Couldn’t catch everything on Tuesday? Watch our recap for highlights from the second day of IFT FIRST, including keynote moments, scientific sessions, innovation across the Expo Hall, and more.
Visit Booth 1838 to explore GLP-1 insights, soy protein innovation, and soybean oil application—plus connect with experts and suppliers to solve your toughest formulation and performance challenges.
“The best innovation happens when you have R&D and communications paired together to tell that story.”
— Laura Chalela Hoover, executive vice president, food and beverage, Edelman U.S.
During Tuesday’s Keynote session on communicating food science in a skeptical world, panelists shared practical strategies for connecting with today’s consumers. Speakers emphasized that building trust starts long before a product reaches the shelf by bringing R&D and communications together early in the innovation process.
Artificial intelligence, ingredient oversight, and stronger food safety systems are among the priorities shaping the FDA’s Human Foods Program. During a featured conversation with IFT’s Anna Rosales, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food Donald Prater discussed how the agency is balancing rapid innovation with the scientific rigor needed to protect the U.S. food supply.
Consumers may be eating less, but they expect more from every bite. During a Tuesday session, experts explored how GLP-1 medications are driving innovation in portion size, protein, fiber, and nutrient-dense formulations designed to meet changing consumer needs.
“Walking the aisles as a group allows us to swap information in real time, which you don’t get on a virtual call.”
— Beth Kimmerle, founder and CEO of startup exhibitor Attribute Analytics
Congratulations to the 2026 IFTSA Student Competition Winners
The future of food science was on full display Tuesday evening as the IFT Student Association (IFTSA) recognized the winners of its annual competitions during the Student Closing Ceremony. Congratulations to this year's outstanding teams and researchers:
IFTSA & Mars Product Development Competition: GoKara, Cornell University
Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Product Development Competition: GetReady, University of Manitoba
Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition: MOOD MONSTERS, McGill University
College Bowl: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Midwest Region)
Undergraduate Research Competition: Nora Alhulaimi, University of Alberta
Graduate Research Video Competition: Sheetal Jha, Louisiana State University
American Egg Board Eggcelerator Lab® Product Development Competition: Ovivive, Texas A&M University
As IFT FIRST concludes today, thank you for following our special Food News Now coverage throughout the week.
The event may be ending, but our coverage continues. Join us tomorrow as the Food Technology editorial team shares its favorite moments from IFT FIRST—from standout sessions and emerging trends to memorable innovations across the Expo Hall. Then on Friday, we’ll wrap up the week with a special Voices From IFT FIRST edition featuring reflections from attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and other members of the food science community.
