Balchem, a leading global manufacturer of specialty ingredients for human nutrition and health, returns to IFT FIRST to showcase better-for-you food and beverage concepts and share expert insights on elevating formulation. At booth #1407, visitors can sample delicious new functional beverages and high-protein snack prototypes powered by Balchem’s range of food and beverage solutions, including its new Milk Protein Z-Crisps^®. The portfolio includes customisable beverage systems, advanced microencapsulated ingredients and functional powders designed to meet growing demand for products that support a healthy and balanced lifestyle, without compromising taste. Balchem’s experts will also host two presentations demonstrating exciting ways to formulate better-for-you products.

“Current market trends are driving demand for convenient, on-the-go options that support wellness while still delivering the flavours and textures consumers expect,” comments Andrew Hart, Director of Strategic Marketing & Business Development at Balchem. “Healthy snacking has become a daily ritual for most Americans, with 70 % actively seeking more protein¹, while functional beverages are redefining the drinks category as brands race to deliver products that go beyond hydration. At IFT, we’re excited to showcase prototypes and concepts that demonstrate how our ingredient technologies can help brands meet these evolving demands for convenient options with real health benefits and standout sensory appeal.”

Unlocking solutions for better-for-you innovations

Visitors at the booth can connect with Balchem’s experts to discover how MeatShure^®, an advanced microencapsulation technology, enables efficient, high-capacity production of premium meat snack sticks. MeatShure^® eliminates fermentation times and added sugars for cleaner, protein-rich products. In beverages, Balchem will present its INjoy^™ beverage systems, designed to deliver tailored functionality and consistent sensory appeal across applications like functional waters, RTD beverages and energy drinks. Rounding out the portfolio, VitalBlend^™ offers fully customisable lipid-based powders enhanced with macro and micronutrients, supporting application-specific nutrition needs.

Spotlighting formulation expertise

Balchem’s portfolio will be brought to life through mouthwatering product concepts, including Dubai chocolate-inspired clusters featuring Milk Protein Z-Crisps^®. Designed to optimise mouthfeel and flavour, this high protein concept demonstrates how Balchem can help brands create nutrient-dense products without sacrificing taste and texture.

Balchem’s experts will also host two presentations at the Taste of Science Stage, demonstrating the company’s formulation capabilities across high-protein, high-fiber functional food and beverage applications. In the first, “Formulating Better-for-You Indulgence in High Protein, High Fiber Applications”, attendees will discover how spray-dried lipid powders can enhance taste, texture and functionality. The following day, “Simplifying Beverage Innovation: Beverage Systems Built for Fast-Moving Markets” turns the focus to how systems-based formulation can reduce development complexity while delivering consistent sensory performance.

¹International Food Information Council (IFIC), 2025 Food & Health Survey

Döhler presented its portfolio of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for functional nutrition and nutraceuticals at Vitafoods Europe 2026.

As demand for healthier products continues to grow, consumers increasingly expect solutions that support mental and physical wellbeing while delivering great taste and convenience. Consequently, the food and nutraceutical industries are increasingly focusing on providing better nutrition by combining proven health benefits with appealing sensory experiences.

Powered by science, technology and consumer insights, Döhler translates these requirements into innovation-led, market-ready concepts. By combining Nutritional Excellence with Multi-Sensory Experience, Döhler supports customers in developing winning products.

At Vitafoods, Döhler showcased ingredient solutions across key growth areas in functional nutrition, supported by the Döhler Natural SuperHEROES^®, the protein portfolio and the customised taste modulation system MultiSense^®:

• Health & Wellness Concepts: Solutions targeting key consumer needs such as mental wellbeing, gut health, weight management, immunity, performance, recovery and hydration – delivered through application concepts including supplement powder blends, holistic health syrups, GLP-1 meal drinks, functional drops and plant-based sports nutrition formats such as drinks, bars and powders
• Functional Ingredients & Blends: A comprehensive portfolio including proteins, prebiotic fibres, postbiotics, botanicals and cereals, nuts & pulses, complemented by functional blends for performance nutrition and advanced taste modulation technologies

SIG and Oobli have formed a strategic partnership to showcase integrated, reduced-sugar beverage concepts to market. By combining Oobli’s sweet protein technology with SIG’s advanced aseptic filling expertise and diverse packaging options, the collaboration aims to deliver long shelf-life beverages that taste delicious and don’t require refrigeration.

