
Catalina Crema Café Gummies
Coffee-inspired gummies with a soft, multitextural chew, delivering s ugar reduction and a sophisticated flavor profile.
Mighty Protein Bar Bite
A satiating, protein-packed bite made with 85% less sugar, a good source of protein and an excellent source of fiber.
Forward-thinking innovations
We also offered a glimpse into the future of food with inventive tasting experiences. Think bold new formats, globally inspired ideas and positive nutrition benefits — all designed to spark curiosity and show what’s possible when innovation meets intention.
- Sparkling Mock-Tiki: A fizzy, fruity mocktail with salty coconut foam, delivering prebiotic benefits and highlighting sugar reduction in a fun and flavorful way
- Kerala Churro: A savory reimagination of a snack staple with plant-based protein showing how global street foods can become functional, nutrient-forward snacks
- Naporitan: A Japanese comfort classic reinterpreted with protein-enhanced udon noodles and a veggie-rich sauce, bridging culinary nostalgia with nutritional innovation
- Torwaffle: Part taco, part waffle, our take on this inventive item features fiber- and protein-fortified tortillas stuffed with crispy squash and topped with a tangy slaw and vegan cilantro crema; perfect for the texture-savvy eater
- Maize Craze: A multisensorial celebration of corn in three textures — ice cream, warm mochi cake and espresso caramel sauce — showing a single ingredient layered into an unexpected, indulgent finale
Healthful solutions without compromise
Today’s consumers demand more from their food: more nutrition, more functionality and more transparency. Ingredion is meeting that demand with a diverse portfolio of innovative solutions that empower brands to deliver healthful solutions that never compromise on functionality or sensory appeal.
Top Trends from IFT FIRST 2025
Beyond our booth, we explored the show floor to uncover the trends shaping the future of food. Some of the most exciting themes included:
- AI & Digital Transformation in Food: Exhibitors showcased AI tools and digital platforms that improve R&D, forecast trends and enhance food traceability.
- Natural Ingredients & Clean Labeling: Companies featured plant-based colors and sustainable extracts to help brands meet clean label demands.
- Functional Foods and Beverages for Wellness: Brands presented functional ingredients and products targeting gut health, weight management and overall wellness.
We're keenly focused on how the insights and trends from IFT FIRST will help us further innovate and partner with our customers, ensuring our solutions continue to be at the forefront of the industry's evolution.
Let’s keep the conversation going
IFT FIRST 2025 was a celebration of what’s possible when science, creativity and consumer food trends come together. Whether you visited our booth or followed along online, thank you for being part of the journey.
Want to learn more about our Texture Equation℠, Healthful Solutions or how we can help you create the next market-winning product?
Discover how to elevate eating experiences with Ingredion's portfolio of Texture and Healthful Solutions
Solving your sugar reduction challenges
Whether you’re looking to replace sweetness or build back mouthfeel in your reduced-sugar formulation, Ingredion has the polyols, nutritive sweeteners and non-nutritive sweeteners to help you reach your goal
Texturants and texture solutions
Our solutions help you achieve the right textures that deliver the best eating experience while meeting consumers' expectations for healthful and convenient food and beverages
Protein fortification
You can rely on our complete selection of plant-based protein ingredients to formulate foods & beverages consumers crave
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