Food Science Face-off
AMES, Iowa (January 26, 2023) – Six student teams from Iowa State University’s Food Science and Human Nutrition Department came together on Monday, January 16, to compete in the 7th annual ‘One-Day Ingredient Challenge’, hosted by GPC.
The teams were tasked with preparing thirty samples of an appetizer or dessert – within a six-hour window. A full pantry of materials was provided; the only requirement involved incorporating two of the three following ingredients: FYBRIN® RS F100 Food Starch-Modified, CP100-S Steamed Chickpea Flour, and LOSO100 Low Fat Soy Flour.
GPC’s panel of judges awarded a nutritious Italian cracker by team Lipid Ladies with first place honors. Team Nutri Chicas was a close runner-up with their ‘Sweet Potato Cheese Tot’ concoction, and third place winners team Slay Soufflés created a delicious chocolate chai cream puff. Judges evaluated contestants on their products’ flavor, texture, and technique execution as well as overall creativity and presentation.
Not only did the extracurricular activity offer students with real-world product development experience and exposure to industrial ingredients, but the top three performing teams also received a generous monetary reward.
“GPC has a vested interest in collaborating with ISU to help develop the industry’s future innovators. The challenge is a great way to highlight emerging food scientists and potentially prospective talent for our organization,” said GPC’s Business Development Manager of Specialty Ingredients Kelly Belknap, “It was a great day working hands-on with students – we value the new, fresh ideas they generated.”
A cohort of GPC employees participated in the challenge and networked with ISU students.
“I participated in the challenge several years ago as a food science student at Iowa State,” said Application Scientist Georgia Ackley, who joined GPC in 2021. “Now, I really enjoy interacting with students during the event because I know it’s a fun way to learn about our products and gain experiences that can be applied to their future internships and careers.”
About Grain Processing Corporation
GPC's primary products include high purity alcohol, corn starches and maltodextrins. GPC sells to customers that use GPC ingredients for beverage alcohol, food products, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, personal care and industrial starch applications.
About KENT® Corporation
KENT is a diversified, privately-held corporation with operating subsidiaries involved in corn wet milling, the production of animal nutrition and the manufacture of high-quality food, beverage, pharmaceutical and pet products. KENT is led by third-generation family member Gage A. Kent. The KENT family of companies serves customers across the world and employs more than 2,000 people in 40 locations across 20 states and seven countries.