Batory Foods, a national distributor of food ingredients, highlighted its portfolio of ingredient and sweetener solutions at IFT First. Focusing on the beverage industry. Batory displayed its natural sweeteners and specialty ingredients, while also demonstrating its advanced custom blending capabilities.

At the company’s “Batory Boba Bar,” R&D professionals explored the latest trends of boba tea. Also known as bubble tea, the beverage has enjoyed a surge in popularity, especially among younger demographics, driven by unique flavor profiles and the playful experience of chewing tapioca pearls.

Through the company’s network of sweetener partnerships, Batory has reimagined the beverage, which is traditionally known for its high sugar content. Batory debuted sugar-free boba tea prototypes in creative flavors utilizing the sugar alternatives, stevia and sucralose.

In addition, Batory’s sweetener specialists addressed the complexities of formulating with sugar alternatives while maintaining the same level of sweetness, texture, and mouthfeel.

“Our sugar-free boba tea prototypes are a perfect example of how we are meeting the growing consumer demand for healthier beverage options without compromising on taste or experience,” said Jessica Zielinski, vice president and general manager of Batory Sweetener Solutions.