What this collaboration brings:

• Proven combined capability: Oobli’s sweet protein technology enables significant sugar reduction without compromising taste, using plant-based proteins to deliver nutrition labels that align with consumer demand for healthier options.
• Shelf-stable, preservative-free solutions: SIG’s aseptic packaging allows long shelf life at ambient temperatures, supporting broad distribution and reduced supply-chain constraints without the need for refrigeration.
• Flexible formats and rapid development: SIG’s filling capabilities accommodate multiple packaging formats and volumes, backed by global innovation centers that provide access to equipment, expertise, and testing resources for product development.

Context and ecosystem

The partnership was formed at MISTA, the San Francisco–based global food innovation platform that connects companies across food, ingredients, and technology to address industry challenges. Both SIG and Oobli participate as active MISTA members, reinforcing their commitment to collaborative innovation in the beverage space.

The collaboration focuses on product concepts that demonstrate reduced sugar content, natural-protein-based sweetness, and shelf-stable formulation, while maintaining consumer appeal and brand integrity.

The partners are pursuing joint development projects, pilot runs, and consumer testing to validate performance, flavor, and shelf life across key markets.

About Oobli
Oobli is the pioneering sweet protein technology platform company focused on delivering tastier, reduced-sugar solutions across food and beverages. Sweet proteins have no glycemic impact or effect on the gut microbiome. Produced via fermentation, Oobli sweet proteins are both cost-effective as a sweetener replacement and climate friendly, saving massive amounts of land, water and carbon compared to farmed sugarcane. Through proprietary protein technologies and collaborations with leading brands, Oobli aims to redefine sweetness while supporting healthier, accessible consumer choices.

Döhler will exhibit at Marca Bologna 2026, Italy’s leading international trade fair for private label products, taking place on 14–15 January at BolognaFiere. The company will showcase a curated selection of beverage and snacking concepts designed to support retailers and brand owners in developing future-ready private label portfolios.

The concepts on display reflect the key trends shaping today’s retail market, including low- and no-sugar products, functional benefits, plant-based alternatives and non-alcoholic beverages, amongst others. They demonstrate how innovative ingredients and integrated solutions shape successful private label products that meet consumer expectations for better human nutrition.

Trend-driven beverage concepts for modern private labels

Visitors to the Döhler stand can explore a broad spectrum of ready-to-drink and functional beverage concepts, combining appealing taste profiles with contemporary positioning. Highlights include light juice drinks such as Multifruit Yellow and Multifruit Red, developed with reduced sugar while maintaining a refreshing sensory profile.

Tea-based innovation is represented by a sparkling Matcha-Lemongrass drink with natural caffeine, offering a balanced combination of flavour, functionality and energy. The growing demand for alcohol-free indulgence is addressed through Nocaholic mocktails, including Lime-Mint Virgin Mojito and Aperol 0.0 %, alongside a wine-mix RTD concept featuring passionfruit and peach on a wine base.

Further beverage innovations include energy drinks in flavours such as White Peach and a sugar-free Cherry-Cranberry variant without taurine, as well as sports and hydration drinks like Orange with natural caffeine and Strawberry-Watermelon with coconut water. Plant-based drink concepts such as Pistachio-Chocolate and Oat-Matcha complete the beverage portfolio, highlighting indulgence within a plant-based positioning.
Healthy snacking with added consumer value

In addition to beverages, Döhler will present healthy snacking concepts that align with clean label expectations and mindful consumption. These include freeze-dried fruits as well as a selection of nut spreads such as pistachio, peanut and coconut, offering versatility across private label snack ranges.

