(6/30/08) The U of M Product Development Team won 3rd place at the National Product Development Competition held in New Orleans, LA. The contest, held during the National Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual meeting, is a highlight for the IFT Student Association.

Students teams use their skills and knowledge to develop a new food idea, then take it through to the marketing and production stages.

The U of M team's product is called "PB&J Ediballs," and the snack is a fun new twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. PB&J Ediballs consist of small (about 2" in diameter) whole-wheat pitas and come with tiny beads that taste just like peanut butter and jelly. They're intended to be a fun and interactive snack for kids ages 6-11 to enjoy.

The team co-captains are Catherine Lee and Laura Folts, both FScN graduate students (Laura graduated in May 2008). The team includes 10 other FScN students. Dr. Ted Labuza is the team adviser.

Above: U of M Product Development Team (3rd Place Winners in the IFT Product Development Competition). Left (front to back): Savitha Krishnan, Jackie Koch, Laura Meyer, Catrin Tyl, Laura Folts. Right (front to back): Sarah Reiner, Amy Tran, Ashley Bents, Brian Folger.

Above: U of M Food Science Club Participants (IFTSA Product Development Competition). Back row (L-R): Corinne Otte, Amy Tran, Stelios Viazis, Jackie Koch, Ashley Bents, Brian Folger, Catrin Tyl. Front (L-R): Laura Meyer, Savitha Krishnan, Mary Orsted, Sarah Reiner, Catherine Lee, Andrea Krause.