Highlights from IFT FIRST 2025

At Pecan Deluxe Candy Company, we were thrilled to be right in the heart of the action at IFT FIRST 2025. This year, we showcased our endless array of toppings and inclusions through a refreshing and interactive concept: the Cloud Foam Lemonade. This twist on a dirty soda featured lemonade topped with Rubix Cloud Foam. Each drink began with a rotating popping boba flavor—Blue Raspberry, Wildberry, or Hibiscus—infusing every sip with a fruity burst. Guests then customized their creations with a curated selection of toppings, ranging from sweet and crunchy to salty and fizzy, turning each glass into a flavor adventure. More than a beverage, our Cloud Foam Lemonade was a true sensory experience.

Beyond our booth, IFT FIRST 2025 brought together more than 17,000 attendees to explore the future of food innovation. Clean-label reformulation took center stage, with suppliers highlighting natural preservatives, acidulants, and sweeteners that cater to growing consumer demand for transparency and health. As indulgence remains a priority, ingredient developers showcased solutions that maintain texture and flavor while trimming down ingredient lists and added sugar.

Emerging trends also reflected deeper shifts in how and what consumers are eating. With GLP-1 weight-loss drugs changing appetites and consumption patterns, brands are responding with portion-conscious, satiety-supporting ingredients like protein, fiber, and slow-digesting carbs. Meanwhile, cocoa alternatives gained momentum as a response to price volatility and climate-related challenges. And with AI-powered tools gaining traction across R&D and production, it’s clear the industry is moving faster than ever. From flavor to function, IFT FIRST made one thing clear: innovation isn’t optional, it’s the way forward.