F&B gets spotlight during SupplySide West’s ‘Ingredient Idol’

The setting feels familiar. Three expert judges situated on a stage in front of a crowd pay close attention to each finalist’s presentation. The finalists have exactly two minutes each to present their cases and impress the judges. The judges, of course, will ask questions, make comments, and maybe throw in a quip or two.

This is “Ingredient Idol,” and instead of singing as required in “American Idol,” these contestants must showcase the talents behind an emerging new ingredient. In its fourth year at the SupplySide West trade show and conference at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, the popular event has always focused on unique ingredients poised for supplements (see the 2024 finalists here). This year marks the first time food and beverage ingredients will get their own spotlight. The inaugural event occurs 12:15-1:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at Fi North America Theater, Booth 1250.

For the grand prize of a trophy — and bragging rights — the winners will be judged by the innovation, science and market potential of the ingredient. There will be two winners, one for food and another for beverages. The judges are Daniel Scharff, founder/CEO, Startup CPG; Nadia Kemal, partner, Topi Ventures; and Sam Kressler, principal, Stir Innovation. There will also be a People’s Choice winner. Emceeing Ingredient Idol will be Audarshia Townsend, content director, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal.

Related:Luji’s Chocolate founder shares brand inspiration, advice – video

Here are the finalists for Ingredient Idol: Food and beverage edition.

Food

Company: Bioenergy Life Science Inc.

Ingredient: RiaGev-WS 

RiaGev-WS isn’t just a NAD booster. With its innovative coating-free co-crystal technology, this versatile ingredient ditches the usual suspects — the sugars, starches and artificial colors — in favor of a clean, natural process that uses ascorbic acid as a carrier. RiaGev-WS boosts not one but three healthy aging biomarkers and promotes mitochondrial and cognitive health, and it’s fully water soluble, meaning it can be added to any beverage formulation. But the science itself is what sets RiaGev-WS apart. Clinically proven in two human studies, it’s been shown to ramp up NAD+ levels, enhance the master antioxidant glutathione, and slash cortisol and blood glucose levels, which translates to less fatigue and sharper mental focus. Good news at any age, but it’s not just about aging. RiaGev-WS is the perfect ingredient for anyone looking to sip their way to vitality and vigor. -SM 

Company: ICL Food Specialties

Ingredient: ROVITARIS Binding Solution (RBS)

This clean label binding solution based on RubisCO protein is a gamechanger for plant-based meat and seafood products. Opposed to chemically modified additives like methyl cellulose, ROVITARIS features a naturally occurring, protein-rich plant-based protein that is one of the most abundant proteins in the biosphere. The company’s Rubi Protein is unique in its ability to be solubilized and to gel, which cannot be achieved by other plant-based proteins like soy, pea and mung bean. Its sustainable qualities and ability to replace methyl cellulose as a binding agent lends tremendous market potential. -HC

Related:Expert panel explores functional food formulation at SupplySide West

Company: Sweet Additions

Ingredient: AvenaPro

Checking many key healthy halo and sustainability boxes, AvenaPro is one of the first oat protein products on the market. It caught our attention because of its pioneering enzymatic processing, which isolates and purifies protein from upcycled oat concentrate. What’s even more impressive is that this smooth operator is nutrient dense and neutral in flavor, making it ideal for a variety of applications, including baked goods, nutritional bars and confectionary. Its flexibility also makes it easier to blend with other proteins like pea or soy to create complete protein blends. As part of its sustainability platform, AvenaPro is certified organic, non-GMO and features a clean label. -AT

Related:Business Bites: Burger giant sues over beef with meat producers

Beverages

Company: foodguys

Ingredient: Titan Sweet

This alternative sweetener, created using a plant-based protein from the katemfe fruit (thaumatin), is a ready-made solution that can be used in better-for-you beverages. Developed in the U.S. with all GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredients, it doesn’t contain any sugars or sugar alcohols, making it very innovative. It’s one of the nine alt-sweeteners approved by the FDA, is backed by various scientific studies and is deemed safe in the EU, where ingredient standards are stricter than the U.S. There aren’t many competitors because of the costly R&D and formulation costs, which gives it a lot of market potential, along with the fact that it’s cheaper than table sugar and other sweetener options. It’s also heat stable and works in low pH environments, making it ideal for use in all types of beverages. This is a great option for beverage manufacturers that don’t want to use the current alt-sweeteners on the market like stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, allulose, etc. -HC

Company: PLT Health Solutions

Ingredient: Zynamite S

The newest iteration of PLT Health Solutions’ flagship ingredient, Zynamite S debuted in March 2024 as a water-soluble, beverage-friendly upgrade of the original formulation. It’s designed for use in applications like RTDs and shots where neutral taste, solubility, heat stability and transparency in solution are critical. According to PLT’s research, the new ingredient is three times more bioavailable than the original. Zynamite S is positioned to be used alone or in combination with caffeine and other ingredients to provide mental energy and focus. It may also be used in support of physical energy, improved athletic performance and faster recovery. It aims to tap into the trend for hybrid beverages that blur the lines between energy and sports drinks. -AT

Company: PURIS  

Ingredient: PURIS HiLo 

Looking to ditch the trade-offs between proper nutrition and hydration? Say hello to PURIS HiLo, the first pea protein that doesn’t flinch at acidity. Traditionally, plant-based proteins waved a white flag in acidic environments, getting clumpy and bitter — until now. Designed for foods and beverages with a pH of 4.5 or lower, this innovative ingredient lets athletes chug a sports drink that also happens to be packed with protein. But PURIS HiLo isn’t just for competitors in their prime; it’s a smooth operator too, blending into juices, fruit-based snacks and pasta sauces without any degradation of taste or texture. Its superior emulsifying properties also make it perfect for creamy dressings and condiments. PURIS HiLo is poised to create a whole new market for plant-based products that would have previously shied away from these types of proteins. -SM