IFT light shines on whole foods.

Whole foods, complete nutrition, "lean" labels, clean labels ... these are just some of the buzzwords from the IFT 2007 Annual Meeting and Expo, which carried the tag FoodSmarts.

Few exhibitors missed the opportunity to play off the health and wellness theme of this year's

Perhaps more than in years past, companies agreed with nutritionists that consumers should be getting their nutrition from foods, rather than supplements. Still, the same ingredients that are found in supplement form were being hawked to food and beverage processors.

Antioxidants, omegas, fibers, fibers and more fibers were available to taste in forms from beans to bars. Many companies complemented the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid in showing how their products fit with healthy lifestyles.

There was a lot to like at this year's show, and some things weren't even necessarily "new." But natural, for example, including natural flavors, natural colors and natural extracts felt new in applications. Attendees were treated to products that upped the flavor of products while reducing sodium or boosting nutrition absorption. It wasn't necessarily rocket science--which isn't unheard of at IFT--but rather smart innovation. The ingredient companies get it, which means food companies will have a lot to choose from. IFT is where tomorrow's products come from, and frankly, I'm optimistic.

While we're still basking in the heat of August it's hard to imagine the colder, darker end of the calendar year. But here at SNPM we're gearing up for our version of end-of-year sunshine with Best Products of 2007, our December feature. Beginning next month, you can visit www.newproductsonline.com for information on how to register your product--online!--in this annual look at the best our industry has to offer. Qualifying products are those launched between November 2006 and October 2007.

Submit products that:

* deliver an overt benefit to consumers

* meet consumer expectations

* are dramatically different from other products

* have your mother's blessing (just kidding)

We want to hear from you!

JOAN HOLLERAN, EDITOR

jholleran@stagnito.com