If there’s one thing the World Food Innovation Awards 2025 made clear, it’s that food brands are getting smarter, slicker, and a whole lot more interesting. From plant-based proteins that actually taste good to organic snacks that don’t just sit on a health store shelf collecting dust, this year’s winners and finalists signal a big shift in what’s landing on your plate.
Best Natural/Organic Product: Flaxseed Oil Steals the Show
The top spot in the natural and organic category went to Living Food International’s Germinated Flaxseed Oil because apparently, just squeezing a seed for oil wasn’t innovative enough. Germination gives it an extra nutritional kick, and if you’re serious about omega-3s without resorting to fish, this is the one to watch.
Angel Yeast’s AngeoPro Yeast Protein was a finalist (another plant-based protein that might sneak its way into more foods). But the real standout here? New Zealand’s Opito Bay Black Garlic Sea Salt, which bagged a Commended Award, because seasoning should be exciting too.
Source: World Food Innovation Awards 2025
Best Plant-Based Product: Meat Who?
It’s no secret that the plant-based aisle is evolving beyond sad tofu blocks, and this category proves it. ICL Food Specialties’ ROVITARIS SprouTx Textured Soy Proteins took the win, because texture matters when you’re trying to convince people to eat soy instead of steak.
Impossible Foods brought Corn Dogs into the mix (because why should meat-free eaters miss out on deep-fried nostalgia?), while Sky Barn’s Oat Milk + Adaptogens suggests oat milk is still going through its “how many extra benefits can we cram in?” phase. Meanwhile, Steakholder Foods is out here making actual Salmon Patties and White Fish Fillets, without the fish.
Source: World Food Innovation Awards 2025
Best Artisan Product: New Zealand’s Opito Bay Salt Shines Again
Irish Black Butter took the top prize, proving slow-cooked apple, spices, and Irish whiskey is a winning combination. But for those who appreciate the finer things in seasoning, Opito Bay Salt Company’s Rare Dry Gin Sea Salt made the finalist list, while their Natural Coromandel Sea Salt also grabbed a Commended Award.
Source: World Food Innovation Awards 2025
Best Drink Innovation: Kombucha, Cortisol, and… Oat Milk Again?
Nanyang Polytechnic’s Trio Elixirs took the win, proving that functional drinks are still having a moment. Net Zero Foods threw in an Organic Honey Cola Kombucha, because fizzy probiotic drinks are the new soda. Sky Barn’s Oat Milk made yet another appearance (clearly they’re serious about hydration). And if your stress levels are through the roof, PH’s Ka-Ex Cortisol-Stress Reducer wants to be your new go-to fix.
Best Snack Product: Vegan Seaweed Popcorn? Yes, Please.
This one went to PopCornaa’s Vegan Seaweed, Wasabi, and Soy Gourmet Popcorn, proving once again that plant-based snacks don’t have to be boring. Spicy, savoury, and packed with umami, it’s a serious upgrade from your average buttered popcorn.
Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative: Food Waste Gets a Makeover
The Bread and Butter Thing and Riviera scooped up this award for their work in cutting emissions and waste, aka turning surplus food into real meals for people who actually need them. Jack & Annie’s got a nod for making jackfruit a sustainability poster child, and Tate & Lyle is trying to convince the world that Stevia can be sustainable.
This year’s awards were a clear signal food innovation isn’t slowing down. Whether it’s better plant-based proteins, smarter snacks, or drinks packed with actual functional benefits, brands are paying attention to what consumers want and it’s way more than just another boring protein bar.
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