Supporting private label innovation

All concepts showcased at Marca Bologna 2026 are designed to inspire customised private label developments that balance taste, nutritional considerations and consumer relevance. Döhler’s expertise spans formulation, sensory optimisation and scalable solutions, supporting partners in translating trends into successful retail products.

Arla Foods Ingredients will highlight its capabilities in milk and whey protein innovation with new high-protein food and beverage concepts at Fi Europe.

Research shows that more than 40 % of health-conscious consumers are opting for dairy products to boost their protein intake, while over 30% choose them for guilt-free snacking. Meanwhile, there is growing interest in innovative dairy formats targeting specific nutritional needs.¹

At Fi Europe (2nd-4th December in Paris), Arla Foods Ingredients will demonstrate how its portfolio of milk and whey protein ingredients can meet these needs. Its stand will include an Innovation Spotlight area featuring five new application concepts that combine taste, functional nutrition and novelty:

• A high-protein, transparent yoghurt
• A drinking yoghurt with hydrolysed whey protein, offering 25 g of protein per serving
• Milky Spark, a carbonated, flavoured, milk-like drink made with pure whey protein
• A gluten-free high-protein (27 %) cookie with a soft-baked texture and no added sugar
• A high-protein (25 %) brownie with an authentic fudgy texture and no added sugar

Jeppe Sand Laursen, Associate Director, Functional Nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “We’re passionate about improving nutrition with superior-quality proteins that deliver the functionality consumers demand across a wide range of choices. Our innovative mindset, unique set-up and unrivalled knowhow bring new protein concepts to life – from formulation to implementation on the product line. In addition, our application centres’ flexible pilot equipment enables us to simulate large-scale production plant processes, with fast and realistic results that speed up time to market.”

Visitors to Fi Europe will also be able to sample a range of additional Arla Foods Ingredients’ concepts for functional, nutritious foods and beverages. These include a squeezable cheese, a drinking yoghurt and a kids’ UHT drink featuring Nutrilac^® milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).

High in complete whey protein, MFGM also provides healthy lipids including Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and choline. Arla Foods Ingredients recently launched its Whey360 campaign to highlight MFGM’s multinutrient benefits for functional foods across all life stages, beyond its established use in the infant formula category.

Additionally, Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase:

• Easy Bite, a recently launched bite-sized snack bar concept offering up to 40 % high-quality protein in a convenient 18 g serving
• Functional protein waters for holistic hydration featuring Lacprodan^® ISO.Water whey protein isolates.

¹Innova Market Insights, Top 10 Trends in Dairy & Dairy Alternatives, 2025

The Middle East’s leading trade fair for food and beverage manufacturing, Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, will take place from 4th to 6th November at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together global innovators, technology leaders and solution providers across the industry. With more than 2,000 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors expected from over 160 countries, the show is a central hub for reimagining the future of food production and product development.

A region in transformation

The Middle East’s food and beverage industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by ambitious government initiatives, a young and health-conscious consumer base and shifting regulatory frameworks such as upcoming sugar taxes. In this environment, reducing and replacing sugar has become one of the most pressing challenges for manufacturers. Consumers expect products that deliver indulgence and enjoyment while also aligning with their health and wellness goals.

