Barentz to Showcase Trend-Driven Food & Beverage Concepts at IFT FIRST 2026

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois , USA <July, 8, 2026> – Barentz, a leading global specialty ingredient solutions provider, will showcase a range of trend-driven food and beverage concepts at IFT FIRST 2026, taking place July 13–15 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, demonstrating how its ingredients portfolio, formulation expertise and application development capabilities help translate consumer trends into commercial products.

As one of North America's leading food innovation events, IFT FIRST brings together food scientists, product developers, ingredient suppliers, and manufacturers to explore the trends, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of food and beverage.

At South Hall A, Booth #1310, Barentz will present prototype applications developed to help customers address key industry challenges, including protein enrichment, sugar reduction, clean label development, taste and texture optimization, affordability, and product differentiation.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a range of sweet and savory prototype applications designed to bring today's consumer trends to life, including:

·  Swicy Protein Puffs – combining high-protein nutrition with the growing demand for bold sweet-and-spicy flavor experiences.

·  High Protein Pork & Plant Dumplings – showcasing hybrid protein solutions that help balance nutrition, texture, and cost efficiency.

·  Protein & Fiber Café Cookie – demonstrating consumer demand for better-for-you snacks with added protein and fiber.

·  Functional Berry Mocktail – highlighting opportunities in functional beverages featuring prebiotic fiber, collagen peptides, and electrolytes.

·  Sugar Reduced Dark Chocolate – illustrating how manufacturers can reduce sugar while maintaining a rich sensory experience.

Together, these concepts demonstrate how ingredient innovation can help manufacturers improve taste, texture, and functionality while meeting evolving consumer expectations.

"Food and beverage innovation today requires more than access to great ingredients," said Andrea Carlson, President Human Nutrition North America at Barentz. "Brands need solutions that balance consumer expectations, technical performance, and commercial realities. At IFT FIRST, we're showing how Barentz helps customers turn trends into commercially viable products through ingredient expertise, formulation support, and strong supplier partnerships."

Throughout the event, the Barentz team will be available to discuss formulation challenges, emerging market opportunities, and ingredient solutions that help accelerate innovation from concept to commercialization. Visitors are invited to meet the team at Booth #1310 to explore ingredient solutions, sample innovative concepts, and discover how Barentz helps food and beverage customers bring consumer trends to life.