LAS VEGAS — Food scientists, bakers and snack producers endured the desert heat this June to take part in IFT17, the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and exposition, held June 25-28 in Las Vegas. About 20,000 attendees perused the Sands Expo Showroom to find ingredient solutions to meet their needs.
“Go with Purpose” was the theme for IFT17, and that was reflected not only in the sessions available to attendees but also in many of the product launches seen on the show floor. Ingredients with purpose, whether that was nutritional or functional, were seen throughout the 1,200 exhibitors populating the show floor. Along with fiber-packing ingredients, attendees learned about dietary fiber regulations around the world regarding fiber sources and the latest regulatory news. Also, a common refrain among exhibitors of ingredients that would contribute to nutrition-packed baked foods and snacks: clean label sugar reductions, vegetable servings, plant-based proteins and added fiber.
The IFTNEXT stage featured discussions on consumer trends, gut health and grains, G.M.O.s and advances in 3-D printing of food. Also incorporated in the IFTNEXT stage was Start-Up Alley, a showcase of new companies with innovative concepts such as All Things Bugs and Ancient Brands Grains.
IFT18 will be held July 15-18, 2018, in Chicago. For more information, visit www.iftevent.org.