With a comprehensive portfolio of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions – from advanced sweetening systems to natural taste modulation technologies – Döhler enables manufacturers to create products that combine great taste with less or no sugar. As demand for healthier, better-for-you nutrition accelerates, Gulfood Manufacturing provides the ideal stage to showcase how science and technology can deliver innovation that meets both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Döhler at Gulfood Manufacturing

As a longstanding partner, Döhler will present a comprehensive portfolio of food and beverage innovations that bridge science, technology and sensory appeal – concepts addressing the latest consumer needs, including:

• Freeze-dried functional drops – small in size, big in benefits
• Savoury Labneh – authentic taste with a modern twist
• Energy Yoghurt – convenient daily vitality in dairy
• Synbiotic Bars – pro- and prebiotic solutions for holistic gut health on the go
• GLP-1 Drink – a cutting-edge approach to supporting a healthy weight
• Next-generation beverage solutions – sugar reduction and taste modulation in response to the latest regional sugar taxation reform
• Pre- and postbiotic soft drinks – designed to support digestion and elevate gut health
• Mood-boosting 100 % juice drinks – formulated to deliver nutritional value and functional support for emotional well-being

Prinova will showcase its functional nutrition capabilities in great-tasting concepts targeting consumer trends at SupplySide Global (29th to 30th of October in Las Vegas).

Research by the premix, blends, and contract manufacturing specialist shows that 53 % of consumers cite great taste as the primary influence on purchase.¹ Backed by Prinova’s turnkey contract manufacturing capabilities, the SupplySide Global concepts combine flavours with function and branded ingredients to demonstrate how manufacturers can develop innovative products that address key consumer trends. They include:

• Peach Mango Clear Whey RTM beverage: With 85 % of consumers saying they plan to increase protein intake from 2024², this light and refreshing clear whey concept taps into the trend for clean-tasting, protein-packed options that deliver functionality without heaviness.
• Chocolate Vegan Protein Blend RTM beverage: This concept includes Prinova’s Microfuse^™ Pea Protein, a high-quality, premium sourced, micronised pea protein that delivers excellent solubility, smooth mouthfeel and a clean plant-based profile. A great option for vegan or flexitarian consumers, as 58 % of consumers who increased plant-based consumption did so to have a healthier diet³; seeking both performance and indulgent chocolate flavour in a ready-to-mix format.
• Paloma RTD Energy Drink: A refreshing, mocktail-inspired energy beverage formulated with Prinova’s cutting-edge Enhanced Energy Blend. Designed to fuel body and mind, the blend combines caffeine, Panax ginseng extract, L-carnitine, and guarana seed extract to support increased energy, mental focus, and endurance. Inspired by the growing sober-curious movement highlighted in Prinova’s trends research⁴, this alcohol-free innovation offers a sophisticated and functional alternative to traditional beverages.

Dan Force, Vice President of Innovative Products at Prinova, said: “SupplySide Global is the perfect stage to demonstrate our ability to help our customers turn emerging trends into successful market-ready products. For example, in protein, consumer trends are driving innovation in new end-use market applications, and new protein ingredient technologies are often required. Prinova is partnering with protein ingredient manufacturers, 3rd party R&D facilities and contract manufacturers, to optimize new protein ingredients to meet the growing needs of the market. We’re also opening this network to our customers to fast-track commercialisation and help keep pace with the trend. SupplySide Global becomes the venue where all these elements of the supply chain can come together.”

¹Research conducted online between May and June 2024
²Food Navigator, 2024
³Mintel, 2024
⁴Prinova, 2024 and 2025 Trends (2023)

Prinova Europe will showcase its functional nutrition capabilities in great-tasting, ready-to-mix beverage concepts targeting consumer trends at Vitafoods Europe (20th to 22nd May in Barcelona).

New consumer research by the premix and blends specialist has found that 53 % of consumers cite great taste as the primary influence on purchase.¹ Prinova’s Vitafoods concepts combine trending flavours with functional nutrition and branded ingredients to demonstrate how manufacturers can develop innovative products that address key market needs. They include:

