MSU FSHN Product Development Team places 3rd at IFTSA MARS Product Development Competition

The Michigan State University Product Development Team places 3rd at IFTSA MARS Product Development Competition in Chicago

The MSU Product Development team rides an upward escalator while holding their product, Chik'n Cheese

The Michigan State University Product Development Team traveled to Chicago from July 16-July 19 to compete in the 33rd Annual IFTSA MARS Product Development Competition at the IFT First Annual Conference. 

The team submitted a preliminary proposal of their product in February along with many other university teams from across the world, and was chosen as one of the six finalist teams to compete, submit a final report, and give a presentation and product tasting for the panel of judges. At the end of the competition, the team and their product "Chik’n Cheese" placed 3rd overall. 

Chik’n Cheese is a protein and plant powered pasta marketed towards families with picky eaters as well as those looking for more protein in the diet. Whole grain noodles are smothered in a three-cheese sauce consisting of butternut squash, sweet potatoes, onions and carrots for a serving of vegetables. The product is topped with a plant based chicken alternative made of cannellini beans, vital wheat gluten and tofu. Overall, the product boasts 29 grams of protein is a good source of iron and calcium. 

The Product Development Team had a great year perfecting Chik’n Cheese and planning the marketing, processing, and economic aspects of the product. The MSU Product Development team has competed as a finalist in this competition every year for over a decade, and the team is excited to begin planning again next fall. Congratulations to the MSU FSHN Product Development Team! Go Green!

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