Kudos Blends recently attended The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual event at McCormick Place, Chicago. IFT Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology (First), centred on food technology, proved to be an ideal platform for showcasing Kudos Blends’ innovative leavening agents and baking powders. These products offer unique benefits such as shelf-life extension and colour enhancement, which can help reduce the need for ingredients like cocoa and preservatives, key concerns widely discussed at the show. However, one of the most compelling themes of the week was sodium reduction.
The FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods delivered a keynote address focused on sodium reduction efforts in the U.S. Since 2021, the FDA has promoted a voluntary initiative targeting a 12% sodium reduction across numerous food categories. Encouraging progress was reported, along with news that updated sodium reduction guidelines are in development and may be released later this year. Additional proposals included a voluntary “healthy food” labelling claim based on criteria such as sodium content.
Kudos Blends is well-positioned to support these initiatives. Its KODA™ potassium bicarbonate is a bakery-grade leavening agent designed to replace sodium bicarbonate in baked goods. Unlike standard potassium bicarbonate, KODA™ is free-flowing and moisture-repellent, effectively eliminating issues like clumping and spotting, previous barriers to sodium bicarbonate replacement in bakery applications. With sodium reduction top of mind for many food manufacturers, IFT First provided an important opportunity to engage with distribution partners and highlight KODA™’s value.
Collaboration was a key theme throughout the show, including work with new partners from Arm & Hammer’s Performance Products team. With Arm & Hammer now offering KODA™, IFT First served as a launchpad to introduce the product to their team and customers. Similar trends are emerging in Canada, where front-of-package labelling for high-sodium products is becoming mandatory. Kudos Blends met with its longstanding Canadian distribution partner, Quadra Group, to explore opportunities for growth and support in this market.
While KODA™ supports bakers in reducing sodium, Kudos Blends also offers ZEUS™, a phosphate-free baking powder that eliminates common sodium-based acidulants. When combined with KODA™, ZEUS™ can deliver a baking solution that is up to 100% sodium-free. In addition to helping manufacturers meet sodium reduction targets, ZEUS™ also addresses other pressing industry topics such as cocoa reduction, shelf-life extension, and aluminium-free leavening.
IFT First proved to be the perfect venue for Kudos Blends to strengthen its presence in the North American food industry. The latest trends and challenges discussed at the show aligned closely with the solutions the company provides. The team was excited to reconnect with longtime colleagues and forge new relationships, setting the stage for continued collaboration. Kudos Blends is already looking forward to participating in the upcoming IFT suppliers nights this fall, where they aim to keep supporting manufacturers in overcoming formulation challenges.