• Citrus Blast – a pre-workout beverage packed with ingredients to unlock performance potential. This has been identified by Prinova’s research as a megatrend² and of particular interest to sports and active nutrition consumers.³ The citrus-flavoured drink includes
  L-citrulline, natural caffeine and B vitamins. It also contains 200 mg of CitraPeak^®, the first 100 % soluble form of hesperidin. Currently available in the US, the clinically supported pre-workout ingredient will soon be launched in Europe.
• Good Guts Lemon Ginger Tea – a refreshing drink for digestive health support. Prinova research has identified digestive/gut health as a megatrend² and consumers’ primary health concern.⁴ The concept includes Aquamin^®, a marine mineral complex and prebiotic for which Prinova recently acquired exclusive distribution rights in the DACH region. In human studies, Aquamin^® has shown potential for aiding gastrointestinal tract health.
• Young at heart – In Prinova’s recent market research, healthy ageing emerged as a key concern, with over half (52 %) of consumers saying it significantly affected their choices of food or nutrition products. Specially formulated to meet this need, this red fruit-based beverage concept contains ingredients such as saberry, vitamins A and C, and magnesium.

James Street, Global Marketing Director at Prinova, said: “We’re looking forward to demonstrating our unrivalled functional nutrition capabilities with our great-tasting, ready-to-mix beverage concepts at Vitafoods Europe. At Prinova, we specialise in developing innovative product concepts that reflect market trends. Our expertise in research and analysis of supplements, health, wellness, sports and lifestyle trends and consumer preferences uncovers untapped potential that drives category and overall market growth. As an industry leader in ready-to-mix powder contract manufacturing, we also offer huge flexibility in formats, including convenient stick packs for precise dosing and easy portability.”

¹Research conducted online between May and June 2024
²Prinova, 2024 and 2025 Trends (2023)
³Prinova White Paper, State of play: new insights into the changing sports nutrition market: https://www.prinovaglobal.com/eu/en/resources/white-paper/new-insights-into-the-changing-sports-nutrition-market
⁴Prinova White Paper, Getting personal: nutrition in the digital age: https://www.prinovaglobal.com/eu/en/resources/white-paper/getting-personal–nutrition-in-the-digital-age

Arla Foods Ingredients is demonstrating how its whey solutions can be used to create clear protein shakes targeting a range of different consumer segments.

Protein powders comprise 46 % of the entire sports nutrition market¹, and Arla Foods Ingredients research shows that they appeal to the full spectrum of health-conscious shoppers. Over 20 % of consumers in both the ‘Active Nutrition’ and ‘Lifestyle Nutrition’ categories (who do not prioritise exercise as highly as ‘Performance Nutrition’ consumers) still consume powdered drinks at least once a week.²

As part of its ‘Go Clear’ campaign at SupplySide West (23^rd to 27^th October in Las Vegas), the nutrition leader will showcase three new clear whey powder concepts. Flavored to appeal to US markets in particular, each demonstrates how the right whey ingredient can meet the specific needs of consumers in a particular segment:

• Go Premium: This clear shake targets performance nutrition consumers seeking out next-generation products. It is based on Lacprodan^® BLG-100 – a pure beta-lactoglobulin. Packed with nutritional power and 45 % higher in leucine than other whey proteins, it is ideal for boosting muscle protein synthesis post-workout.
• Go Natural: Made with Lacprodan^® ISO.WaterShake (100 % whey protein isolate), this fruit-infused water shake creates new opportunities for flavoured waters. Its delicate flavours and clean texture are ideal for active nutrition consumers who want natural products that support healthy lifestyles with no compromise on taste.
• Go Fresh: This thirst-quenching shake is made with Lacprodan^® ClearShake (100 % whey protein isolate). Its refreshing lemonade taste makes it ideal for lifestyle nutrition consumers who aren’t specifically looking for a post-workout solution, but still want the benefits of whey.

Troels Nørgaard Laursen, Director for Health and Performance at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Today’s sports nutrition market is hugely diverse. While shakes are popular across the board, every consumer group has its own preferences – from the hardcore enthusiasts looking for premium ingredients and functionality, to “healthy lifestyle” consumers who prioritise taste and naturality. Fortunately our range of high-quality whey ingredients is wide enough to meet every need, so no matter which segment brands are targeting, there’s a perfect ready-to-mix solution.”

