Student Food Scientists Create the Healthy Snacks of Tomorrow, To Compete for Grand Prize at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo

CHICAGO – June 23, 2026 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), is proud to announce the finalists for the IFTSA Smart Snacks for Kids Competition, which challenges students to develop a fun and nutritious food or beverage product targeted at kids and/or teens. Products must abide by the USDA “Guide to Smart Snacks in School” recommendations, which promote whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting sugar, fat, and salt.

Last year’s winner was IAmFan, a pineapple-fried rice-inspired snack from Cornell University. In 2024, McGill University won for Magic Mud Pot, a health-conscious chocolate black bean pudding with vegetable-shaped gummies and chocolate quinoa crumble.

The five finalists will compete for a grand prize of $3,000 at the upcoming IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, the leading food science and innovation expo being held July 12-15 in Chicago.

“Creating the ultimate kid-friendly food or beverage product requires a healthy balance of scientific ingenuity and commercial appeal, and this year’s finalists exemplify the type of product development innovation that is helping drive a historic shift toward healthier foods across our food system,” said Christina Ginardi, IFT Director of Academic Engagement.

Here are this year’s finalists:

McGill University: MOOD MONSTERS

MOOD MONSTERS is a vegan, clean-label, and allergen-free snack kit comprised of three chickpea-based components, designed to help children aged 5-12 regulate their emotions through interactive and mindful snacking.

• Daphne Bernardo (Captain)
• Asha King
• Yousif Hujaij
• Dorothea Han

Rutgers University: FruitiMula

FruitiMula is a nutrient-dense indulgent snack designed for children, combining a satisfying crunchy shell with a soft, fruit-forward center. Each bite features a light, crispy popped amaranth shell with a sugar-free chocolate-coated fruit filling, made with minimally processed whole fruit.

• Soujanya Prabhakaran (Captain)
• Cheng (Charley) Wang
• Daniel Neuner
• Alexa Mailman

Texas A&M University: ChaMango Dippers

ChaMango Dippers are a shelf-stable, three-component fruit dipping snack that allows kids to build their own sweet-tangy-spicy mango bites. Children can dip crispy freeze-dried mangoes into sweet chamoy and bold chili lime seasoning, turning fruit into an interactive and customizable dip and crunch experience.

• Elizabeth Culpepper (Captain)
• Abigail Horner
• Miyoko Faulkner
• Amani Chunawala

The Pennsylvania State University: Yam Bam

Yam Bam is a bite-sized, heat-to-eat snack designed for children and parents who want a tasty and nutritious option, packed with veggies and a good source of fiber. Each sweet potato bite features a puffed quinoa exterior and a sweet strawberry jam filling – made with simple, allergen and gluten-free ingredients including chickpeas, quinoa, maple syrup, and brown sugar.

• Izzy Secunda (Captain)
• Andrew Lin
• Anna Wetherhold
• Cameren Hurrell

University of Massachusetts Amherst: WonderWhirl Cereal!

WonderWhirl Cereal is a single-serve, ready-to-eat cereal fortified with apple pomace flour, featuring a warm spiced apple and honey flavor profile. It is designed to engage and educate kids about space science featuring a galaxy-like color-changing milk effect that occurs when the cereal is added to milk.

• Divine Eche (Captain)
• Aminata Toure
• Mai Le

About IFTSA

IFTSA is a student-governed community of more than 2,300 IFT members spanning 65 Chapters. IFTSA’s vision of a global community of inspired and informed students who are prepared for a future in food drives its mission to enrich the academic experience and empower students to thrive individually and together. To prepare the future and celebrate the community, IFTSA provides opportunities beyond the classroom and lab, grows student networks to facilitate meaningful and lasting connections, as well as includes and promotes diverse perspectives and backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging.

IFTSA members receive special student pricing to IFT FIRST and have access to an extensive library of exclusive content and resources, as well as a series of virtual and in-person networking opportunities. Learn more about joining this growing community at Student Membership.

About IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo is one of the most influential food technology events in the world as it unites instrumental leaders across the global food system to help shape the future of food. Each year, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) convenes prominent food, health, and nutrition professionals across industry, academia, and government to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST features a dynamic expo hall that connects many of the top global food and wellness companies with buyers and those with purchasing influence, while also offering cutting-edge scientific programming that explores the hottest topics across the science of food. IFT FIRST also offers valuable networking opportunities, unique food competitions, and engaging interactive experiences to connect, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to transform the global food system. For more information, go to ift.org/ift-first-event.  

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.