IFT FIRST Presentation Highlight

Where Taste Meets Science: Unlocking Better Snacking Experiences

Discover how taste, nutrition and formulation expertise come together in better-for-you snacking.

At IFT FIRST 2026 in Chicago, GELITA experts Ginger Waller, Manager – Technical Services, Food & Beverage NA, and Angie Rimel, Marketing Communications Manager NA, explored how nutrition, indulgence and manufacturability can come together in next-generation snacks.

Watch the recorded presentation to discover more.

Evolving Snacking Needs

Protein is becoming an increasingly established part of everyday health routines, while taste, flavor and texture remain critical selection criteria for consumers.

The presentation explores how bars and gummies can translate evolving health trends into convenient, appealing formats while addressing the formulation challenges of higher-protein and reduced-sugar concepts.

Ingredient Solutions for Better-for-You Concepts

The presentation also introduces SOLUFORM® and OPTIBAR® as ingredient solutions for protein-rich confectionery, reduced-sugar confectionery and protein bar applications.

By connecting evolving market needs with practical formulation approaches, GELITA demonstrates how nutrition, indulgence and feasibility can come together to support scalable product concepts.

The key takeaway: Nutrition + indulgence + feasibility → scalable success.

Recorded at IFT FIRST in Chicago on June 9, 2026.

Explore the Ingredient Solutions Behind the Concepts

OPTIBAR® and SOLUFORM® bring nutrition, indulgence and feasibility together.

OPTIBAR®

Taste and Texture Without Compromise

In a rapidly evolving snack market, bars have become essential for consumers seeking nourishment on the go. OPTIBAR® offers innovative solutions to meet diverse needs, ensuring your products stand out with exceptional quality and performance.

SOLUFORM®

Optimize Your Confectionery

SOLUFORM® PE gelatin is designed to enable manufacturers to effortlessly develop confections with added nutritional value. By substituting conventional gelatin with SOLUFORM® PE, you can substantially increase the protein content of your products—without sacrificing texture, stability, or sensory appeal.