Other concepts on show at the company’s booth (#6549) will include a protein cold brew, and a tea latte RTD, both featuring Lacprodan MicelPure®. Containing 86 % native protein and naturally high in calcium, this micellar casein isolate was recently certified by the Non-GMO Project, offering another advantage to North American brands.

¹Euromonitor International, 2023
²HealthFocus^® International Trend Study, 2022

FruitSmart^TM showcased two novel fruit beverage concepts at SupplySide West in the US. Created from premium cold-pressed fruit-based ingredients, and blended with botanicals and macronutrients such as protein, they demonstrated how fruit juice is an excellent carrier for both taste and functionality.

Depending on the fruit used, juice can provide a wide range of important nutrients, including antioxidants and polyphenols. FruitSmart’s new beverage concepts illustrate how brands can leverage the natural benefits of high-quality fruit-based drinks as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Visitors to FruitSmart’s booth at SupplySide West in Las Vegas were able to sample:

• A raspberry protein and fiber drink blending red raspberry, apple, pear, and elderberry juice with pea protein and apple fiber. This creates a great-tasting product that provides satiety, immunity and gut-health benefits, alongside better blood glucose control and optimal fructose absorption in the small intestine.
• A super-fruits beverage – made from dark sweet cherry, blueberry, raspberry, and elderberry juice, with extract of turmeric, ginger, acai and vanilla, it’s rich in both flavour and micronutrients, including antioxidants and polyphenols.

Wayne Lutomski, President of FruitSmart, said: “Our new fruit beverage concepts show how brands can develop exciting products that are a welcome addition to any healthy diet. Yes, it contains sugar, but look at the friends that fruit can bring to the party – polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins A and C, folate, and essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and sodium. Fruit’s intrinsic health and wellness benefits can be further enhanced by adding other nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and botanicals. And of course it delivers amazing taste!”

About FruitSmart^TM
FruitSmart specialises in premium, high-quality, fruit-based juices and ingredients. With roots in the food processing industry that go back to 1982, it has decades of experience. Today it has a 13-acre fruit and vegetable processing plant in Grandview Washington, while its 19-acre Prosser campus includes facilities for dry ingredient processing and freezing. Offering a wide variety of juices, purees, concentrates, essences, fibers, seeds, seed oils and seed powders, FruitSmart takes great pride in developing solutions for manufacturers and using fruit in new and novel ways.

SternVitamin presents a new reference work

In the food and beverage market, products that provide healthy enjoyment are the strongest growth drivers. Companies with differentiated products for specific target groups and life phases can profit many times over from the ongoing health boom. A new book from SternVitamin provides many ideas for impactful micronutrient concepts. “Micronutrients work. Little extras. Big benefits” is a practical manual intended for product developers, marketers and other creatives in the food industry who are involved in new ideas for functional foods, nutritional supplements and the like.

Divided into sections corresponding to consumer life phases, the book gives an in-depth, scientific look at how various vitamins, minerals and plant extracts work. In easily comprehensible language it explains the micronutrients and combinations, and their suitability for various life phases and health conditions. The application areas are divided into five sections based on the needs experienced by consumers today – Childbearing, Physical Health, Well-Being, Performance, Lifestyle. For example, the “Well-Being” section includes the chapter “Healthy Mind” which provides specifics on how certain B vitamins, iron, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, lecithin and plant extracts boost brain performance. The “Lifestyle” section discusses targeted micronutrient supplements for vegans. Special colour codes and icons guide the reader throughout this well-structured reference work.

Another plus point is the integral foldout card. At a glance, it shows the appropriate micronutrient combinations per application area. SternVitamin also suggests possible heath claims in line with the latest EU directive, that can be used for marketing enriched foods and beverages. This 116-page practical manual “Micronutrients work. Little extras. Big benefits” is available from Robert Wenzel Verlag and costs 15 euros.