Balchem highlights on-trend Better-For-You concepts and smart formulation insights at IFT FIRST 2026

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 customizable 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 flavors 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 customizable 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 optimize mouthfeel and flavor, 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" (July 13, 1:00PM), 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" (July 14, 1:30PM) turns the focus to how systems-based formulation can reduce development complexity while delivering consistent sensory performance.