Clean Label Trends and Food Innovation: Insights from IFT FIRST Chicago 2025

Last month, the Solufruit team had the pleasure of attending IFT FIRST 2025 in Chicago, one of the world’s leading events dedicated to food innovation. This annual gathering brings together professionals from across the food and beverage industry to exchange ideas, discover innovative ingredients, and shape the future of our diets.

The Rise of Clean Label Solutions

One clear takeaway from this edition: the demand for clean label solutions is stronger than ever, especially in the US market. Today’s consumers are looking for products that are simpler, more natural, and transparent, without compromising on taste, texture, or visual appeal. Whether it’s reducing sugar content, enhancing texture, or improving shelf life, manufacturers are turning to fruit-based ingredients that are both functional and aligned with consumer expectations.

Differences in Taste Preferences

Discussions with players from various sectors – beverages, bakery, aromas, and distribution – also revealed a significant cultural difference: American consumers generally prefer sweeter flavor profiles than their European counterparts. This creates a growing opportunity for natural sweetening alternatives that strike the right balance between indulgence and nutritional balance.

Fruit-Based Solutions for Multiple Applications

Our fruit juice concentrates and dried fruit purées received excellent feedback for their ability to deliver natural sweetness, texture, and functional benefits to a wide range of applications. From beverages and baked goods to flavor systems and plant-based innovations, these solutions enable manufacturers to create delicious, healthy products that meet clean label requirements.

Shaping the Future of Food

Attending IFT FIRST is more than just showcasing products – it’s about capturing market insights, understanding emerging expectations, and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in the global food industry. At Solufruit, we are proud to contribute to the shift towards healthier, more natural, and more transparent food, while helping brands design innovative and differentiating products.

We warmly thank all the visitors and partners who came to meet us in Chicago, and we are already looking forward to the next edition to continue building the future of food together.