Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition
The IFTSA Smart Snacks for Kids Competition 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.
Teams are empowered to use their imagination in the science and overall appeal in the creation of a novel product. A crucial component of a winning product is the team’s ability to relay the food or beverage’s “smart” qualities to both a technical and general audience.
Leveraging your “smarts,” channel your inner child and develop the ultimate kid-friendly product!
Preliminary applications close February 1, 2026.
Each of the finalist teams will receive reimbursement for travel and registration to IFT FIRST of up to $1,800. Winners will be announced at the IFTSA Closing Ceremony. Prize amounts are as follows:
- First Place: $3,000
- Second Place: $1,500
- Third Place: $500
- Teams submitting proposals should have two to five members and be enrolled at the same institution during the fall semester.
- All members of the team must be IFT student members.
- For complete details, consult the guidelines document for this competition.
- 1st Place: MOOD MONSTERS, McGill University
MOOD MONSTERS is a vegan, clean-label, allergen-free snack kit designed to help children ages 5-12 regulate their emotions through interactive and mindful snacking. The kit includes three chickpea-based components that encourage kids to CRUNCH their anger, MELT away sadness, and ZING past boredom.
- 2nd Place: FruitiMula, Rutgers University
FruitiMula is a nutrient-dense snack for children featuring a crispy popped amaranth shell and a soft fruit-forward center. The product combines a sugar-free chocolate-coated fruit filling with minimally processed whole fruit to create a fun and wholesome snacking experience.
- 3rd Place: ChaMango Dippers, Texas A&M University
ChaMango Dippers are a shelf-stable snack that lets children build their own sweet, tangy, and spicy mango bites. The product features freeze-dried mangoes paired with sweet chamoy and chili-lime seasoning for an interactive dipping experience.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the submission process, contact the Competition Chair, Marissa Rizzi (University of Massachusetts Amherst).